Low Carb Crispy Jicama French Fries
March 30, 2018
Introduction
As soon as I started my keto diet, I had to say goodbye to many of my favorite snacks. But the hardest to let go of was certainly French fries!
I was determined to find satisfying alternatives, and that’s when I discovered jicama – an intriguing root vegetable that is sweet, juicy, and nutty.
After a little bit of kitchen magic, I turned this hidden gem into a waistline-friendly french fries recipe.
Our Crispy Jicama French Fries recipe is packed with nutrients. They are also low in carbs and high in fiber, perfect for those on a keto lifestyle.Trust me, once you try these low-carb Jicama fries, they’ll become your go-to snack when those inevitable potato fries cravings hit.
Now, let’s dive in and make Jicama fries!
Reviews
55 minutes
Ingredients
| 1 Medium Jicama | |
| 1 tbs salt | |
| 2 tsp Black Pepper | |
| 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper | |
| 2 tsp Paprika | |
| 4 tbs Olive Oil |
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Peel and Cut the jicama.
Boil the cut jicama.
Coat the fries
Arrange jicama fries on a baking sheet.
Bake at 425 for 30 minutes.
Notes
Prepping Jicama: Tools You Need
- Creating our Jicama low-carb French Fries is easy with the right tools. Here's the lineup of essentials that'll make the process smooth:
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is a must to cut our jicama into even, fry-shaped pieces precisely. Remember, uniform cuts lead to even cooking, so make sure your knife is up to the task.
- Vegetable Peeler: A sturdy vegetable peeler is what you'll need to peel the jicama easily. This tool will help remove the tough outer skin of the jicama without wasting too much of the precious flesh inside.
- Large Bowl: A large bowl comes in handy when it's time to toss the jicama fries in oil and seasonings without making a mess.
- Oven or Air Fryer: The choice is yours! Delicious results can be achieved with both. An oven is traditional, but if you make Jicama fries in the air fryer, you will achieve an extra crunch factor.
- Baking Sheet and Aluminum Foil: If you will use an oven, a large baking sheet provides enough space for the fries to spread and bake evenly. Remember, no overlapping if you want the crispiest results!
Keto Flavor Burst: Seasoning Your Jicama French Fries
While jicama itself has a mild, slightly sweet taste, when we add our blend of spices, these fries shine.
My go-to mix for the Jicama fries recipe includes salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. These simple spices create a symphony of taste, turning the humble crispy baked jicama fries into a crave-worthy snack.
Feel free to experiment with other seasonings as well. Some keto-friendly options I've enjoyed include Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or even Turmeric.
Keep your seasoning mixture balanced. You want every seasoned fries to be delicious baked, not an overpowering flavor bomb.
Other Misc Notes
Alright, now that we've walked through the basic steps and ingredients for making our keto-friendly Jicama French Fries, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here is some recipe notes that I've found super helpful when making these delicious baked Jicama fries:
- Choosing Your Jicama: A medium jicama is usually the right size for a serving. Look for a jicama that's firm with smooth skin. Avoid those with wet spots or bruising.
- Boiling Time: Boiling the jicama fries before baking is important. Make sure not to skip this step as it softens the Jicama, making them easy to crisp in the oven.
- Seasoning Balance: I love the blend of salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. It brings a balanced heat that doesn't overpower the fries. Keep your seasoning balanced so as not to overpower the taste of Jicama.
- Coating the Fries: Fully coat in olive oil and season each Jicama fries. This is the secret to achieving that desired crispy exterior. However, if you worry about the olive oil's low smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead.
- Spacing on the Baking Sheet: One thing I can't stress enough is not to crowd your baking sheet. Give your fries plenty of space to get baked. Overcrowding results in soggy fries. And we don't want that, right?
- Flipping the Fries: Halfway through baking, you'll need to flip the fries to ensure they crisp up evenly. Yes, it's a bit tedious, but it's worth the effort.
