Cassava Chips (Yuca Chips)

Who knew something so delicious could come from just a few simple pantry staples? If you have oil, salt, and cassava root, you too can make cassava chips! It’s a nutritious vegan, gluten-free snack that will have you reaching for more until the whole batch is gone.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Cassava Chips Recipe

Quick and Easy – craving a salty treat? These are ready in 15 minutes with just 3 ingredients.
Potato Chip Alternative – this starchy tube root vegetable is in the same family as the classic potato but boosts more minerals and nutrients, including vitamin C, niacin, and thiamine.
Better Than Storebought – homemade cassava chips taste better and are better for you than processed chips that are packed with preservatives. Even storebought yuca chips with its relatively low sale price doesnt compare to homemade.
Versatile – whether you like baked, air fried or fried cassava chips, this recipe includes a cooking method for you!

What is Yuca?

Yuca, also known as cassava and manioc, is a starchy root vegetable. However, it should not be confused with yucca, an ornate plant. The skin is rough and brown, similar to a Russet potato but much thicker and coarse.

Are Yuca and Cassava the same?

Yes. Both terms refer to the same root vegetable. The names can be used interchangeably so if you see either term used in this post, know they are referencing the same thing.

Cassava Origin

Yuca is popular throughout the Carribean and South America. The cassava plant thrives in tropical climates so the vegetable is a staple in Latin American and Carribean cuisines.

The largest source or producer of cassava (yuca) in the world is currently Nigeria.

Cassava Benefits

They are grain-free, gluten-free and vegan.
They are packed with resistant starch, which increases good gut bacteria. The starch also helps you feel full for longer so you’re less likely to overeat.
It’s a great source of vitamin C which boosts immunity, making you less likely to catch a cold or the flu.
Cassava is a rich source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

Large Skillet – for frying the cassava chips.
Knife or Mandoline – either will work but a mandoline is faster and consistent.
Air-Fryer – optional tool for air-fried cassava chips.
Oven – optional tool for baked cassava chips.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Cassava Root – also called yucca or manioc.
Vegetable Oil – use this or another cooking oil with a high smoke point for frying (like avocado oil).
Salt – to taste.

How to Make Cassava Chips (Step by Step and Methods)

Cut both ends of the cassava off, and cut a slit down the side of each cassava (lengthwise) and remove the peel. Place in cold water to avoid from browning. Then slice the cassava into thin rounds or use a mandolin (on the thinnest setting), less than 1/8-inch thick and place the sliced cassava on paper towels to dry.

Fried Cassava Chips

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high, add cassava slices and fry until the has reached a light golden colour, flipping once, about 2- minutes to 3- minutes per side.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the chips from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, season with salt and enjoy.

thin slices of cassava resting on paper towel.

Oven Baked Cassava Chips

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) then line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the cassava slices on the tray in a single layer.

Sprinkle with sea salt and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden around the edges and crispy, flipping at the halfway point.

Air Fryer Cassava Chips

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and spray the air-fryer basket with cooking oil. Add the cassava slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer being sure not to overcrowd.

Sprinkle with sea salt and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden around the edges flipping at the halfway point for even crisping.

cassava chips in large bowl tossed with salt.

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

Spicy Cassava Chips – add cayenne pepper or red chili powder to bring the heat.
BBQ – season the chips with paprika, sugar, salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder and garlic powder for tangy, slightly spicy flavour.
More Seasonings – Add black pepper for salt and pepper-flavoured chips.
Coconut Oil – depending on the refinement process of the coconut oil, you can use this oil for a added depth of coconutty flavour.

Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Cassava Chips

If you are buying yuca specifically for this cassava chips recipe, get a bit more than you need in case you slice one open and find black steaks. To prevent this, always choose firm cassava.
Evenly slice cassava so they cook evenly, thin slices are best!
Whether you are deep frying, air frying, or roasting them in the oven, make sure none of the slices overlap so they properly crisp up.
Ensure you place the thin slices of cassava in hot oil and do not over crowd to ensure the chips fry until golden brown and crispy.

What’s the Best Oil to Use for Frying?

Vegetable oil is the best oil for frying. It has a neutral taste that doesn’t impact the flavour of whatever is being cooked. It also has a high smoke point so it cooks without burning as easily as an oil like olive oil.

Can I Make Cassava Chips Ahead of Time?

These are best enjoyed immediately but can last up to 14 days when properly stored.

Storage Instructions

Once they have cooled completely, store yucca chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are cassava chips healthy?

Cassava is a healthier alternative to potato chips, with fewer calories per serving. It also is an excellent source of dietary fiber which aids digestion.

Do cassava chips taste like potato chips?

Although both chips have a familiar crunch, cassava chips have a subtle sweetness and taste slightly nutty. When prepared with oil and salt, they have a more savory taste that is similar to classic potato chips.

Why do you have to place peeled cassava in cold water?

Fresh cassava has to be consumed within 3 days or it will go bad. Submerging the vegetable in water before slicing it prevents it from browning as quickly.

Do cassava chips have any side effects?

Raw cassava contains cyanide, which (when consumed in large amounts) be toxic. However, when properly prepared this is not an issue.

Interested in more Snack Recipes? Check These Out!

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5 from 1 vote

Cassava Chips

By: Taneisha Morris

Cassava Chips (Yuca Chips) are a crispy, crunchy, salty snack that's a healthy alternative to potato chips made from cassava root. There are three ways to make this 3-ingredient, naturally gluten-free cassava chips recipe and each method takes less than 15 minutes!

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 13

Servings:

Equipment

Large Skillet
Knife or Mandolin
Air-Fryer optional
Oven optional

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound Cassava Root, also called yuca or manioc
▢ Vegetable Oil, for frying
▢ Salt, to taste