How to Make Baked Avocado Fries with Cilantro Lime Dip for Appetizers
Avocados are not just for guacamole anymore. Have you ever thought about turning this creamy, dreamy fruit into crispy, crunchy fries? Yes, you read that right—avocado fries! Today, I’m going to share an incredibly easy and delicious recipe for baked avocado fries that comes with a zesty cilantro lime dip. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a side dish, these baked avocado fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries and are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Avocado Fries:
– 2 large, ripe, but firm avocados
– ½ cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)
– Cooking spray
For the Cilantro Lime Dip:
– ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
– ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
– Zest of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking:
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Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet: Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the fries from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and peel off the skin. Slice each avocado half into wedges. You should get about 8-10 fries from each avocado.
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Set Up a Dipping Station: In three shallow dishes, place the flour mixed with salt and pepper in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third. This setup will help you efficiently coat all the avocado slices.
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Coat the Avocado Slices: One by one, first dip an avocado slice into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip into the egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Place the coated slices onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake to Perfection: Spray the avocado fries lightly with cooking spray. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the fries are crispy. Make sure to flip the slices halfway through the baking time for an even crisp.
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Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dip: While the avocado fries are baking, whip up the dip. In a small bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the avocado fries are done, serve them immediately with the cilantro lime dip. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the outside is crispy, and the inside is creamy and warm.
Tips for Perfect Baked Avocado Fries:
- Choose avocados that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe avocados can become mushy when baked.
- For an extra kick, add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder to the panko mixture.
- If you don’t have cooking spray, lightly brush the avocado fries with oil. This helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Feel free to experiment with different dips. Avocado fries are also delicious with ranch dressing or even a spicy mayo.
Conclusion:
Baked avocado fries with cilantro lime dip are a fun and unique appetizer that’s sure to wow your guests. This recipe is not only simple to make but also offers a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fries. The creamy avocado interior paired with the crunchy exterior and the zestiness of the cilantro lime dip creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering, potluck, or just as a treat for yourself. Happy cooking!
