The crispiest cleanest butternut squash fries
Crispy (but clean and healthy obvs) butternut squash fries. One of my all-time favorite fall/winter snacks!
One of the best gifts fall has to offer is butternut squash.
And one of my favorite ways to inhale it is in french fry form.
In today’s post we’re delving deep into how to make the crispiest, cleanest, most delicious butternut squash fry at home using one hearty squash, some arrowroot starch, a few simple spices, and your oven.
You’ll notice I didn’t put the word “easy” in there. And that’s because there’s nothing easy about this recipe. From cutting symmetrically similar strips to ensure no burning and squash maximization, to perfectly placing them on the parchment paper to prevent overcrowding and repeating that at the halfway point as you flip each individual fry over to get toasty on it’s backside - I’m not gonna to lie to you… it’s a lot.
But worth it. And I’m going to tell you why!
Healthwise…
For a FRENCH FRY, this recipe is as clean as it gets:
Butternut squash is freaking delicious, and as far as healthy homemade fries go, I prefer it over any other. It packs such a great health punch - loaded with important vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. It’s high in fiber, too, and you know I love anything that keeps you full for longer stretches and helps promote regular, healthy poops!
I traded in cornstarch for arrowroot starch. It’s helps the fries get crispy and gives the recipe an additional boost of fiber.
We’re using avocado oil (just a tablespoon), which has a 520 degree heat point and is perfect for high heat cooking like this. The is important because cooking oils past their heat point doesn’t only make it taste bitter and burnt, but it results in toxic substances being released into the food as well. Woof!
Tips for making it…
No one likes a putting their time into a recipe only to have it turn out like sh*t. So we’re not going to let that happen…
Use your hands to mix and coat the fries with oil, starch and spices. Get right in there, don’t be shy.
Aim to keep the fries roughly the same length and width. This will help them cook more evenly and let you maximize the batch.
The thinner you make them, the crispy they’ll be.
Keep your eye on these while they roast. Every stove is different, and with a thin fry, a few minutes too long in the oven is a death sentence.
They’re best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven. The longer they sit on the plate, the less crispy they’ll be.
Finally, flavor -
And for many, the most important part!
Butternut squash is naturally buttery and sweet, so I opted for earthy yet complimentary spices like cumin and paprika. Spice as you like, but this combination is dependable and won’t disappoint.
The fries taste absolutely brilliant dunked in this.
If you’re looking for something clean, healthy delicious and a little bit high maintenance to nibble on, give these a try.
Keep scrolling for the full recipe. I hope you love them as much as I do!
The Crispiest Cleanest Butternut Squash Fries
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30-35 minutes | Yields: 3 servings
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash, peeled, de-seeded and sliced into sticks 1/4 inch thick
1 tbsp avocado oil
2-3 tsp arrowroot starch
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp mineral salt
pinch of black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Throw (or gently place) the butternut squash sticks into a large mixing bowl, add arrowroot starch and use your hands to coat the fries well.
Then, add your avocado oil and spices and repeat. Use your hands, people!
Rinse your hands, then line two baking pans with parchment paper and place the fries down in a single layer. Make sure you leave enough space and don’t overcrowd, as this will hurt the crispiness factor and that would be a total bummer.
Place the fries in the oven on the middle rack and cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.
Remove and enjoy immediately. Preferably dunked in this.
If you liked this recipe, be sure to sign up for my Weekly Wellness Round Up to receive this type of content and other health and wellness tidbits delivered to your inbox every week!
