• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthy Recipes Blog
  • Summer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Summer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Vegetable Recipes » Baked Jicama Fries

    Baked Jicama Fries

    Last updated: Aug 21, 2021 · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    These flavorful jicama fries make a great alternative to French fries, and preparing them is effortless!

    Simply microwave them briefly, then bake them in a hot oven. They will satisfy the need for a salty, savory snack.

    Jicama fries wrapped in paper and served on a white plate with a checkered napkin.

    If you love French fries but would like to try a good alternative, these delicious fries are a perfect choice. While not exactly the same as the original, they are very tasty and will satisfy that need for a salty, savory snack.

    When I started making this recipe, back in 2014, I had to peel and slice the jicama. It's not at all difficult to do, but I'm still grateful that my life now is easier than ever - I buy pre-sliced jicama strips at Whole Foods. So all I need to do is briefly microwave them, then toss them in some olive oil and spices and bake!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Variations and substitutions
    • Recommended main dishes
    • Storing leftovers
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe Card

    Ingredients

    You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make jicama fries. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

    Raw jicama: You can buy it whole and prep it by yourself, or buy it already cut into strips.

    Olive oil: I love cooking with this delicious oil. But if you worry about its relatively low smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead.

    Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you may want to reduce the amount you use, or the fries could turn out too salty.

    Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika. Make sure the spices you use are fresh - a stale spice can easily ruin a dish.

    Instructions

    So how do you make jicama fries? In this recipe, I start by microwaving the jicama strips to soften them. Then I add olive oil and spices and bake them in a hot oven until tender-crisp. The detailed instructions are listed in the recipe card below. Here are the basic steps:

    You start by peeling the jicama and cutting it into strips. As mentioned above, these days you can also find it in many stores already cut into strips.

    Next, you microwave the strips to make them somewhat tender, then dry them with paper towels.

    Toss them with olive oil and spices, then bake for about 40 minutes in a 400°F oven.

    A photo collage showing the steps for oven-baking jicama fries.

    Expert tip

    Microwaving the fries prior to baking them is optional. But keep in mind that if you don't microwave them first, the fries retain some of their crunch even when baked for a long time. I tried both versions, and we all liked the microwaved version better.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is jicama? Does it taste like potatoes?

    Jicama is also called "Mexican yam" or "Mexican turnip." It's a root vegetable that's usually eaten raw with a sprinkle of lime juice.
    The raw vegetable has a mild flavor.

    It looks like a potato, but it's crispy, and I would say the taste resembles an apple or an unripe pear, but milder and not as sweet.

    When cooked it becomes creamier, but it's still very mild in flavor, so it pretty much takes on the flavor of the seasonings you use.

    Can you use jicama instead of potatoes?

    Yes, absolutely. It's a good substitute. But you should be aware that in terms of flavor and texture, it won't be exactly the same. These fries are very flavorful, but they lack the delightful starchy crispiness that only potatoes can offer.

    Can you make jicama fries crispy?

    The challenge is not so much to get them crispy, as it is to make them tender on the inside. They tend to remain crunchy on the inside even after you cook them for a long time.

    The method described here, of microwaving them first, then baking, is the best way I have found to get them relatively tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

    Variations and substitutions

    I love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you'd like to vary the basic recipe, here are a few ideas for you:

    • Use melted butter instead of olive oil. It's so delicious!
    • You can vary your spices. Ones that work well in this recipe include onion powder and just a sprinkle of cumin.
    • Make them spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.

    Recommended main dishes

    Jicama fries are very versatile! Just think of them as regular fries, and serve them with whatever dish you would serve with those. A few examples from my own repertoire:

    • Keto fried fish
    • Perfectly cooked steaks
    • Baked chicken tenders

    As for a dipping sauce, although it's not strictly needed, you could try unsweetened ketchup. Or do as my Dutch dad does and dip them in mayonnaise. 😮And yet another tasty option is to dip them in guacamole.

    Storing leftovers

    You can keep the leftovers for 3-4 days in a sealed container in the fridge. You can reheat them in the microwave, covered, on 50% power. Or better yet, re-crisp them in a low oven.

    Jicama fries wrapped in paper and served on a plate.

