Fries or "Fries?"

When I tell my son I'm cooking fries for dinner, he asks if I am making fries or (air quotes) "fries." Because our whole family enjoy "fries," I've decided to share this recipe. Enjoy!

"Fries"

Ingredients

Jicama

Garlic Powder

Paprika

Salt

Pepper

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.

Spray cooking surface with non-stick spray.

Peel jicama.

Chop jicama into french fry-sized pieces.

Season with spices to taste. My seasoned jicama looks like this.

Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 25 minutes.

Shake the air fryer basket a few times to ensure even cooking results.

One Serving=1 Cup Jicama (100 grams)

Protein-.7 grams

Fiber-5 grams

Calories-38

(For comparison, the same serving size of potato offers 2.5 grams protein, 2.2 grams fiber, and 93 grams calories.)

In researching jicama, I learned a lot about its health benefits. I'm not going to exaggerate and argue that jicama is a miracle food. However, I do believe that it's beneficial to eat a wide variety of vegetables, like jicama. Here are some nutritional facts about this root vegetable, also known as the Mexican turnip.

• Nutrient-Rich: Jicama is low in calories but high in essential nutrients. It provides a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients are vital for maintaining a healthy immune system, regulating blood pressure, and promoting overall well-being.

• Digestive Health: The dietary fiber in jicama, particularly inulin, acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can enhance digestion, prevent constipation, and improve overall gut health.

• Versatile: Jicama has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. I really enjoy how the air fryer enhances the sweet flavor. Because of the sweetness, "fries" go better with ranch dressing than ketchup, in my opinion. My son prefers ketchup
  

• Supports Heart Health: The potassium and fiber content in jicama contribute to heart health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while dietary fiber can reduce cholesterol levels, effectively lowering the risk of heart disease.