Learn how to make crispy, golden yuca fries (cassava fries) at home. Baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer, these fries are soft and creamy on the inside with a satisfying crunch outside — a wholesome alternative to traditional potato fries.
Homemade yuca fries (yuca frita) are a popular snack across Latin America. Their starchy, comforting texture is similar to potato, sweet potato, or carrot fries, but with its own unique flavor. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to make yuca fries in your oven or air fryer.
There is a short learning curve the first time you prepare yuca, but once you know how to chop, peel, and boil the root, finishing the fries in the oven or air fryer is straightforward. Yuca fries make a great party snack and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.
What is yuca (cassava)?
Yuca, also called cassava, is a starchy root vegetable native to South America and widely grown in Africa and Asia. It resembles sweet potatoes in shape, with a tough, brown outer skin and pale, creamy flesh inside. Like potatoes, it is rich in starch and is used in many savory and sweet preparations.
Is cassava healthier than potatoes?
Cassava is higher in calories, carbohydrates, and protein than potatoes, but it contains no fat and provides vitamins such as A, C, and several B vitamins. It is also a good source of fiber and, despite the higher carb content, often has a lower glycemic index than some potato varieties. For active people and athletes, yuca can be a satisfying energy source.
How do you eat cassava?
Besides baking or frying into fries, cassava can be dried and milled into cassava flour — a gluten-free option for baking and cooking. Cassava flour works well in muffins, as a thickener in stews, and in many recipes that call for a neutral, starchy flour.
How to prepare yuca root for cooking
Yuca’s outer skin is thick and tough, so a vegetable peeler often won’t do the job. Use a sharp knife instead and follow these steps:
- Trim off both ends of the root and discard them. Cut the root into three or four manageable segments.
- Make a shallow lengthwise cut through the skin of each segment, taking care not to cut into the flesh.
- Lift and peel the skin away by working a knife or your thumbs under the cut flap, turning the segment as you go. The skin should separate from the flesh.
After peeling, halve or quarter each segment and remove the fibrous inner core that runs down the center. Cut the remaining flesh into fry-shaped sticks and you’re ready to cook.
How to make yuca fries in the oven
Baking yuca fries is a healthier, low-mess alternative to deep-frying. The fries still turn out crisp on the outside and tender inside. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the prepared yuca fries. Parboil for about 10 minutes to soften the interior.
Step 2: Drain and pat the fries dry with paper towels so they roast instead of steaming.
Step 3: Arrange the fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss with a small amount of olive oil, sea salt, and your choice of seasonings such as chili powder or smoked paprika.
Step 4: Bake at 450°F (230°C) until the fries are golden and slightly crisp, turning once for even browning. Serve immediately with your favorite dips.
How to make yuca fries in the air fryer
The air fryer yields extra-crispy results and requires less oil. Use this method for faster cooking:
Step 1: Peel, cut, and parboil the yuca as described above.
Step 2: Toss the drained, dried fries with a little oil, salt, and chili or paprika.
Step 3: Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes for even crisping.
Step 4: Serve hot and enjoy with dipping sauces.
What goes well with cassava fries?
Cassava fries pair beautifully with smoky and spicy seasonings such as chili powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or garlic powder. Finish them with grated cotija or parmesan, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime. Popular dips include spicy mayo, garlic aioli, chimichurri, cilantro-lime crema, or classic ketchup.
The best baked fries you can make at home
Sea Salt Sweet Potato Steak Fries
Crispy Carrot Fries (Oven Baked)
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Root Vegetable Fries
Crispy Baked Yuca Fries
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Ingredients
- 2 large yuca roots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp chili powder (or smoked paprika)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you prepare the yuca.
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Trim the ends from each yuca root, then cut into two or three segments depending on size.
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Use a sturdy peeler or a sharp knife to remove the brown, waxy skin until the flesh is pale and free of spots.
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Cut each segment in half lengthwise and then into 3–4 sticks to resemble fries. Remove the fibrous core from each piece.
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Rinse the cut yuca and add to the boiling water. Parboil for 10 minutes, then drain.
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Pat the yuca dry to remove excess moisture and transfer to the prepared sheet(s).
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Toss the pieces with olive oil, sea salt, and chili powder (or smoked paprika).
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Bake for about 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fries are golden and crisp at the edges.
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Store leftovers in an airtight bag. Reheat by gently pan-frying in a little coconut or olive oil to restore crispness.
Notes
Air frying produces an even crispier exterior and works well when you want faster results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
