Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

As we continue to embrace healthier cooking methods, air frying has emerged as a game-changer in the culinary world. This innovative cooking technique allows you to achieve that satisfying crunch associated with fried foods, but with significantly less oil. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender and flavorful. It’s a simple way to indulge in your favorite dishes without the guilt of excess calories and fat.

Discover a tasty and guilt-free snack with crispy air fryer eggplant fries! This delicious recipe transforms the versatile eggplant into a flavorful treat that's low in calories and high in nutrients. Using the air fryer, you can achieve that satisfying crunch without the excess oil, making it a healthier option for everyone. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these eggplant fries are sure to impress with their rich flavor and crispy texture. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable treat!

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Ingredients

1 medium eggplant, cut into fry-shaped sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

Prep the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, approximately 1/4 inch thick. To reduce bitterness, you can soak the eggplant in salted water for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain and pat them dry with paper towels.

Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Bread the Eggplant Fries: Dip each eggplant stick first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then coat them in the beaten eggs, and finally roll them in the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Fries: Arrange the breaded eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the eggplant fries from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic aioli.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings