Easy Crispy Yuca Fries Recipe - Cassava Fries (VIDEO!) | Wicked Spatula (2024)

This paleo yuca fries recipe (a.k.a. cassava fries) is so EASY and quick to make. Just 3 ingredients + 30 minutes needed to make healthy fried yuca!

by Maya Last Updated on May 29, 2020 9 Comments

Have you ever thought about making a yuca fries recipe but thought it might be a bit tricky? Do you wish you could dive into a bowl of paleo-friendly crispy fries that taste better than regular potato fries? I’ll let you in on a little secret… I like these way better than regular potato fries – they have such a great texture and depth of flavor!

Yuca fries, also known as cassava fries, are unbelievably crispy, but still tender and soft on the inside. They’re simple, quick to make and ready to eat in under 30 minutes.

These paleo French fries are perfect to eat as a quick snack just with salt and pepper, and they make a wonderful side dish. They are a great crowd pleaser at family gatherings or summer parties too. What’s not to love?

What Are Yuca Fries?

Yuca fries / cassava fries are like healthier paleo French fries.

Yuca fries are made from the yuca root (also known as cassava). Yuca roots are similar in size and shape to a sweet potato and can range from one to several pounds in weight.

The cassava roots have a light or cream colored flesh and a slightly grainy texture. The taste is mild and almost nutty… so amazing for this fried yuca recipe! You might hear them referred to as both yuca fries and cassava fries, and both terms are correct.

Some people worry that yuca is poisonous to eat and avoid it. But let’s be real for a second, once the bark and purple peel has been removed and the yuca has been cooked, it is perfectly safe and really delicious. It’s not really any different than chicken that’s dangerous raw but totally fine cooked, is it? I wouldn’t be scared of eating chicken after cooking, so being scared of cooking yuca is absolutely ridiculous. Just a matter of correct preparation!

How To Make Yuca Fries

This yuca fries recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you never made them before.

Using a sharp knife, remove all the bark from the yuca roots and slice them into evenly sized fries. I make them around 1/2 inch thick and the full length of the yuca root. This way, you get yuca fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Here is how to make yuca fries shaped like regular fries:

Next, place your fries in a large pan of water and boil them until just tender. This takes about 15 minutes.

TIP: To know that the cassava fries are done boiling, check that they pierce easily with a sharp knife.

Allow the fries to air dry, then add them to a cast iron pan with 2 tablespoons of oil. Fry the yuca fries for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

TIP: Don’t crowd the pan – each fry should be touching the pan! You may find that you need to make the fries in two batches. Serve immediately with salt and pepper to taste.

Can You Bake Yuca Fries Rather Than Fry Them?

Yes, you can bake yuca fries. But, I find that you get the best and crispiest results if you fry them. If you bake the fries, I find they can scorch really easily and don’t turn out as soft on the inside.

What Oil Should I Use To Fry Cassava Fries?

This is a personal choice, but I find I get the best results from either coconut oil or avocado oil.

TIP: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, so that you don’t introduce carcinogens during frying.

If you want to use coconut oil but don’t like the coconut taste, I have also made these using a garlic infused coconut oil. This masks the sweet coconut taste quite well!

Can You Make Yuca Fries With Frozen Yuca?

Frozen yuca is readily available in the freezer section of the grocery store. But, sometimes the fries can turn out a little tough and stringy if you use frozen yuca. You can use frozen yuca if you have to, but it’s not as good as fresh.

If you can buy it fresh cassava root, then it will give much better results!

Is This Fried Yuca Recipe Healthy?

Yes, fried yuca is healthy! Cassava is a natural ingredient, packed with tons of vitamin C (over 40% daily value in one serving of these!), and lower in carbs than potatoes. It’s also a resistant starch that is slower to digest, meaning less chance of a blood sugar spike.

Just make sure to use a healthy oil, like avocado or coconut oil!

How To Serve Yuca Fries

Here are some serving ideas for what to serve with cassava fries:

• Roasted Harvest Salad
• Tandoori Wings with Mint Chutney Dipping Sauce
• Chipotle Cauliflower Burgers