Go Back
- 1 large eggplant, cut into fry-shaped pieces - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 large eggs, beaten - Olive oil spray Using panko is key for crispiness. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. They create a golden, crunchy coating that enhances the texture of the fries. If you want to switch up the cheese, try using mozzarella or a dairy-free option like nutritional yeast. Both can add a nice flavor. Choosing the right eggplant is also important. Look for a large eggplant with smooth skin. It should feel firm to the touch. Avoid any with bruises or soft spots, as these can affect taste and texture. First, slice the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, place the slices in a colander. Sprinkle salt over them. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process removes moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the slices under cold water. Pat them dry using paper towels. This step is key for crisp fries. Now, let’s set up your breading station. In one bowl, whisk the two beaten eggs. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This setup makes it easy to coat your eggplant fries. Keep everything close by, so you can work quickly. Take each eggplant fry and dip it into the beaten eggs. Let the excess egg drip off. Next, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs lightly to make sure they stick well. This helps create a nice crust. Set each coated fry on a plate and repeat until all fries are coated. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is very important for crispy texture. Preheating takes about 3-5 minutes. A hot air fryer cooks the fries evenly. This makes them golden brown and crunchy. Once preheated, lightly spray the fries with olive oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even browning. Keep an eye on them as they cook. You want them crispy and golden. When the fries are done, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot for the best taste. They pair well with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or pasta dish. Enjoy your crispy eggplant fries! To get the best crispiness, do not overcrowd the basket. If you pack too many fries together, they won’t cook evenly. Each fry needs space for hot air to circulate. Use a light spray of olive oil for extra crunch. This helps the coating brown nicely. A little oil goes a long way! You can customize the flavor of your eggplant fries. Try adding cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a unique twist. You can also use different herbs like rosemary or thyme to change up the taste. Experiment with spice blends to find your favorite! One common mistake is overcooking or undercooking the fries. Keep an eye on them while cooking. They should be golden brown when done. Also, make sure your eggplant is prepared properly. Salting it helps remove moisture and bitterness, making it taste better. Rinse and dry the slices well for the best results. {{image_2}} For cheesy eggplant fries, you can mix in different cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or cheddar for a sharp bite. Grate the cheese finely and blend it with the panko. This adds flavor and keeps the fries crispy. Balance flavors by adding herbs like parsley or basil. This brings freshness and a nice contrast to the rich cheese. To make spicy eggplant fries, add heat with cayenne or chili powder. Mix these spices into the breadcrumb mixture before coating. Start with a little and taste as you go. For dipping sauces, try ranch with hot sauce or a spicy mayo. These pair well and enhance the heat. You can also serve with a sweet chili sauce to balance the spice. For a gluten-free version, swap panko with almond flour or crushed cornflakes. Both options provide crunch without gluten. You may need to adjust the coating process. Use more eggs to help the coating stick better. This ensures every fry stays crispy and delicious. After you make your eggplant fries, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you leave them out, they may get soggy or stale. To reheat your fries, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it makes them soft and soggy. If you want to freeze your eggplant fries, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. After that, transfer them to freezer bags. They can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. This way, you can enjoy crispy fries any time! Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, panko gives a crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs may not achieve the same crunch. If you want a lighter result, stick with panko. Eggplant fries are done when they turn golden brown. Check them at 12 minutes. If they feel crispy, they are ready. If not, cook them for a few more minutes. Yes, you can bake the fries. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the fries on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. No, these eggplant fries are not vegan. They contain eggs for coating. You can replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture or a plant-based egg substitute to make them vegan. To make the fries healthier, use less cheese. You can also skip the eggs and use a light spray of olive oil. Add more spices for flavor without added calories. Absolutely! You can use zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Cut them into fry shapes like the eggplant. Adjust cooking times based on the vegetable for the best results. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious eggplant fries step by step. You learned about the key ingredients, including panko for extra crispiness and various cheese options. We also covered important tips, like avoiding overcrowding the air fryer. You can enjoy many tasty variations and store leftovers for later. Remember, perfecting these fries takes practice, but the end result is worth it. Try out these tips and enjoy your homemade eggplant fries with friends and family!

Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Fries

Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic snack with these Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Fries! This easy recipe features fresh eggplant coated in a flavorful mix of panko and Parmesan, making it the perfect guilt-free treat. Simple to prepare and ready in just 45 minutes, these fries are a fantastic healthy option for your next gathering or movie night. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your snacking game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant, cut into fry-shaped pieces

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 large eggs, beaten

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels.

    Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the beaten eggs. In a second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

      Coat the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant fry into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Set each coated fry aside on a plate.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Fries: Spray the fries lightly with olive oil spray. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

            Serve: Once cooked, remove the fries from the air fryer and serve hot. Pair with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

              Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4