These air fried yuca are like French fries…great as a side dish…crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

I grew up eating “mandioca frita”, which translates into fried yuca…of course at that time it was fried using hot oil like the traditional French fries…the texture of the yuca, which is boiled before frying is rich, creamy, slightly nutty and sweet…denser than French fries, but equally delicious.

– What is yuca?

Yuca is called “mandioca” in Brazil, a very popular root vegetable, super common in Brazil.  As a matter of fact, tapioca is made of yuca starch.

– How is yuca prepared?

Yuca can be prepared the same way as potatoes…boiled, fried, mashed…and toasted as it is “farofa”, a side dish for meats, feijoada (black bean stew), poultry (as stuffing).

– What is the difference between mashed yuca and mashed potatoes?

Both are root vegetables rich in carbohydrates…If you like mashed potatoes, you must try mashed yuca. Mashed yuca has a slightly “chewier” texture than mashed potato, it is super creamy, nutty with a hint of sweetness…

– Why yuca is wrapped in wax?

Apparently, the layer of wax is to protect the root in order to preserve it and extending its shelf-life… which it not seeing in Brazil due to its popularity. Nevertheless, just remove the was when peeling the yuca and you are good to go.

– Where can I buy yuca root?

You can find yuca in most of the Asian and Latin grocery stores, and occasionally in the frozen section, which the yuca comes peeled and cut.

– Ready to try this new root?

  • Actually, there is no need for recipe…just a few steps to follow…
  • Peel the yuca root by removing all the wax and the dark brown skin.
  • Cut into pieces of approximately 2 inches.
  • Boil in water with salt until the yuca can be pierced with a fork.
  • Drain well, remove the hard-fibrous stems in the center of the cooked pieces.
  • Place the cooked yuca in a bowl and toss olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Air-fry at 365oF for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, tossing in between cooking.
  • Serve hot/warm.

– Care for more Brazilian recipe?

Check these out…

Did you know that yuca is a staple food in many Countries? Moreover, it is the third largest source of carbohydrates food followed by rice and corn.

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!

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