Garlic Parmesan Jicama Fries

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published June 20, 2020 • Updated February 1, 2026

Reader Rating
5 Stars (9 Reviews)

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Keto jicama fries smothered in a gluten-free batter, fried to a perfect crisp and topped with minced garlic and parmesan cheese. These garlic parmesan fries are a showstopper on their own but are also tasty with a burger or hotdog.

a basket of keto jicama fries with garlic, parmesan and parsley sprinkled on top

This crispy garlic parmesan jicama fries recipe is one side dish you should make every week! I am sure you have checked out our keto French fries recipe, this jicama recipe has been around much longer as my go-to potato fry replacement.

Jicama fries are quite easy to make and can be made ahead for a freezer safe, meal prep option.

My crispy battered jicama fries are cut into shoestring fry shapes and coated with a dusting of protein powder and seasoning to create a crunchy batter when deep fried in avocado oil (preferred) or olive oil.

These crispy jicama fries are then tossed in grated parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley for a flavor that’s delicious next to your favorite dinner.

What is Jicama?

black air fryer Jicama is a root vegetable or tuber similar to a potato. It has a brown outer skin similar to a potato and the inside flesh is white and hard. Jicama is also called a Mexican turnip or Mexican potato since they are mostly grown south of the border.
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Garlic Parmesan Jicama Fries

5 (9) Prep 15m Cook 12m Total 27m 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium jicama
  • 1 cup unflavored whey protein powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • avocado oil for frying (optionally can use olive oil)
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Heat oil

Preheat 1 inch of avocado oil or olive oil to medium heat in a large skillet.

avocado oil heating up in a skillet
2
Peel jicama

To peel a jicama, cut off the root. From the cut side, cut some vertical notch down the side like you would peel the skin off with a knife. Grab the jicama skin and pull down to the other end of the jicama. Repeat on all sides of the jicama.

cutting notches in a whole jicama in order to peel the skin off
3
Cut into fries

Cut jicama into shoestring French fries sizes with a knife.

cutting jicama into shoestring fries
4
Coat the fries

Toss shoestring jicama fries until evenly coated in a shallow bowl containing protein powder and seasonings.

jicama fries getting coated in a protein powder batter
5
Fry fries

To see if the oil is hot enough for fries, throw a tiny piece of the batter into the hot oil. If it sizzles right away, the oil is ready. Add jicama fries to the hot oil. Don’t over-crowd the pan. Add just enough to cover the bottom of the skillet. Fry for about 7-12 minutes or until the fries are golden brown. Remove from heat and place on a paper towel to catch the excess oil.

frying keto jicama fries in a skillet with avocado oil
6
Season

Season with garlic, parmesan and parsley if desired.

sprinkling garlic
Nutrition Per Serving
193 Calories
5.7g Fat
16.3g Protein
3.2g Net Carbs
11.7g Total Carbs
4 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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How to peel a jicama?

  1. To peel a jicama, you want to cut off the root end of the vegetable.
  2. Then with a knife, make little vertical cuts going around the vegetable.
  3. Next grab onto one of those vertical notches and pull down towards the other end.
  4. The skin should peel off easily most of the time. If it doesn’t, create another notch with your knife. Continue this process moving around the jicama.
peeling the skin off a jicama

How many carbs are in jicama?

jicama cut into shoestring French fries on a plate

Per cup of this sliced root vegetable, jicama contains around 11 gram of total carbs and about 5 grams net carbs. That’s why it is the perfect low-carb substitute for French fries! That low carb count makes jicama a great swap for potatoes.

Keto breading for jicama fries?

The breading on these crispy garlic parmesan jicama fries is a mixture of unflavored whey protein powder, salt, garlic powder and onion powder.

I like using protein powder as a batter for frying because it creates a puffy, crispy outer crust. It reminds me of popcorn chicken.

can of Perfect Keto whey protein next to a basket of jicama fries

Any unflavored whey protein powder will work for this recipe but I like to use Perfect Keto whey protein. It is made from grass-fed cows and contains a little bit of MCT oil for energy and to help keep you full.

