Ingredients for Flavorful Jicama Fries and Smart Substitutions

Crafting the perfect batch of crispy jicama fries requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some easy substitutions to suit your pantry and taste preferences:

• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds a lovely richness and helps achieve that golden crisp exterior. However, feel free to use any neutral-flavored oil you have on hand, such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil. The key is to ensure the oil can withstand the high cooking temperatures needed for crispiness.
• Jicama: The star of our recipe! Jicama is essential here as it’s specifically chosen for its unique texture and low-carb profile, making it an excellent potato substitute. When selecting jicama, look for firm, smooth roots that feel heavy for their size, without any soft spots or blemishes.
• Paprika: This versatile spice adds a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor. If you’re out of paprika, a pinch more chili powder can work, or you can even try smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chili Powder: Bringing a gentle warmth and earthy depth, chili powder is a key seasoning. If you don’t have it, you can create a similar flavor profile by blending a small amount of cayenne pepper (for heat), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cumin. Adjust the proportions to your liking.
• Garlic Powder: A fundamental flavor enhancer. Garlic powder adds a savory aroma that makes these fries irresistible. Onion powder makes for a fantastic alternative or a complementary addition if you want to deepen the aromatic notes.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Always add salt to taste, but don’t be shy! A good amount of salt is crucial for delicious fries. You can use fine sea salt or kosher salt.
• Optional Additions: Consider a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, black pepper for a classic touch, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.

How to Make Amazingly Crispy Jicama Fries

Achieving that perfect crispiness is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for delicious, perfectly cooked jicama fries:

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready. This helps streamline the cooking process. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you plan to bake, or your air fryer for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Peel the Jicama Properly

Jicama has a tough outer skin that needs to be removed. Use a sturdy potato peeler to carefully peel away the brown, papery skin until the white, crisp flesh is exposed. Make sure to remove all fibrous parts for the best texture.

Step 3: Cut Jicama into Fry Shapes and Par-cook

Once peeled, place the jicama on a cutting board and slice it into uniform 1/2-inch thick pieces, resembling classic French fries. Consistency in size is key for even cooking. Next, transfer the cut jicama into a large microwave-safe bowl and cover it with water. Microwave for 10 minutes. This crucial par-cooking step softens the jicama slightly and helps remove excess starch, which is vital for achieving that desirable crisp exterior when cooked. After microwaving, carefully drain the hot water, rinse the jicama well under cold water, and then thoroughly dry the fries with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is essential for crispiness!

Step 4: Toss with Oil and Spices

In a large bowl, combine the thoroughly dried jicama fries with olive oil (or your chosen oil) and all the seasonings: paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Toss vigorously until every jicama piece is evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; a good coating ensures maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer or Oven until Golden and Crispy

For Air Fryer: Arrange the seasoned jicama fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can steam the fries instead of crisping them. You may need to cook in 2-3 batches depending on your air fryer size. Air fry at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and continue to air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy to your liking. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes to prevent burning.

For Oven: Spread the seasoned jicama fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between each fry for air to circulate, promoting even crisping. Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 40-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Continue baking until they are deeply golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

Once your jicama fries are cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – remove them from the air fryer or oven. Transfer them to a serving dish, and if desired, add an extra sprinkle of salt or your favorite fresh herbs. Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce and savor every delicious, low-carb bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Jicama Fries

What is jicama and where can you find it?

Jicama (pronounced HEE-kah-mah) is a fascinating root vegetable that belongs to the legume and taproot family. It’s often referred to as a Mexican turnip or Mexican potato due to its appearance and starchy texture. It has a round, bulbous shape with thin, brown skin and a crisp, white, juicy flesh inside. You can typically find jicama in the international produce section of most large grocery stores, often alongside other root vegetables like turnips, celery root, and parsnips. When choosing jicama, look for a firm, unblemished root that feels heavy for its size.

Does jicama taste like potatoes when made into fries?

