Air Fryer Eggplant Chips: A Crispy, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make a tasty, crispy snack without the grease and oil of traditional frying. Eggplant chips are a fantastic, healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. This simple recipe requires very few ingredients and is a fun way to get more vegetable variety on your plate.

Choosing the right eggplant

• Look for smaller eggplants: Smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and less bitterness. Japanese or Chinese eggplants are excellent choices for making chips due to their firmer texture and lower water content. They also produce smaller, chip-like rounds, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Check the shape and feel: Opt for eggplants that are slightly firm to the touch but not too hard. Avoid eggplants that are too soft or mushy, as they may be past their prime. Look for eggplants with a more oval-shaped dimple at the blossom end, as these tend to have fewer seeds and more flesh.
• Inspect the skin: The skin of the eggplant should be smooth and shiny, without any soft or brown spots. The ideal eggplant will be firm, with a vibrant purple colour and a glossy exterior.
• Consider the weight: A good eggplant will feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it is ripe and has a lower water content, which is ideal for making crispy chips.
• Male vs. Female: There is a folk belief that eggplants can be categorised as male or female based on their shape. Female eggplants tend to have more seeds and can be slightly rounder, while male eggplants have fewer seeds and are often favoured for cooking due to their potentially less bitter taste. However, this distinction is not scientifically proven, and the bitterness may be more related to the maturity of the eggplant.
• Freshness: Eggplants are best when fresh, so look for those that are recently harvested and avoid those that appear overgrown or overripe.

Remember, the key to choosing the right eggplant for chips is to find one with a lower water content, fewer seeds, and a firm texture. Smaller, fresher eggplants with glossy, smooth skin are ideal. Happy cooking!

Preparing the coating

The coating for your eggplant chips is key to achieving that crispy, golden texture and delicious flavour. You can experiment with different combinations of dry ingredients and spices to find your favourite, but here is a simple and tasty option:

Firstly, prepare your breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk an egg. You can add a little water to the egg to make it stretch further. In a second shallow bowl, combine your dry ingredients. For a basic coating, use a cup of Italian breadcrumbs, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon each of dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. You can also add a pinch of salt to taste. Mix the dry ingredients well, ensuring they are thoroughly combined.

If you want to spice things up, you could add some Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to your dry mixture. Alternatively, for a more subtle flavour, try adding some almond flour to your mixture, as recommended by Love and Lemons. This will give your chips a nuttier taste.

Now you are ready to coat your eggplant slices! Dip each slice first into the egg, ensuring it is well covered, and then roll it in your breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each slice is nicely coated on all sides. Repeat this process with all your eggplant slices.

Cooking method

To make eggplant chips in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 360–375 °F.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your eggplant. Cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick slices or sticks. Some recipes suggest salting the eggplant slices and letting them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture before patting them dry with a kitchen towel.

Next, prepare your coating. This could be a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate bowl, prepare some beaten eggs. Dip the eggplant slices first into the eggs, then into the coating mixture. Make sure the slices are nicely coated on all sides.

Place the coated eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches. Drizzle the slices with olive oil, or spritz them with cooking spray.

Cook the eggplant chips in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then, shake the basket and continue cooking for another 4–7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Serve the eggplant chips immediately, optionally with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and/or Parmesan cheese.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer eggplant chips are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. They can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish:

• Dips and Sauces: Serve the eggplant chips with a side of your favourite dip or sauce for an extra flavour boost. Some popular options include marinara sauce, Greek yogurt seasoned with salt and drizzled with olive oil, or a fresh tomato sauce.
• Salads: These crispy eggplant chips can add a tasty crunch to your salads. Try them with a Mediterranean quinoa salad, a cucumber tomato salad, or a substantial salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Main Course: For a heartier option, serve the eggplant chips as a side dish to a main course. They pair well with veggie burgers, pasta, chicken korma, or a cooked protein of your choice. You can also make it the main event by arranging the chips over pasta tossed with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a dollop of marinara or tomato sauce.
• Spices and Seasonings: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to add a kick to your chips. Try Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, curry powder, paprika, or a simple combination of salt and pepper.
• Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chips, or serve them with grated pecorino or cashew cream on the side.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs can add a delightful herbal note to the dish. Try sprinkling fresh thyme or basil leaves over the chips before serving.

With these serving suggestions, you can customise your air fryer eggplant chips to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy this tasty and versatile dish!

Storing leftovers

Alternatively, you can freeze your eggplant chips for a longer-term storage solution. To do this, wash the eggplants and cut them into cubes. Blanch the cubes for three minutes, then remove them from the hot water and immediately cool them in ice water. Drain the pieces well and pat them dry. Place the blanched eggplant cubes into a container or jar and store them in the freezer for up to nine months.

Eggplant is best stored in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar, at temperatures between 50-55˚F. It can be kept in the refrigerator but will only last for one to two days before starting to shrivel and soften.

Frequently asked questions