- Taste and Adjust: Give them a taste once the fries are out of the oven. Need a little more salt? Go for it. Remember, this is your delicious creation.
These personal touches and tips can take your baked jicama fries from good to 'oh-my-gosh-I-need-another-batch-right-now' level.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Your Jicama Fries for Keto Meals
- While Jicama fries are already perfect on their own, they are also a perfect companion for a keto chicken slider a nicely prepared steak. They can also bring a touch of comfort to a hearty salad.
- Consider a keto-friendly sauce like a homemade garlic aioli or a spicy mustard for dipping.
- Also, Jicama goes really well with acidic fruits and juices. You can squeeze some fresh lime over the top of the fries for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jicama is a root vegetable also known as the Mexican yam or Mexican turnip. On the outside, jicama looks similar to a potato and has the shape of an onion. But the taste is a mix between a potato and an apple. It has a mild flavor, a slightly sweet taste, and a crunchy texture.
Unlike other root vegetables, jicama’s flesh can be eaten raw, offering a refreshing crunch to salads or cooked for a comforting soup.
Since jicama fries are naturally sweet, make sure to add enough salt and other seasonings to them when making keto jicama fries.
Tip: Pick a jicama that is firm and has smooth skin for your keto French fries. If you want a sweeter jicama, get a smaller one.
Yes. For the Jicama fries recipe, you need to boil them first for 15 minutes to soften the inside. The outside will get crispy in the oven. If you bake them without boiling them first, they will stay kind of raw on inside which is not the texture you want if you are trying to get a fry.
You can refrigerate whole and unpeeled Jicama for up to two weeks.
If you find yourself with leftovers (though I rarely do!), you can store your jicama fries in an airtight container in the fridge.
If you store them in a meal prep container, Jicama fries should last in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat.
The taste of Jicama fries stays the same even if you don’t eat them immediately, which is different from French fries.
The taste of Jicama is similar to that of a cross between an apple, a potato, a water chestnut, and a pear.
At room temperature, approximately a week of storage is possible for the whole Jicama. In the fridge, it will keep for up to two weeks. Keep it airtight once you’ve cut it. Unlike apples or avocados, Jicama will not discolor when cut and exposed to air. Preparing them in advance is therefore possible.
Depends on what you are optimizing for. Jicama is much healthier than potatoes in that it contains fewer carbohydrates.
If you’re unfamiliar with or this vegetable you’ll be impressed by how packed this root vegetable is with nutrients.
1. Rich in nutrients.
Carbohydrates make up the majority of its calories. Protein and fat make up the rest. Jicama also contains many essential vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6.
2.. Contains high levels of antioxidants.
Jicama contains antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help prevent cell damage. Foods high in antioxidants help lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
3. Helps keep your heart healthy.
Jicama contains significant dietary fiber, which helps lower your cholesterol levels.
4. Promotes digestion.
Jicama is 85% water and is rich in fiber that helps improve digestion.
5. Good for Gut Health.
Jicama is high in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps improve gut health.
Make sure you keep your mock french fries crispy by storing them in special containers, such as tin foil, or reheating them before serving.
Wrap -Up
Adopting a keto lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up on French fries. Jicama is a keto superfood, packed with nutrients while remaining low in carbs.A regular serving of jicama provides you with a good amount of Vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals, making it a great addition to your keto meal plan.
I really had fun transforming this root vegetable and baked to crispy perfection. It’s a crispy, flavorful sensation that transported me right back to those traditional french fries I used to savor, but with a delightful, slightly sweet twist.
If you’re a lover of french fries like me, then try our keto-friendly Jicama Fries. Trust me. Aside from being healthy and easy to make. Have you already tried them? If you have, we’re all ears! Comment them down below.
Got a snapshot of your deliciously crispy jicama fries? We’d love to see it! Share it on Instagram with the hashtag #buttertogetherkitchen, and we’ll proudly feature your creation on our page.
Until our next kitchen adventure, happy cooking!
