French Fries (2 ways)

I really missed french fries on a keto diet!  Here are two recipes that hit the spot.  The zucchini fries are great if you're in the mood for a chunkier fry.  The second, almond flour fries are as close to McDonald's fries as a person can get without going over daily carbs!  These are so unbelievably simple and delicious I ended up binging on them every day for a week. 

P.S...I did try the mashed potato flavoring recommended in the keto focus recipe, but hated it!!  IMO, it tastes like butter with a hint of sour cream and chemicals to me. Not a trace of actual potato flavor. 

Zucchini fries adapted from: https://ohsofoodie.com/keto-zucchini-fries/

Almond flour fries adapted from: https://www.ketofocus.com/recipes/keto-french-fries/ (original recipe courtesy of: Heavenly Fan on YouTube... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJU_5DNYiqg&t=0s )

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Zucchini Fries: 

1 (Approx. 300 grams) large zucchini.

1 large egg
¼ cup whey protein, unflavored
¼ cup of almond flour
1 teaspoon salt
avocado oil or lard for frying

First, wash the zucchini very well. Do not peel! Cut into sticks, about the width of steak fries.
Arrange the zucchini sticks on a wooden board, skin side down, and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let stand about thirty minutes and dry with a cloth to remove some of the salt. This will allow some moisture to be extracted, making them crispier.

Beat the egg in a shallow container. In another bowl, mix the almond flour, whey protein, and pepper. Dip the zucchini sticks one by one in the beaten egg, then the dry ingredients. Coat all sides, pressing lightly.  Place, skin side down, on a cookie sheet. Continue until all pieces are coated. 

Place enough oil in a large skillet to cover the bottom about 2 inches. Heat over medium high heat until a thermometer reads 350 degrees. Add the zucchini sticks, one at a time, until the pan is full, but they do not touch.  Adding too many will lower the oil temperature and make them greasy. Fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and place on a cooling rack over paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat this procedure until all zucchini are cooked. Serve immediately with keto friendly condiment of your choice.  I like mine dipped in ranch made with Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, almond milk, and Best Foods mayo. 

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 Almond Flour Fries: 

 100 g almond flour (1/2 cup + 1/3 cup)
 1 Tbsp xanthan gum
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 6 tablespoons hot water
 avocado oil or lard for frying 
 parchment paper

In a small bowl, whisk together almond flour, xanthan gum and salt. Add hot water and mix until well combined. Knead in hands a few seconds. Pat out into a rough rectangle on a piece of parchment. Cover with another piece of parchment and roll out to 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin. Slice dough into small strips, about 1/8" thick. If you make them too thick they'll be doughy in the middle. 

Frying: Place enough oil in a large skillet to cover the bottom about 2 inches. Heat over medium high heat until a thermometer reads 350 degrees. Add a single layer of fries to the oil and let them cook until golden brown on all sides. May need to turn them to cook all sides. Remove from the pan and place on a cooling rack over paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Repeat this procedure until all fries are cooked. Serve immediately with keto friendly condiment of your choice.  I like these with Pete's Sauce! 

Baking: Spread french fries out in a single layer on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Spray the fries with olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve hot. 

Air fryer: Spread french fries onto the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Spray the fries with olive oil. Air fry at 400 degrees for 6 minutes.