Air-Fryer Jicama Fries and Dipping Sauce
When Air-Fryers (Amazon link) first became a “thing,” I honestly didn’t pay any mind to them. I have a tendency to buy too many kitchen appliances, gadgets, pans, and gizmos… so I try to show a little restraint from time to time, especially when it’s something I don’t think I’d use that much. Suffice to say I was very wrong about this assumption!
When my youngest daughter, Stephany, and her husband got an air-fryer, she raved about how amazing it was… how the food was healthier, the air-fryer was fun and exciting to use, and that (the one that really caught my attention) food was always a knock out.
When it comes to really listening to others about cooking and food, Stephany is one I always listen to with both ears. Not only is she an avid cook, she’s a darn good one. She also knows a great deal about health.
I had to give an air-fryer a try and, suffice to say, I am COMPLETELY thrilled that I did. I use mine (literally) every single day. IBS recently forced me to give up quite a few different foods – potatoes being one of them. Not one to sit and pout, I simply looked for alternatives as sides… ever realized how many side dishes involve potatoes??!! I gave Jicama Fries a chance and am now so in love with them, we have them at least once a week.
The following recipe is for Air-Fryer jicama fries but they can certainly be made in the oven with delicious results.
Air-Fryer Jicama Fries
1 large Jicama, peeled and sliced (or, do as I do and buy them pre-packaged as fries in the produce section!)
3 TBS Avocado Oil (Olive Oil can be used instead with similar wonderful results)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 Grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper
1/2 tsp Paprika
Place the Jicama sticks in a pan of water and boil for 5 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and place in a bowl with either avocado oil or olive oil and the seasonings. You can feel free to get as jiggy as you want to with seasonings… I honestly don’t believe I’ve ever used the same combination of ingredients twice. More about that in a minute!
Place the Jicama Sticks in the basket of your air-fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Shake the basket or use a spatula to turn every guy over to “tan” on the other side. Cook for 6 more minutes.
Sauce Ideas for Jicama Fries
- I usually use the same “Fry Sauce” recipe I used for fries and tater tots (1 cup mayo 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 TBS hamburger pickle juice + a few pickled diced finely, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of paprika.)
- Honey Mustard is also outstanding with Jicama Fries.
- I often serve mine with marinara sauce and, when I do, I add a little Italian seasoning to the fries along with the other seasonings. Delicious!
Health Benefits of Jicama:
- Packed with nutrients and high in antioxidants.
- Jicama is an anti-inflammatory food and can reduce IBS flare-ups, ulcers, leaky gut syndrome and various autoimmune digestive disorders.
- Believed to boost heart health.
- Promotes digestion
- Good for gut bacteria.
- Low FODMAP.
- May reduce the risk of cancer.
The benefits would, obviously, be even greater if you’re using air-fryer (Amazon link) jicama sticks in place of fried potatoes. Any time we can replace an unhealthy option with a healthy option, it’s a huge win!
~ Joi (“Joy”)
Jicama Fries with Fry Sauce
