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    Side Dishes » Fried Yam Fries

    Fried Yam Fries

    Posted On June 22, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated September 15, 2022 13 Comments

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    fried yams pinterest pin

    Learn the secret to make the best homemade Fried Yam fries right at home with yellow yams. These fries serve well as a side dish or a starter. 

    crispy seasoned fried yellow yam fries

    Fried Yam is a popular food in the Western part of Africa, especially in Nigeria. It goes by a lot of names in the local parlance such as Isu Dindin or Dundun, and “yam” in Haiti. 

    It is a very delicious meal that works perfectly as a full meal or as an appetizer. 

    There are many ways to make fried yam (air fryer, oven, or deep fried). We’ll touch base on fried yam, its history, methods of preparation as well as the ingredients required to make the dish. 

    We will also touch on the alternatives to the ingredients used, the preferred storage method for the meal, and also foods that go well with fried yam.

    History Of Fried Yam

    Like many foods that originated from the African continent, we know very little about the history of this food. 

    There are little or no documented records as to the origin of fried yam. However, there is a lot of history associated with yam, the primary ingredient needed for this dish.

    The origin of yam has been one of the hottest topics among experts as they are differing views regarding the origination and domestication of yam as a plant. 

    hand holding yam fries basket on wooden board

    Some records point to the fact that yams originated in West Africa around 5000BC. These records also claim that the domestication of the plant happened around this time.

    The proliferation of yam to other parts of the world as a result of the slave trade and inter-region trading activities that happened later.

    Another set of experts, led by De Candolle in 1886 established that yams originated in the Indo-Malayan region.

    However, they could not establish the domestication process and how it occurred in the region.

    However, regardless of these conflicting reports, what we can establish is that yams originated and are popular in Africa, the Caribbean, and some parts of Asia.  

    Methods For Making the Fried Yam Fries

    There are many ways through which you can make the fried yam. The name of the dish gives it away, so the first, most popular, and traditional method of making the fried yam is by frying the yam. 

    The second method is baking the yam in the oven. This is a modern method and equally healthier method. Lastly, you can make the fried yam by parboiling yam then air frying.

    Fried yams in basket

    If air frying or deep frying, you’ll need the following ingredients

    • Yellow Yam: About ½ Lb. yellow yam, peeled, then cut into baton. 
    • Olive oil to help with coating.
    • Salt and black pepper, and chili powder for seasoning. 

    How To Deep Fry Yam

    Before frying the yam, peel and cut the yam into sticks. 

    While cutting the yam into sticks or batons, soak the yam to keep them from turning yellow and to keep them looking fresh. Heat the oil in a saucepan or deep fryer. 

    After soaking, proceed to fry the yam pieces, but first drizzle with olive oil then season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.

    The yams are cooked when they are golden brown and fork through.

    Boil Then Air Fry

    Boiling the fries first then air frying cuts down the time when it comes to deep frying.

    This method is also fast, but it is not as fast as the frying method. Of course, you’ll need to peel, wash and cut the yam into sticks.

    Next, place the yam pieces into the saucepan, add enough water to cover the yam pieces and season with salt to taste. 

    Then cook the yam for about 7 to 10 minutes. After the time elapses, drain out the water from the yam, season with the salt, pepper, and chili powder. 

    Deep fry the yam pieces for another 5 to 7 minutes until it shows a golden yellow color.

    This method takes about 20 minutes or thereabout.

    yam fries in baskets on wooden board with ketchup

    While the parboiling part takes some time, it also helps to ensure that the yam is soft inside and you need not worry about undercooked yam when you are frying.

    How To Bake The Fries

    This takes longer than the two methods discussed earlier but it is healthier. Studies show that when you bake food, they have fewer calories than when you fry the same food items. 

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 

    Cover the baking tray with foil or parchment paper then oil it a bit before setting it aside. 

    Peel then cut the yam into sticks. Place the pieces in a saucepan, add enough water to cover the yam pieces, and add salt to taste. Cook the yam for about 7 to 10 minutes.

    By this time, the yam should be partly cooked. Drain the water out and add the pieces onto the tray already greased with oil.

