If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to your usual fries, these Baked Jicama Fries are the perfect option. Jicama, a crispy and mildly sweet root vegetable, bakes up beautifully with a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Plus, these fries are low-carb, making them a great snack or side dish for anyone watching their carbs or just wanting a nutritious alternative.
Ready for some guilt-free crispy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Baked Jicama Fries
Ingredients
- 1 large jicama peeled and cut into thin fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Optional Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions
- Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the dipping sauce or use a plant-based option.
- Low-Sodium: Use less salt or omit it entirely and opt for low-sodium seasoning blends.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Prepare the Jicama
- Peel the jicama using a vegetable peeler, then slice it into thin, fry-shaped pieces—about 1/4-inch thick.
- To soften the jicama slightly before baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jicama fries and cook for 10 minutes.
- Drain and pat dry.
Season the Fries
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the jicama fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Bake the Fries
- Spread the seasoned jicama fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Serve
- Remove the fries from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or the optional garlic yogurt sauce.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 cup of fries):
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can bake the fries at a slightly higher temperature (425°F) and keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Jicama has a mild flavor, so don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings and spices to suit your taste.
- To make the fries extra crispy, you can finish them off under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Variations:
- Spicy Jicama Fries: Add 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Jicama Fries: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fries during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
- Herb-Infused Fries: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the seasoning mix for extra flavor.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: These baked jicama fries are perfect as a snack or as a healthy side dish to burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
- Make It Ahead: You can boil the jicama fries in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a quick and easy option for meal prep.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain their crispiness.
Wrapping It Up:
And there you have it—Baked Jicama Fries that are crispy, healthy, and full of flavor! These fries are a wonderful alternative to traditional potato fries, offering a light and crunchy texture with the perfect amount of seasoning. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or serving them as a side, these jicama fries are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So grab your jicama, fire up the oven, and enjoy a batch of guilt-free fries! Bon appétit!
