Emilie Meyer
Air fryer eggplant fries are a tasty, healthy snack that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. They are vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, keto-friendly, and dairy-free, making them a great option for catering to multiple dietary requirements. To make them, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F, cut an eggplant into sticks, and season them with olive oil and spices. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your eggplant, but generally, they will take around 8-10 minutes to cook, with some recipes suggesting up to 18 minutes. For the best results, be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Serve your eggplant fries immediately, and enjoy!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360-400°F / 180-204°C |
| Cooking time | 8-18 minutes |
| Shake the basket | Halfway through cooking time |
| Oil | Extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, basil, rosemary, almond flour, pecorino, wheat germ |
| Serving | Best served immediately |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F–400°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and efficiently. For eggplant fries, you should preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F.
Different recipes suggest different temperatures within this range. Some sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 360°F. This is a good temperature to aim for if you are using a small air fryer with a basket, as this will ensure your eggplant fries cook evenly.
Other sources suggest preheating your air fryer to 370°F or 375°F. These temperatures are still within the optimal range for cooking eggplant fries and will result in crispy, golden brown results.
If you are using an oven-type air fryer with trays, you may want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This higher temperature will help to ensure that your eggplant fries get crispy, especially if you are cooking in batches.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can transfer your eggplant fries to the basket or tray and cook them for around 8-18 minutes, depending on the size of your eggplant and the model of your air fryer. Remember to shake the basket or toss the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
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Cut eggplant into sticks/cubes
To cut an eggplant into sticks or cubes, start by trimming the ends. Then, cut the eggplant lengthwise into 0.5-inch-thick slices. You can cut these slices into sticks by cutting them lengthwise again into 0.5-inch strips or 0.25-inch strips. Alternatively, you can cut the eggplant into cubes by stacking the slices and then cutting them into long strips before cutting them crosswise into cubes. Try to keep the sticks or cubes at a similar thickness to allow them to cook evenly.
If you are making eggplant fries, you can coat the sticks by dipping them into a mixture of flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs with your choice of seasoning. Then, transfer the coated eggplant to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
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Season with salt, pepper, and spices
Seasoning is a crucial step in the cooking process, enhancing the flavour of your eggplant fries. For a basic combination of salt and pepper, you can simply sprinkle salt and crack pepper over your eggplant fries. However, if you want to add more depth to your dish, consider including additional spices.
Firstly, salt is essential for bringing out the flavour of the eggplant. It is recommended to use 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of eggplant. If you are using a different type of salt, such as table salt or fine sea salt, you will need to adjust the amount accordingly. For example, you would use less salt if you are using a finer variety. Additionally, you can sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes before cooking. This step adds extra time, but it enhances the flavour and texture of the eggplant, making it richer and smoother.
Next, black pepper can be added to your seasoning mix. Freshly ground pepper will provide the best flavour. You can also include red chilli flakes for an extra kick of spice and heat.
When it comes to spices, there are several options to consider. You can use Italian seasoning, which typically includes a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. Additionally, garlic powder or fresh garlic is a great addition, providing a savoury flavour boost. If you want a hint of nuttiness, cumin is a good choice. For a more subtle, earthy flavour, paprika can be used. Onion powder can also be included, adding a mild onion flavour to your fries.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can also try other spices and herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, to create a unique flavour profile for your eggplant fries.
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Air fry for 8–18 minutes
Air frying is a great way to cook eggplant fries, and the cook time will vary depending on the size of your eggplant and the model of your air fryer. It is important to ensure that the eggplant cooks evenly, so be sure to cut the eggplant into fries of the same thickness. You should also avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to keep the air flowing.
For an air fryer with a basket, it is recommended to air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you prefer crispier fries, you can cook them for an additional 4 to 6 minutes. It is best to serve eggplant fries immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
For an oven-type air fryer with trays, you can air fry at 400°F for about 18 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy. You may not need to toss or shake the eggplant halfway through cooking with this type of air fryer. However, if you have a basket model, you may need to shake it once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Leftover air-fried eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers back in the air fryer at 375ºF for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
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Serve with pasta sauce or fresh herbs
Air fryer eggplant fries are a tasty, healthy snack that can be served with pasta sauce or fresh herbs. The dish is vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, keto-friendly, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free, making it a great option for catering to multiple dietary requirements.
To make the eggplant fries, start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F–400°F (180°C–204°C). While the air fryer is preheating, slice your eggplant into sticks or cubes, aiming for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Place the eggplant in a bowl and toss with olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil of your choice, and your desired seasoning. You can use salt, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, red chili flakes, or black pepper.
Transfer the eggplant to the air fryer basket or tray, taking care not to overcrowd it, and air fry for 8 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of your eggplant and the level of crispiness you desire. For best results, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Now, for serving with pasta sauce or fresh herbs:
Pasta Sauce
If you want to serve your eggplant fries with pasta sauce, you can easily turn this side dish into a full meal. Cook some pasta and toss it with olive oil and fresh herbs. You can use basil, red pepper flakes, or any other herbs of your choice. Then, add a generous dollop of marinara or tomato sauce and top it off with cashew cream or vegan cream cheese. Place your crispy eggplant fries on top, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal.
Fresh Herbs
If you prefer to keep things simple, you can serve the eggplant fries as a side dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Parsley is a great option, adding a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. You can also try other herbs like basil, thyme, or chives, depending on your preference and what complements the rest of your meal. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors.
Remember, air fryer eggplant fries are best served fresh and hot, so it's recommended to enjoy them immediately after cooking. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer to restore their crispiness.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 8-10 minutes to cook eggplant fries in an air fryer. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 360-400 °F. Some recipes recommend a slightly lower temperature of 370 °F or 375 °F.
Cut the eggplant into fries of an even thickness, about 1/2-inch thick. You can peel the eggplant first, but it is not necessary, especially if it is young and fresh.
You will need olive oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point, and your choice of seasoning. Common seasonings include salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
Yes, you can store leftover eggplant fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to revive their crispiness.
