Name: Jicama Fries (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces jicama (peeled and cut into matchstick size); 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Pinch of cayenne pepper; lime

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Air Fryer Jicama fries are delicious, crispy, slightly sweet, well-seasoned, and a perfect substitute for potato fries. These are vegan, low in calories, gluten-free, and an ideal way to combat untimely hunger.

Whether it is kids or adults, everyone loves fries. It is that one food that brings an instant smile to everyone’s face and shines in their eyes. You can eat several types of fries. For instance, our most popular are the French fries made from Potatoes, Tofu Fries, and even Yellow Yam Fries.

There are different types of vegetables used for fries, among these is a unique one, the jicama. You might not have heard of this vegetable, but it is gaining popularity these days. That’s because it is not just flavorsome but has several health benefits.

The world is full of nature’s gifts. And even though we claim to know hundreds of different types of vegetables, there are still so many things and flavors that are new to us. Jicama is one such ingredient. So, if you are interested in finding more about this mystery vegetable, read ahead for every detail.

What Is Jicama?

For most of us, the name “Jicama” will be new. However, if you are aware of the Mexican lands or their cuisine, you might have come across the Mexican turnip or Mexican yam bean. These are a few local names for jicama.

In simple words, a Jicama is a native Mexican vine that is actually a tuberous root. It resembles a turnip or, in some cases, a yam. Some people also refer to these as Mexican potatoes. That’s because they resemble a potato as well. They have similar brown color skin, which is quite tough. Inside, the vegetable is white in color.

Believe it or not, this vegetable has been around since 3000 B.C. its earliest source was linked to Peru. However, it is indigenous to the Mexican lands. However, it wasn’t until the 17^th century that this vegetable made its way to Asia.

Health Benefits Of Jicama

Jicama is jam-packed with health benefits. This root vegetable is also known as super-food. That’s because it is nutrient-dense. Here are a few health benefits of this amazing vegetable:

First of all, jicama is unbelievably low in calories. One cup contains just 49 calories. O, if it a perfect ingredient for those who like to follow a low-calorie diet. Furthermore, because of low calories, it also aids in weight loss and weight management.
Jicama is rich in antioxidants. The most prominent being vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium. Antioxidants are responsible for getting rid of the harmful free radicals in the body. These antioxidants help protect the body against chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, Alzheimer’s, etc.
It is also rich in dietary fiber. This plays an important role in reducing the bad cholesterol level in the blood. Furthermore, it also contains potassium which lowers blood pressure. As a result, it protects the heart against several diseases like stroke.
Because it is high in dietary fiber, it also helps in maintaining the digestive system of your body. It also eases constipation and regulates bowel movement.
It also contains probiotics which help the good bacteria in the gut and provide food for it.

Where To Find Jicama?

Well, if you are in Mexico or Peru, you can easily find it locally. Since it is a native vegetable in Mexico, you can find several vendors selling the whole vegetable. Or it is in different edible versions. One of the most common ways you see Jicama in Mexico is in diced form. It is topped with freshly squeezed lime and is a perfect snack.

However, if you are in States or anywhere else in the world, you might have to look a little deep for this edible root vegetable. The most probable place in the international/Latin fruit and vegetable aisle. This root vegetable is available round the clock.

When buying jicama, make sure you pay attention to it. It should be dry and firm. The skin must not be blemished or bruised. It should be hard to touch.

What Does Jicama Taste Like?

From what I have heard and tried, the flavor of jicama is unique. It is a starchy root vegetable. However, the taste is said to resemble a starchy potato, with a bit of sweetness. In fact, it would be fair to say that the flavor is like an apple, pear, and water chestnut.

Can You Make Jicama Fries In An Air Fryer?

There are so many ways you can cook jicama. You can boil them, sauté them, steam them, fry them or even eat them raw. Because of their many benefits, you should incorporate them into your diet, and the best way to enjoy them is by air frying them. That’s because air-fried jicama is the healthiest way to enjoy this root vegetable.

Ingredient Breakdown

Jicama: You can’t make jicama fries without jicama, can you? Make sure you buy fresh produce which is firm and dry. Wash the jicama thoroughly to get rid of dirt. Peel the tough skin and cut it like matchsticks. Make sure the thickness is about ¼ inch.
Olive oil: A little olive oil will ensure the fries are cooked to perfection and are crispy and crunchy. You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil as well.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder brings in a savory and garlicky flavor. It adds the depth of flavor you are looking for.
Paprika: You can use paprika or smoked paprika as well. It brings in the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Cayenne pepper: A little cayenne pepper brings in the heat we all love.
Seasoning: plain salt is enough.

How To Make Jicama Fries In An Air Fryer?

Making jicama fries in an air fryer is the easiest thing ever. All you have to do is follow these steps:

Step 1: Trim the edges and wash the jicama to get rid of the dirt. Peel the skin and cut the jicama like match sticks. Make sure the thickness is no less than ¼ inch.

Step 2: Place these in a bowl and add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Mix well using your hands until the spices coat every single piece.

Step 3: Place the pieces in an air fryer basket. Make sure they are not crowded and are in a single layer.

Step 4: Cook for about 15 minutes at 400-degree F. halfway into the cook, flip the fries for even cooking.

Step 5: Once they get a golden-brown color, squeeze with half of a lime and serve alongside your favorite dip.

Other Jicama Recipes To Make

Other Fries To Make

How To Store Air-Fried Jicama Fries?

In case you have leftover air-fried jicama, you can save them for later. Once they reach room temperature, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They are good to go for about five days. When reheating, place them in an air fryer basket and reheat for about 10 minutes at 350-degree F so that they get their crispiness back.

How To Freeze Jicama Fries?

The good news is that you can also freeze jicama fries so that whenever you feel hungry, you can simply take them out of the freezer, air fry them and enjoy. You can easily freeze jicama fries by following these steps:

First, you have to wash them, peel them, and cut them with matchsticks. Make sure they are about ¼ inch thick.
Next, you have to place these pieces in boiling water for about 5 minutes or until they are not crunchy anymore.
Next, drain them, and place them on a kitchen towel to get rid of the moisture.
Place these dried fries on a parchment-lined baking tray and place them in the freezer for about 3 hours. This process is also called flash freezing.
Take the baking tray out of the freezer, remove the fries from the baking tray and place them in a zip lock bag.
Place the bag back in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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