Yucca Fritters

Yucca fritters, also known as casabe frito or mandioca frita, are a delicious and versatile preparation typical of various Central and South American countries.

The essence of these crispy bites lies in yuca, a tuber with a slightly sweet flavor, which is cooked and grated and then kneaded with egg and some type of flour or starch. In this recipe, I’ve made a gluten-free version.

Preparing yuca fritters is a simple process. The yuca is cooked until soft and grated coarsely. Then, it is mixed with egg, cornstarch or yuca, cheese, sugar, and salt, forming a smooth and homogeneous dough. With this dough, small balls are formed and fried in abundant oil until they are completely golden brown.

For a healthier and more practical version, we can choose to use an air fryer. Yuca fritters are cooked at high temperature for a few minutes, obtaining a crispy on the outside and soft on the inside result.

Yuca Fritters Overview

Yield: This recipe makes about 12 to 15 small yuca fritters, depending on the size.

Serving Size: A typical serving size is 3 to 4 fritters per person (about 150 g.). 

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (excluding yuca cooking time)

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch

5 WW Points Per Serving

Ingredients In Yuca Fritters:

• 2 cups cooked and grated yuca (300 g)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup cassava flour (30 g)
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (120 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray or oil for spraying the fritters

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yuca: Peel the yuca roots and cut them into manageable pieces. Start by cooking the yuca until it’s soft and tender.

2. Remove any tough fibers from the center. Then, grate the cooked yuca using a cheese grater or food processor.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cooked yuca, egg, cassava flour, cottage cheese, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated and you have a thick batter-like consistency.

3. Form the Fritters: Take small portions of the batter and shape them into small round fritters, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

5. Cook the Fritters: Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray or brush the fritters with cooking oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

6. Air Fry: Cook the fritters in the air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the fritters from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack or side dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Yuca fritters come in both sweet and savory varieties, allowing you to explore differents flavors. Here are some variations and substitutions to consider:

1. Sweet Yuca Fritters: Sweet versions of yuca fritters are made by incorporating sugar and sweet spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and anise seeds into the batter. They are often served with sweet syrups like piloncillo syrup or fruit preserves.
2. Savory Yuca Fritters: For savory fritters, the batter can be enhanced with ingredients like garlic, onion, parsley, or cilantro to add depth of flavor. These savory fritters can be filled with a variety of fillings such as meat, chicken, cheese, or ham.

Tips and Tricks for Making Yuca Fritters

• Consistency is Key: The amount of cornstarch or flour needed in the recipe will depend on the consistency of the yuca. Add the flour gradually until you achieve a smooth dough that easily comes off your hands.
• Even Browning: When cooking in the air fryer, remember to turn the fritters every 7 minutes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: Yuca fritters can be prepared in advance and stored in ziplock bags in the freezer. Simply pop them into the air fryer on busy mornings for a quick and satisfying breakfast option.
• Serve with Your Favorite Sauces: Whether you prefer them with salsa, guacamole, or another dipping sauce, yuca fritters pair perfectly with a variety of condiments.

WW Points

Cooked yuca (cassava) 15 points
Egg 0 points
Cassava flour 3 points
Fat free cottage cheese 0 points
Table salt 0 points
Vegetable oil 2 points