Move over, sweet potato fries. A new contender has emerged from the kitchen, promising a richer, creamier centre and an irresistibly crispy, golden shell. This surprising alternative uses a fruit that's likely already sitting in your fridge, waiting to be transformed from a breakfast staple into a gourmet snack.
The Secret Ingredient for a Decadent Snack
The star of this show is the humble avocado. Food authority Serious Eats has unveiled a scrumptious recipe for avocado fries, describing them as "crunchy with golden brown panko on the outside and buttery within." They champion this dish as a low-effort, high-reward snack that comes together in just 30 minutes.
This particular recipe, designed to serve two to three people, requires a modest 15 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking time.
How to Craft Your Perfect Avocado Fries
Before you start, a crucial tip from the chef: this is not the recipe for soft, ripe avocados. While perfect ripeness is usually the goal, for avocado fries, you need fruit that is ripe but still firm. This ensures you can successfully peel, slice, and coat the wedges without them turning to mush.
Here is what you will need:
- 480g of Hass avocados
- One cup of panko breadcrumbs
- One teaspoon of kosher salt (use half for table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 60ml of extra virgin olive oil
- One large egg
- One and a half tablespoons of Tajín seasoning (optional, for heat)
The Step-by-Step Method
Begin by placing the panko in a medium bowl and bashing it lightly until it takes on a sandy, coarse texture. Add the Tajín (if using), salt, and garlic powder. Next, drizzle in the olive oil and stir thoroughly until the panko is well-coated.
Prepare your avocados by halving them and removing the stone. Place each half cut-side down on your board, peel off the skin, and then carefully slice each half into eight neat wedges.
Dip each avocado slice into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll it in the seasoned panko mixture until it is completely covered. Set the coated wedges aside.
Preheat your air fryer to 175°C. Cook about eight slices at a time in the basket for approximately eight minutes, turning them halfway through. They are ready when they are crisp and have achieved a beautiful golden-brown colour. Repeat with the remaining wedges.
The final and most important step? Serve them immediately with your favourite dipping sauce for the ultimate snacking experience.
