Let me show you how to make Crispy Golden Battered Fried Yams that are golden on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Crispy Battered African Yam Fries
Crispy African yam fries are one of Nigeria's beloved street foods. This recipe is a delicious twist on the traditional fried yams I grew up with.
Made from white yams that are battered and fried until golden and crisp on the outside, but fluffy inside. This dish is simple but very satisfying.
Whether served with spicy pepper sauce, egg stew, or fried fish, it’s a meal that
What Is Fried Yam?
Fried yam is made from African white yams, peeled and sliced into thick wedges or chips, then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
In Nigeria, it's often sold by street vendors and paired with ata dindin (spicy fried pepper sauce), fried eggs, or akara (bean cakes). It’s a staple in many homes, especially for breakfast or as a quick afternoon snack.
African Yam (Puna Yam)
The African yams used in this recipe are different from the orange-fleshed Sweet potatoes in the United States. Though they are both root crops, they are different species and have different backgrounds and uses.
The African yam is native to Africa and some parts of Asia. It is also referred to as puna yam or true yam. They have dark brown rough skin with off-white flesh and come in different varieties.
Yams are starchy tubers (starchier and drier than sweet potatoes). They have an almost black bark-like skin with white to off-white flesh and come in many varieties. They can be as small as regular potatoes and grow to about five feet long.
African yam can also be used for pounded yam, yam porridge, yam porridge boiled yam, and much more.
What you'll love about Fried Yam
- Irresistible Crispy Texture
- Delicious Flavor
- Versatile snack
- Simple preparation
- Pairs well with various dips and sauces
- Gluten-free option
How to make Fried African Yam
- Peel and cut the yam
- Season very well
- Heat the oil in a deep frying pan
- Fry the seasoned yam until golden brown and crispy
- Drain excess oil and serve with dipping sauces like ketchup, hot sauce, or spicy pepper sauce.
- Enjoy the dish immediately while it's still hot and crispy.
Where to buy African Yams
If you live outside Africa like the united states, the best place to find African yams will be the ethnic market or online stores.
This is an excellent recipe to try if you are looking for something different from the traditional fried yams. It is best enjoyed when dipped in the African all-purpose sauce and can be served alongside grilled chicken, steak, or grilled fish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer. Note that fried yams may not taste as fresh, as they're best eaten fresh. It's best to make only what you need each time.
Why is my fried yam not crispy?
This often happens if the oil isn’t hot enough or the yam pieces weren’t dried properly before frying.
How To Serve Fried Yam
Standalone fried yams are delicious, but they truly shine when you pair them with flavorful sauces and stews. Here are some of the best ways to serve fried yams:
- Pepper Sauce: Spicy pepper sauce adds heat and bold flavor that balances your crispy fried yams.
- Garden Egg Sauce: Pairing fried yams with garden egg sauce creates a rich and satisfying traditional meal.
- Nigerian Beef Stew: For a heartier option, serve fried yams with Nigerian beef stew for a protein-packed dish.
- Fish Stew: Crispy fried yams dipped in fish stew is another flavorful way to enjoy it.
- You can also serve fried yams with grilled chicken, juicy steak, or grilled fish.
Other African Yam recipes you might want to try:
African Yam - Fried Puna Yam
Ingredients
- 1 pound Yam Puna
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Egg large
- 1 teaspoon cayenne or to taste
- Salt to taste
- Water
- ¼ Garlic powder
- ¼ Curry powder
- ¼ Black Pepper
- ¼ Thyme
- ¼ Salt
- ½ teaspoon bouillon powder optional
Instructions
- Peel the yam and cut into rectangles about one inch wide and half-inch thick. Rinse and drain
- Put the yams inside a pot, add water about the level of the Yam. Season with salt also and let it cook for about 7 minutes.
- Drain the excess water and transfer the yams to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Crack the eggs in a bowl, add the Cayenne Pepper (optional) and salt to taste. Whisk together set that aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Flour, Garlic powder, Curry powder, Thyme, Black Pepper and bouillon and mix together.
- Dip the yam (one at a time) in the egg and Flour mixture respectively making sure the yam is well coated.
- Preheat the oil over a medium to high heat and place the coated yams inside fry the Yam turning halfway between until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite sauce or eat as is. ENJOY!
Nutrition
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UmmuSulaym
Saturday 4th of January 2020
Hi Lola, I just tried this and I really enjoyed it. I didn't use all the ingredients in the recipe and I still got good results. And as I love fried egg, I fried the remaining egg mix and enjoyed it with my fried yam! Thank you!
Abisola
Saturday 31st of August 2019
I tried this for the first time and I got an excellent result. Thank you so much for the video