Air-Fryer Eggplant Fries: A Healthy, Tasty Treat!

Eggplant fries are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional fries. They can be made in an air fryer, which is a healthier option than deep frying as it uses less oil. The eggplant is sliced into sticks, coated in a variety of seasonings and/or breadcrumbs, and then air-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. They can be served as a snack, side dish, or even as a crispy addition to a salad.

How long to cook eggplant fries in an air fryer

Eggplant fries are a great alternative to potato fries and can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fries and the type of air fryer being used.

To make eggplant fries, start by slicing the eggplant into sticks or fries of a similar thickness. If you are using a large eggplant, you may want to peel it first as the skin can be tough. However, if you are using a smaller eggplant, you can leave the skin on as it helps the eggplant sticks hold together.

Next, prepare your dredging station. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, and any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add flour to the eggs to help the coating stick.

Dip the eggplant sticks into the egg wash, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the eggplant sticks evenly so that they are crunchy all over when cooked.

Once all the eggplant sticks are coated, spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the eggplant fries in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches. Spray the fries with a light coat of oil and air fry for about 8-10 minutes at 350-400°F, flipping them halfway through.

For extra crispiness, you can also double-fry the eggplant fries. Simply repeat the air frying process until the desired level of crispiness is achieved. Serve the eggplant fries immediately, optionally with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and parmesan.

How to prepare the eggplant before cooking

Preparing the eggplant before cooking is a crucial step in ensuring your eggplant fries turn out crispy and delicious. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the eggplant:

Selecting and Cutting the Eggplant:

• Choose a medium-sized eggplant that is firm to the touch and has smooth, taut skin.
• Cut off the top and bottom of the eggplant, then cut it in half widthwise.
• Slice each half into four long pieces, and then cut each of those into four again to form fries of similar size.
• Alternatively, cut the eggplant into evenly sized rounds or cubes if you prefer a different shape.

Salting and Drying the Eggplant:

• Salting the eggplant is optional but can help remove excess liquid and improve the texture. Sprinkle the eggplant slices or cubes with salt and let them rest for about 15 minutes.
• Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat the eggplant dry and absorb any excess moisture.

Seasoning the Eggplant:

• You can season the eggplant with a variety of spices and herbs. A simple combination is Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
• For sliced eggplant, brush both sides of the slices with oil and then sprinkle with the desired seasonings.
• For cubed eggplant, place the pieces in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss to combine before adding the seasonings.

Breading the Eggplant (Optional):

• If you want to add a crispy breading to your eggplant fries, you can use a combination of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
• Dip the eggplant pieces into a bowl of whisked eggs, then coat them with the breading mixture.
• You can also add other seasonings to the breading mixture, such as Italian seasoning, onion powder, or cajun seasoning.

Now your eggplant is ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember to spray the air fryer basket with oil and avoid overcrowding it for the best results. Enjoy your crispy and tasty eggplant fries!

What to serve with eggplant fries

Eggplant fries are a delicious and healthy snack, and even kids love them! They are crispy on the outside and creamy and tender on the inside. They are a great alternative to regular potato fries and can be served as a side dish or a snack. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Dipping Sauces

• Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• Aioli
• Ranch dressing
• Ketchup
• Tzatziki sauce
• Guacamole
• Hummus
• Chipotle mayo
• Honey mustard sauce
• Sriracha mayo
• Honey BBQ sauce
• Buttermilk ranch dressing

Side Dishes

• Lemon dill rice
• Air fryer eggplant parmesan
• Fiesta lasagna-vegetarian Mexican casserole
• Whole wheat biscuits with mozzarella
• Roasted potato medley with cranberries and pecans
• Quinoa curry
• Quinoa cucumber tomato salad with avocado
• Summer potato salad with corn
• Roasted shrimp cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce
• Baked spinach mushroom quesadillas
• Baked cod with lemon and garlic
• Easy homemade gravy
• Greek braised eggplant and chickpea
• Moussaka (Greek eggplant casserole)
• Mediterranean chickpea salad with eggplant
• Oven-baked sweet potato fries with za'atar

How to make eggplant fries vegan

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Sea salt for serving
• Olive oil or cooking spray of choice

Method:

• Cut the eggplant into evenly-sized sticks, resembling thick-cut fries. You do not need to remove the skin.
• In a medium-sized bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, vegan parmesan, and garlic powder.
• In a second bowl, whisk the plant-based milk.
• Take one eggplant stick at a time and dip it in the milk.
• Transfer to the panko mixture bowl and press the stick on all sides, so it’s covered. Do this step quickly to prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy.
• Spray the bottom of the air fryer's basket with oil, add the eggplant fries, and spray again on top.
• Cook at 400 °F (200 °C) for about 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Sprinkle with sea salt and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you don't work fast, you can add the panko mixture to a Ziplock bag, throw in the milk-covered eggplant, and give everything a good shake.
• Blot up any excess oil with a paper towel before serving.
• For gluten-free eggplant fries, replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative like rice crumbs or almond flour.

How to store leftover eggplant fries

Eggplant fries are best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To revive their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer before serving.

If you want to store your leftover eggplant fries for longer, you can freeze them. Firstly, place the fries on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for two hours so that each individual slice freezes. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for about three to four months.

It is important to note that eggplant is highly sensitive to temperature. The cold air in the fridge can cause mushy spots, browning, and bitterness. Therefore, it is recommended to consume leftover eggplant fries within three to four days, as they may start to wilt or become soggy after this period.

Frequently asked questions