Jicama has a very mild and slightly sweet, nutty flavor, which makes it an excellent, versatile substitute for potatoes, especially when you’re craving fries. While it doesn’t taste exactly like a potato, its subtle flavor profile allows it to take on the seasonings beautifully. The texture is where it truly shines as a potato alternative; it offers a satisfying starchy crunch similar to traditional fries, but with a lighter, more refreshing bite. This unique combination makes jicama fries a delightful and much healthier alternative to high-carb potato or sweet potato fries.

Can you use different seasonings for jicama fries?

Absolutely! One of the best things about jicama fries is their incredible versatility with seasonings. The mild flavor of jicama acts as a perfect canvas for a wide range of spices and herbs. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to create various flavor profiles. Beyond the paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder in this recipe, consider trying cumin, onion powder, a pinch of cayenne for heat, Italian seasoning, Cajun spice blends, or even a simple mix of salt and pepper with fresh rosemary or thyme. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor your jicama fries to any meal or mood!

How do you make jicama fries truly crispy?

The secret to super crispy jicama fries lies in a few key steps. First, par-cooking the jicama in water (as instructed in step 3) is crucial. This helps to soften the interior and remove some of its natural starch, which can inhibit crisping. After par-cooking, ensure you thoroughly drain and rinse the jicama, then dry it completely with a clean towel. Any residual moisture will lead to soggy fries. Secondly, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket or baking sheet. Cook the fries in a single layer, in batches if necessary, to allow hot air to circulate evenly around each piece. Lastly, higher temperatures (like 425°F/220°C) are best for achieving that golden-brown, satisfying crunch.

Are jicama fries keto-friendly?

Yes, these jicama fries are wonderfully keto-friendly and a fantastic choice for those following a low-carb diet. Jicama contains significantly fewer net carbohydrates compared to other starchy vegetables commonly used for fries, such as potatoes or even sweet potatoes. While it does contain some carbs and natural sugars, a large portion of its carbohydrate content comes from dietary fiber, which isn’t absorbed by the body. This makes jicama an excellent ingredient for creating satisfying, crispy “fries” that align with low-carb and ketogenic dietary principles.

Storing and Reheating Jicama Fries

To enjoy your delicious jicama fries later, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When it comes to reheating, avoid the microwave at all costs! Microwaving will turn your beautifully crispy fries into a soggy mess. The best way to bring back their glorious crunch is to reheat them in your air fryer or oven. Simply spread them in a single layer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain their desirable crisp texture. This ensures they taste just as good as when they were freshly made.

Freezing This Jicama Fries Recipe for Later

Yes, you can absolutely freeze jicama fries for convenient meal prep! For the best results, I highly recommend freezing them raw before cooking. Here’s how:

1. After you’ve peeled, cut, par-cooked, rinsed, and thoroughly dried the jicama (up to the point of tossing with oil and spices, or even before if you prefer to season later), spread the individual jicama fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the jicama pieces are completely frozen solid. This “flash-freezing” prevents them from sticking together.
3. Once frozen, transfer the jicama fries to a heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. When you’re ready to make your air fryer jicama fries or oven-baked jicama fries, there’s no need to thaw them! Simply toss the frozen fries with oil and your desired spices (if you didn’t season them before freezing), then add them directly to your preheated air fryer or oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time compared to fresh jicama, but they’ll still turn out wonderfully crispy and delicious. This method is perfect for having a healthy, low-carb snack ready whenever a craving strikes!

Essential Meal Prep Tools for Jicama Fries & Beyond

Having the right kitchen tools can make preparing these jicama fries, and other healthy meals, a breeze. Here are a couple of my highly recommended items:

• I personally own and absolutely love the Philips Digital Airfryer XXL. It’s fantastic for achieving consistent crispiness and makes cooking these jicama fries (and so much more!) incredibly easy and efficient.
• For storing any leftover jicama fries or other meal prepped dishes, these durable glass meal prep bowls are a game-changer. They’re perfect for keeping your food fresh and are freezer, oven, and microwave safe, making reheating a snap (just not for these fries in the microwave!).