    Related recipes

    • Zucchini fries served with a dip.
      Keto Zucchini Fries
    • Avocado fries served with a dip.
      Avocado Fries
    • Carrot chips served in a white bowl.
      Carrot Chips
    • Eggplant chips piled on a white plate.
      Eggplant Chips

    👩🏻‍🍳 I typically publish a new or updated recipe once a week. Want the new recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Recipe Card

    Jicama fries wrapped in a parchment paper cone.
    4.99 from 1080 votes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Print Recipe

    Baked Jicama Fries with Olive Oil and Paprika

    Jicama fries are so delicious. They make a great low-carb alternative to starchy potato French fries.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time40 minutes mins
    Total Time55 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 165kcal
    Author: Vered DeLeeuw
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 (1 lb.) raw jicama
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a ceramic rimmed baking dish (such as a 9 X 13 -inch baking dish).
    • Peel the jicama and cut it into ¼-inch-thick fries. Or use pre-sliced jicama strips (available at Whole Foods and in many supermarkets).
    • Place the jicama strips in a microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup water. Cover and microwave for 8 minutes, stopping once to gently stir. If I use a large jicama I sometimes microwave it for up to 10 minutes total, as shown in the video. But 8 minutes is usually enough.
    • Using oven mittens, remove the bowl from the microwave. Be careful when removing the cover - hot steam will escape. Remove the jicama strips to paper towels to dry. 
    • In a large bowl, toss the partially-cooked jicama fries with the olive oil and the spices. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
    • Bake until browned and tender-crisp, about 40 minutes. 

    Video

    Notes

    Microwaving the fries prior to baking them is optional. But keep in mind that if you don't microwave them first, the fries retain some of their crunch even when baked for a long time. I tried both versions, and we all liked the microwaved version better.
    Other spices that work well in this recipe include onion powder, cumin (just a pinch), and cayenne pepper if you'd like to make them spicy.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes. They're only visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they'll be lost.

    Nutrition per Serving

    Serving: 0.5recipe | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 285mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g
    SubscribeI typically publish a new or updated recipe once a week. Want the new recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon
    DisclaimersMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

    ❤️ Let's connect! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter.

    More Vegetable Recipes

    • Green beans almondine served on a white plate.
      Green Beans Almondine
    • Shiitake mushrooms served in a white baking dish.
      Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe
    • Spinach fritters served on a white plate.
      Spinach Fritters
    • Spaghetti squash noodles served with a fork.
      Spaghetti Squash Noodles

    About the Author

    Vered Deleeuw Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Vered DeLeeuw.

    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered DeLeeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


    👩🏻‍🍳 I typically publish a new or updated recipe once a week. Want the new recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Summer Recipes

    • Shrimp salad served in a white bowl with a napkin.
      Shrimp Salad
    • Caprese salad served on a light-blue plate.
      Caprese Salad Recipe
    • Grilled portobello mushrooms served on a white plate.
      Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
    • Lettuce sandwich held in a person's hand.
      Lettuce Sandwich
    • Grilled shrimp threaded on skewers and served on a white plate.
      Grilled Shrimp
    • Grilled zucchini served on a white plate.
      Grilled Zucchini
    • Cucumber water served in a pitcher and in a glass.
      Cucumber Water
    • Gazpacho is served in white bowls with spoons.
      Easy Gazpacho Recipe
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon

    Popular Recipes

    • Baked Chicken Breast served on a white plate with a fork.
      Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
    • Cauliflower pizza crust topped with cheese and pepperoni.
      Cauliflower Pizza Crust
    • Microwave bacon served on paper towels.
      Microwave Bacon
    • Baked pork chops in a cast-iron skillet.
      Baked Pork Chops
    • Turkey burgers served with lettuce and tomatoes.
      Juicy Turkey Burgers
    • Grilled chicken breast, sliced and served on a white plate.
      Grilled Chicken Breast
    • Pork roast, sliced, and served on a white platter with broccoli.
      Easy Boneless Pork Roast
    • Baked chicken wings served on a white plate with a dip.
      Baked Chicken Wings

    Footer

    Media mentions

    Media mentions of Healthy Recipes Blog: logos

    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.


    By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.


    Accessibility Statement


    Copyright © 2023