Spiced Avocado Fries Recipe

Spiced Avocado Fries are unbelievably tasty and are a delicious side dish or appetizer. Excellent with almost any meal, they have a crispy crust full of warm spices that coats the nutrient-rich creamy avocado slices.

Let's get one thing straight before we get into this recipe . . . . these are not French fries. Avocado Fries are simply a tasty, healthy play on French Fries.

With just a few ingredients, you can whip these up in not time, and everyone will thank you.

The Ingredients

• avocado - It's important that you use a ripe BUT firm avocado. That means there should yield to firm gentle pressure. They will feel slightly soft but not mushy to the touch. Try to buy locally grown avocados! You know what a bummer it is when you cut into an avocado and it's either fibrous or has dark spots?  That's often from the long travel it takes avocados to arrive at their final destination.
• salt - I cook with Kosher salt because I like its larger flake size and it usually doesn't contain additives. (If you use table salt, use half the amount.)
• garlic powder - If you don't like garlic, onion powder is a great substitute.
• smoked paprika- I love the smoky flavor in this recipe, but you can use regular paprika if desired. I only suggest using hot paprika if you know everyone you're serving likes heat.
• ground cumin - If you need to substitute, use ground coriander.
• black pepper - Preferably freshly ground.
• breadcrumbs - Panko breadcrumbs are my first choice, but as long as they're NOT flavored with anything, any breadcrumbs work well. Be sure not to use bread crumbs with added flavors, like Italian bread crumbs.(Panko which is a Japanese-style breadcrumb without crust. They're more like flakes than crumbs, and they are also lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.)
• extra virgin olive oil - This is for frying the coated avocado slices. You can substitute with avocado oil. Either one is great.

How to Make Avocado Fries

- Combine the breadcrumbs with the salt and spices. Pour the mixture onto a flat plate or shallow bowl and set aside. Cover a large plate or baking sheet with a paper towel and set it aside as well.

- Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, peel, and then slice each half into approximately five long slices (approximately ½-inch thick).

- Coat the bottom of a large skillet generously with the olive oil. Place it over high heat.

- As the pan heats up, place the avocado slices -- a couple at a time -- into the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle more crumbs on top and then gently press each slice into crumbs, to be sure they stick well to the avocado. Then, flip the slice over, and repeat.

- Once your pan is hot, add the coated avocado slices, leaving a few inches between them. Do not crowd the pan! Depending on its size, you may need to do this in a two or three batches. Cook until nicely browned, about 1 minute per side.

Recipe Tip. You should hear a sizzling sound when you place the avocado slices in the pan -- if you don't, wait until the pan it hotter. It's important to wait for the sizzle, or the breadcrumbs won't brown properly.

- Remove the avocado slices from the pan and place on the paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain. Serve!

Variations

• Spicy version. Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to breadcrumb mixture, or use hot paprika instead of smoked.
• Other spices. It's fun to try different spices in this recipe. There are no rules here, but here are a handful of ideas: dried oregano, dried thyme, chili powder, granulated onion, and chipotle powder.
• Gluten-free version. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They're pretty easy to find. Aleia's is a good one, but you can use your favorite. (You can also make your own gluten-free breadcrumbs with gluten-free bread (I like Canyon Bakehouse). Toast it, let it cool, and the turn it into crumbs in a food processor with the blade attachment, or crumble it into tiny pieces with your hands.)

Dips to Serve with Avocado Fries

This recipe is so deliciously spiced, that it doesn't need a dip at all. However, if you're so inclined, my absolute favorite dipping sauce for them is Aioli made with Chipotles. It's a fantastic combination!

And of course, ketchup and Ranch dressing are allowed, too. 😉

---> 9 OTHER WAYS TO EAT AVOCADOS <---

What to Serve With the Fries

Below are a few delicious ideas for what to serve with Avocado Fries.

Can you make them ahead?

I don't recommend making these ahead of time. They are best right after they're fried. (You can however make the breadcrumb mixture up to a couple of days ahead. Just keep them in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.)

More Must-Try Avocado Recipes

• Super Creamy Avocado Butter
• Avocado Chocolate Cookies
• Zucchini and Avocado Bread
• Chunky Avocado Gazpacho
• Avocado Berry Salsa

I hop you enjoy these delectable Spiced Avocado Fries!

Update July 2019: This recipe was originally published in 2011 and has just been updated with new images and information.
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