How long to cook jicama fries?

To determine how long to cook your jicama fries, it really depends on how thick you cut your jicama and how hot your oil is. If you cut your fries into shoestring fries, they won’t take as long to fry as a thicker steak cut jicama fry. I like to cut my jicama into shoestring fry shapes and fry them in avocado oil over medium to medium-high heat for 7 to 12 minutes. The outside batter of the French fry should turn a golden brown color.

What to serve with jicama fries?

Some of my favorite keto dinners to serve with jicama fries are:
bunless burger with a tomato on top next to a mound of garlic parmesan jicama fries

How to store jicama fries?

Unfortunately just like regular French fries, jicama fries really should be eaten right away for best quality. They can get soggy if you save any for the next day. You can try to reheat them in the air fryer to crisp them up again.

Can you freeze jicama fries?

Yes! Jicama fries make a great keto meal prep option. It’s is best to blanch the fries first before freezing. To freeze jicama fries, follow these steps:
  1. Microwave jicama fries in a glass bowl with water for 5 minutes. Then drain completely.
  2. Place the jicama fries on a parchment lined baking tray and put in the freezer to flash freeze them until the keto fries are solid.
  3. Once solid, transfer the jicama fries to a freezer bag and store in the freezer until you want to use them.
Garlic Parmesan Jicama Fries

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute jicama with another vegetable?

While jicama has a unique texture, you can try using turnips or rutabaga as alternatives. The flavor and texture will be a little different, but they work well as fries too.

How can I make these fries spicier?

To add some heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or add some chili powder to the seasoning blend. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.

How do I store leftover jicama fries?

For best results, store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven to help restore their crispiness.

Is there a dairy-free option for the parmesan cheese?

Yes! You can use a dairy-free parmesan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. The taste will be a little different but still good.

Can these fries be baked instead of fried?

Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), toss the jicama fries in the oil and seasonings, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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Reviews 8
5 Stars (9 Reviews)
  1. K
    Kay Jul 5, 2025

    I can't wait to try the fries. I Love jicama cut up with squirts of lime, lemon or orange juice and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning.
    I am so glad that I found your website Annie. You have one of the BEST websites.
    Have a blessed day! Kay

  2. Annie Lampella
    Annie Jun 2, 2025

    Hi Patricia! I'm so happy to hear you loved the garlic parmesan jicama fries - that crispy coating is one of my favorites too! Yes, I do have a cookbook coming out that's right up your alley. It's full of creative, protein-packed, low-carb recipes (with lots of fun frying techniques!) all geared toward supporting longevity. It's available for pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/Protein-Packed-Low-Carb-High-Protein-Longevity/dp/1628605642. Thanks so much for your support - it truly means a lot!

  3. M
    Melissa J Apr 28, 2025

    I tried these last weekend and they turned out delicious. I ended up using olive oil instead of avocado oil and they still came out crispy. Great to have with burgers. I used the precut jicama from the store which saved time.

  4. H
    Helen Apr 29, 2021

    Hi Annie.
    I absolutely love your videos I have learned so much from you.
    I’m new with Keto
    I have a question for ya
    What can I use instead of 1 cup whey Protein powder.
    Thank you
    Helen ?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella May 2, 2021

      You can use almond flour or coconut flour. I have also made these without any batter. Just salt and pepper and fry them. They are still delicious!

  5. I
    Ian Apr 4, 2021

    How much is one serving?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Apr 21, 2021

      Take the full amount and divide it into four portions

  6. C
    Colleen Parra Apr 2, 2021

    This is absolutely delicious! Finding recipes like this makes me so happy that there are fantastic alternatives to potatoes. It may not be "just like" a potato but with flavor like this why would it matter? I've dipped in sugar-free ketchup, blue cheese dressing, and so good by themselves. A nice short cut I discovered, at Trader Joe's, they have julienne precut jicama! I like to make them thinner so I will give them another chop but certainly nice when you don't have time to chop up a jicama root. Thank you so much, Annie!

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