Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

$- 1 large eggplant - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - Cooking spray or olive oil To make tasty air fryer eggplant fries, gather these simple ingredients. You need one large eggplant. It gives the best texture. For the coating, use one cup of breadcrumbs. You can choose either panko or regular. Panko adds extra crunch if you want that. Next, grab half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a vegan dish, use nutritional yeast instead. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You will also need spices. Get one teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. These add depth to the flavor. Use half a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper. One teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper will do. Lastly, you need two large eggs for the egg wash. A little cooking spray or olive oil helps prevent sticking in the air fryer. Now you have everything ready! Let’s move on to turning these ingredients into crispy, flavorful eggplant fries. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This helps the fries cook evenly and get that golden color. Slice the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle the sticks with salt and let them sit for 20-30 minutes. This step draws out moisture and makes the fries crispier. Create two bowls for breading. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In the second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip each eggplant fry into the egg mixture first. Make sure it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to stick. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. Place the breaded eggplant fries in a single layer in the basket. If you have a lot, cook them in batches to avoid crowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking. Once they turn golden brown, remove the fries and repeat with any remaining eggplant. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dip! Salting the eggplant is key. It helps reduce moisture. This step makes your fries crispier. After slicing the eggplant, sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Rinse the eggplant with cold water, then dry it well. This process is simple but very effective. For the best texture, ensure even coating. Create a breading station with two bowls. One bowl holds whisked eggs, and the other has the breadcrumb mix. Dip each fry first in the egg. Make sure it is fully coated. Then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to help them stick well. This will give you a nice, crunchy exterior. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cooking in batches helps achieve even cooking. Place the fries in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate well. If you stack them, they may steam instead of fry. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get crispy and golden brown. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply swap out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without using dairy. It also adds a nice boost of nutrients. Just use the same amount as the cheese. This keeps your eggplant fries tasty and plant-based. Feel free to get creative with your spices. You can add more garlic powder or even some cayenne for heat. Try mixing in Italian herbs like oregano or basil. These spices can enhance the flavor of your fries. It’s fun to experiment and find what you like best. Each time you make them, you can try a new twist. Don’t forget about the dips! Marinara and tzatziki are classic favorites. Marinara adds a nice tomato flavor, while tzatziki brings a cool, creamy touch. You might also enjoy ranch or hummus. Each sauce gives a different taste that makes your fries even better. Try different sauces for a fun snack experience! To keep your eggplant fries crispy, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This helps the fries stay nice and crunchy. Try to eat the fries within two days for the best taste. If you leave them too long, they might get soggy. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method crisps them up well. You can also use an oven set to the same temperature. Avoid using a microwave, as it makes fries soft. If you want to save some uncooked fries, freezing is easy. First, bread the eggplant fries as usual. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. After that, move them to a freezer bag. This method keeps them fresh for up to three months. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! You can make eggplant fries without breading by simply slicing the eggplant. Use a sharp knife to cut it into fry-sized sticks. Next, toss the slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can add your favorite spices to boost flavor. Air fry them at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. This method keeps the fries healthy and still tasty. Yes, you can use different types of eggplants. While I prefer the large globe eggplant for its size and texture, you can also try Japanese or Italian eggplants. They are smaller and have a slightly sweeter taste. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your eggplant slices. Thinner slices will cook faster, while thicker ones may need more time. Eggplant fries taste great with a variety of dips. Some popular options include marinara sauce, tzatziki, and garlic aioli. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. The key is to choose a sauce that complements the eggplant's flavor. Feel free to get creative and mix your own sauce! Cooking eggplant fries in an air fryer takes about 12-15 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the fries become crispy all over. If you like them extra crispy, you can cook them for an extra minute or two. In this article, we explored how to make crispy air fryer eggplant fries. You learned about the simple ingredients needed, the step-by-step process, and helpful tips to get the best results. You can even try fun variations and sauces to make this dish your own. Remember, with a bit of practice, you’ll create a tasty snack that’s both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking journey and share these delights with friends and family!$

Discover the joy of Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfectly seasoned and golden brown, these fries make a delicious snack or side dish. With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can whip up a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy crispy goodness at home!

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Ingredients

1 large eggplant

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the eggplant. Slice the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, about ½ inch thick.

Place the eggplant fries in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step helps them become crispier.

Rinse the eggplant fries under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Set up a breading station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Dip each eggplant fry first into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the fries from sticking.

Place the breaded eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches).

Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once cooked, remove the fries and repeat with any remaining eggplant fries.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (like marinara or tzatziki) for additional flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the eggplant fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Garnish with fresh parsley and a small bowl of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for an inviting look.