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 paprikan- 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. 😉
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!
Spiced Avocado Fries Recipe
Ingredients
For the fries:
- ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- a few turns of black pepper
- olive oil to coat the pan (you can also use avocado oil)
- 1 approximately (¾ pound) avocado, firm but ripe
Instructions
- Make coating. In a small bowl, mix 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.
- Prep avocado. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, peel, and then slice each half into approximately five long slices (approximately ½-inch thick). Here's How to Peel and Cut an Avocado.
- Preheat pan and coat avocados. 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 to the avocado. Then, flip the slice over, and repeat.
- Fry. 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. You should hear a sizzling sound when you place them 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. Cook until nicely browned, about 1 minute per side.
- Drain and serve. Remove the avocado slices from the pan and place on the paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain. Serve!
NOTES
NUTRITION
Update July 2019: This recipe was originally published in 2011 and has just been updated with new images and information.
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Cathy/ShowFoodChef
Love the pic, and I can't wait to try these. I had fried avocado in tacos in Austin once and they were delish - thx for the post 😀
averagebetty
I just had my first fried avocado! Something tells me yours are way healthier 🙂
Meagan
Oh my! How delightful and decadent! 🙂
Jeanne @JollyTomato
Looks good, except I would change "Serves 2" to "Serves 1" because I would almost certainly eat this all up before anyone else would get to try any! ; ) Yum!
Sarah @TheExPatBride
Are you kidding me!?! These are incredible!!!
Dina
Looking forward to making this!! Thank you so much for sharing:)!!
Maria
I loved these!!
Gary
How about a baked version? Any suggestions?
valentina
Hi Gary, I don't think baking would work b/c we don't want to actually cook the avocado -- we just want to create the crust. I think using a broiler could be a good option, though. Rather than coating a pan with the oil, simply drizzle it over the coated "fries," and place them under the broiler until they are golden brown, about 30 seconds or so -- then flip them and repeat. This might be a way to use less oil, but I haven't actually done it this way. Let me know if you try it. Thanks for visiting my site! 🙂
Maria Williams
I eat avocado every single day! Love the richness and creaminess of this wonder fruit 🙂 Had only savoury version before, but it was long time ago.
valentina
It's a "wonder fruit" indeed! I love that! Enjoy and thanks for checking it out.
angiesrecipes
Wish I could find local avocados here...these are my top favourite!
valentina
I wish you could too, Angie! Thank you. 🙂 ~Valentina
Christina Conte
Oh my! This is such a genius idea! I would eat these without dipping them into ANYTHING! The flavor of the avocado would be plenty, but I can totally imagine them on a salad, too! Can't believe I didn't see this until now. Thanks for the recipe, Valentina!
valentina
Thank you, Christina! Yes, no sauce needed. Hope you try and love them! xo Valentina
2pots2cook
Had absolutely no idea that avocado could be prepared this way. Perfect, quick and healthy summer treat ! Thank you Valentina !
valentina
Thanks so much, Davorka. Easy and tasty. Enjoy! ~Valentina
David @ Spiced
You know, I've yet to make avocado fries. I have no idea why not as I love all snack foods, and these look amazing! I'm a huge fan of smoked paprika, so that coating mixture is totally calling my name. These would be perfect as a side dish for all sorts of grilled summer meals!
valentina
Thanks so much, David. Yes, perfect along side delicious foods off the grill. 🙂 ~Valentina
David Scott Allen
I love avocado fries and have never made them at home. Seems so easy - can’t wait to try making them! xo
valentina
Hope you enjoy them, David! 🙂 ~Valentina
Deb|EastofEdenCooking
What a fabulous way to enjoy California avocados! To keep everyone happy, two batches would be needed at my house.
valentina
Love it, Deb. Thank you. 🙂 ~Valentina
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I need to give these a try! I love avocados and these look wonderful. That crunchy coating looks perfect!
Liz
I always have avocados in the kitchen! This is one of those must try recipes---super easy and how could they not be amazing??!
valentina
Thanks so much, Liz. Hope you love them. 🙂
Jeff the Chef
Oh my God, I've never heard of such a thing as avocado fries - and I love avocado! Thank you so much for the recipe!
valentina
Happy to hear it, Jeff. Awesome. Thanks! ~Valentina
Eha
Lordie ! In 'my world' avocadoes get eaten as they are (usually half in one hand and spoon in the other !) or they are 'smashed' for a 'dip' or to go on a sandwich ! To be fried as a chip - well, they look most moreish and are very easy to do . . . perchance not quite as healthy as the fruit the way she comes but, on occasion most interesting ! Shall try with panko crumbs methinks . . .