    Bake the yam pieces for about 15 minutes. This should be enough time for the yam pieces to turn golden.

    two baskets filled with fries made from yellow yams

    This method takes about 25-30 minutes, but every minute is worth it especially if you are particular about the number of calories that you take and you don’t want to miss out on the delicious crispy taste of fried yam.

    Substitutions and Alternatives

    This dish wouldn’t be complete without mentioning dundun oniyeri. This is another delicacy that you can make with fried yam. 

    This dish involves cutting the yam pieces into an egg wash before frying.

    This gives the yam pieces a fluffy texture and makes them look like potato wedges, especially when you dip the yam pieces into a sauce.

    This alternative goes well with a light salad or protein-filled meal, as it adds the starchiness and sweetness needed to make the dish somewhat flexible.

    What Does Yam Fries Go With?

    You can enjoy this dish with fried plantain and/or pepper sauce. It also goes as a side dish with any protein. 

    yam fries in two baskets

    More Fries To Enjoy

    If you loved these fried yam fries, we recommend you try one of these fries next: 

    Fried Yucca Fries

    Frozen Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Yuca Fries

    Air Fryer Shoestring Fries

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site.

    We’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!

    hand hold yam fries basket

    How To Make Yam Fries With Yellow Yams

    These yam fries are yellow yams cut into sticks then deep fried until golden brown. They are seasoned to perfection and make a great side dish.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Haitian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Author: Savory Thoughts

    Equipment

    • Deep fryer

    Ingredients

    • ½ Lb. Yellow Yam Peeled then cut into sticks
    • 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
    • ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt Or to taste
    • ½ Tsp. Black Pepper Or to taste
    • 1 Tsp. Chili Powder
    • 4 Cups Frying Oil We used canola oil

    Instructions

    • Peel the yam then cut into sticks. Place the yam sticks in a bowl filled with cold water to keep them fresh.
      Drain the water then rinse the yam sticks. Then transfer to a bowl.
      Heat the oil to 350°F in a deep fryer. See notes below.
      yam fries step by step guide
    • Season the yam sticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
      Add a small batch to the frying oil and fry until golden brown. See notes below.
      Yam fries are ready when they are fork through.
      Fried yams in basket

    Notes

    Parboiling: After peeling and cutting the yams into sticks. Parboil the yams. This is not necessary, but it does help to cut down the frying process. Place the yams in a saucepan, then cover them with water. Lightly season with salt to taste and cook for 7-10 minutes. Then deep fry for 5-7 minutes. 
    Air Fry: You can also air fry your yam fries. Transfer the seasoned yam sticks to the air fryer tray then air fry at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes, shaking half way through. You may also par boil before air frying and cook it for 10-15 minutes. 
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Aimee Mars

      October 14, 2022 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Incredible! I made these for my kids and their friends during a movie night. Not one was left over – I couldn’t believe it!

      Reply
    2. veenaazmanov

      October 14, 2022 at 6:08 pm

      5 stars
      Something unique from the regular french fries. Looks crispy and perfect as a side dish. Definitely healthier too.

      Reply
    3. Joyce

      October 14, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      These fries turned out delicious! I served them with spicy sriracha mayo and they were a hit! Thanks again!

      Reply
    4. kushigalu

      October 14, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      These yam fries look very delicious and addictive. Cant wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
    5. Gus

      October 14, 2022 at 5:13 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing your technique; it worked out perfectly! The yam sticks were perfectly crispy!

      Reply
    6. Tavo

      June 22, 2022 at 11:24 pm

      5 stars
      Really nice! This is the first time I made yellow yams, and I was inspired to get some by your yellow yams 101 post. Thank you!

      Reply
    7. Hailey

      June 22, 2022 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe in the air fryer, and the fries turned out great!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 22, 2022 at 10:36 pm

        Thank you, Hailey

        Reply
      • Holley

        June 22, 2022 at 11:23 pm

        5 stars
        These fries are the ultimate side dish! My new favorite kind of fries!

        Reply
    8. Andrea

      June 22, 2022 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never had yam fries before but am very ready to try them. They look perfectly crispy and yummy!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 22, 2022 at 10:36 pm

        Thank you, Andrea!

        Reply
    9. Beth

      June 22, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      A delicious alternative to fries. The kids loved them.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 22, 2022 at 10:36 pm

        Very glad to hear that.

        Reply

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