Keto French fries

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Cooking Intensity: Medium (requires some precision for crispiness)

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The Last Bite You’ll Need on Keto

Let’s be honest: the french fry is one of the most-missed comfort foods on a ketogenic diet. The crispy exterior, the fluffy interior, that satisfying saltiness… it’s a texture and flavor combination that feels impossible to replicate. Until now.

Forget soggy baked zucchini or underwhelming celery root. The secret weapon for the ultimate keto french fry is Daikon Radish. This mild, versatile root vegetable transforms in the oven, losing its sharpness and becoming the perfect, potato-like vehicle for crispy, golden perfection. This recipe guides you through the crucial steps of drawing out moisture and using the right fats to achieve a fry that isn’t just a “good substitute,” but a genuinely fantastic side dish in its own right.

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Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Kitchen towel or paper towels

• 2 large baking sheets

• Parchment paper

• Large pot

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Ingredients

• 1 large Daikon Radish (about 2 lbs or 900g), peeled

• 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil (or olive oil)

• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder

• Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

• Avocado Oil Spray (or other high-heat cooking spray)

• Optional for serving: Fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese, sugar-free ketchup, or keto-friendly aioli.

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Instructions

Step 1: The All-Important Cut

After peeling the daikon, slice it in half crosswise for easier handling. Then, slice it into ½-inch thick planks. Stack the planks and slice them into ½-inch thick batons, aiming for a uniform fry shape. Consistency is key here for even cooking.

Step 2: The Secret to Crispiness (Moisture Removal)

This is the most critical step—do not skip it! Place the raw daikon fries in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cook for exactly 5 minutes. This parboiling process softens the daikon and begins to break down its sturdy cell walls.

Immediately drain the fries and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly. They will be fragile, so be gentle but firm. Allow them to cool and steam off for about 10 minutes. The drier they are, the crispier they will become.

Step 3: Seasoning for Flavor

Transfer the dried, parboiled fries to a large, dry mixing bowl. Drizzle with the 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the fries. Toss again until the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 4: The Perfect Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and generously spray with avocado oil spray. This prevents sticking and aids in browning.

Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on the baking sheets, ensuring they are not touching. Crowding the pan will steam them, making them soft. Spray the tops of the fries lightly with more cooking spray.

Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the fries. They should be starting to brown on the bottom. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-25 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the edges. Baking time can vary based on your oven and the thickness of your fries, so keep a close eye on them towards the end.

Step 5: The Final Rest

Once out of the oven, let the fries rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. This rest period is essential for the perfect final texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your golden, crispy keto french fries to a plate. Season with an extra pinch of salt if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces.

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Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Air Fryer Method: For an even crispier result, cook these in an air fryer. After parboiling and seasoning, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the spice mix for a spicy kick.

• Cheesy Fries: In the last 2 minutes of baking, sprinkle the fries with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.

• Storage: These fries are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in an air fryer or a 400°F oven for a few minutes. They will not be as perfect as when first made but are still tasty.

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Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Serving Size: ¼ of the recipe
Calories: 55
Total Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 320mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Net Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g