French fries are undoubtedly one of the most popular and delicious snacks around the world. The crispy exterior and soft, tender interior make them irresistible to people of all ages.
However, traditional fries are typically deep-fried in unhealthy oils, making them high in calories and unhealthy fats. But fret not! We have some fantastic alternatives that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your health goals. Get ready to discover these healthy French fries recipes that are not only tasty but also guilt-free!.
1. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Baking sweet potato fries instead of frying them ensures that you’re cutting down on unnecessary oil.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and peel sweet potatoes, then cut them into even strips. Toss the sweet potato strips with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings.
Arrange them on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, and once they turn golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be savored!.
2. Zucchini Fries
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into delicious fries. It is low in calories and packed with nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
To make zucchini fries, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the zucchini into sticks, similar to French fries. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each zucchini stick into beaten egg and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated sticks on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. Enjoy these guilt-free zucchini fries with your favorite sauce!.
3. Carrot Fries
Carrots are not only good for your eyesight but also a great alternative for French fries. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin K, and fiber. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel the carrots and cut them into thin sticks. In a bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Once they turn golden and crispy, they are ready to be devoured!.
4. Butternut Squash Fries
Butternut squash is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C. It has a slightly sweet flavor, making it a perfect ingredient for healthy fries.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into thin fries. Toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place them on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for around 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once they turn golden and crispy, you can enjoy these delectable butternut squash fries guilt-free!.
5. Jicama Fries
Jicama is a root vegetable that is crisp and slightly sweet. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. To make healthy jicama fries, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel the jicama and cut it into thin fry-like pieces. In a large bowl, toss the jicama fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange them on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Once they become golden and crispy, you can enjoy these flavorful jicama fries guilt-free!.
6. Rutabaga Fries
Rutabaga, also known as swede, is a root vegetable that is rich in fiber and vitamin C. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making it a perfect substitute for traditional French fries.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel the rutabaga and cut it into thin fry-like pieces. Toss the rutabaga fries with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they are evenly coated.
Spread them on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once they turn golden and crispy, these rutabaga fries are ready to be enjoyed guilt-free!.
7. Eggplant Fries
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into crispy and delicious fries. It is low in calories and provides dietary fiber and potassium. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the eggplant into thin fry-like pieces. In a bowl, whisk an egg until well beaten. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each eggplant fry into the beaten egg and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated fries on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Indulge in these healthy eggplant fries guilt-free!.
8. Portobello Mushroom Fries
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative to French fries, then portobello mushroom fries are an excellent choice. Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and are rich in vitamins B and D.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the stems of portobello mushrooms and cut them into thick slices. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each mushroom slice into beaten egg and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange the coated mushroom slices on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. Savor these mouthwatering portobello mushroom fries guilt-free!.
9. Turnip Fries
Turnips are a great root vegetable to use as a healthier alternative to French fries. They are low in calories and provide vitamin C and fiber. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel the turnips and cut them into thin fry-like pieces. Toss the turnip fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated. Place them on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Once they become golden and crispy, these turnip fries are ready to be enjoyed guilt-free!.
10. Cauliflower Fries
Cauliflower is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be transformed into crispy and flavorful fries. It is low in calories and provides vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cauliflower into small florets. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each cauliflower floret into beaten egg and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange the coated florets on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Delight in these healthy cauliflower fries guilt-free!.