Delicious, guilt-free, crispiest eggplant fries in the air fryer in just 25 minutes. The traditional deep-fried method is also included. I made everyone at home taste these, and no one could guess what was inside. They make a delicious side dish.
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Air-fried eggplant fries are a healthier version of regular fries, with fewer calories than potato fries. They are lighter fries with a crispy breadcrumb coating and a tender interior.
They are simply delicious, and no one can detect what is inside. However, the seeds of the eggplant, if noticed, can make anyone suspicious.
This snack is also great for introducing eggplant to picky eaters.
Why this recipe is best?
The texture is somewhat hollow and bread-like. Additionally, it is chicken-flavored, which provides an extra boost of flavor.
The recipe uses soaking the eggplant which helps reduce the bitterness of eggplant.
By making these in an air fryer, you get a very crispy texture without any oily mess. The seasoned flour coating and bread crumbs together ensure that they are perfectly crispy and flavorful.
You can always deep fry these!
What goes into this recipe?
To make crispy eggplant fries, you will need the following ingredients:
- Eggplant: I used small eggplant for fries because they are less bitter. Long or globe-shaped, both work well for this recipe. I like to peel eggplant so my kids eat it without fuss. You can skip peeling for less effort and extra nutrition.
- Breadcrumbs: To make crispy fries you have to use breadcrumbs. I have used plain breadcrumbs, however, panko, whole wheat, or almond flour can also be used.
- Flour: I used flour coat first which help the breadcrumb stick well to the fries. You can substitute rice flour or cornstarch for the plain flour.
- Milk: Soaking the eggplant in milk prevents it from blackening and also remove some of the natural bitterness of the eggplant.
- Chicken powder: Adding this will give a boost of flavor; you can use any other seasoning of your choice like garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Egg: I use egg wash to coat eggplant fries. If making vegan version, switch eggwash with cornflour slurry.
- Herbs: I used dried basil. You can use any herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or Italian herbs of your choice.
How to make this recipe?
Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious eggplant fries:
- Prepare Egg Plant: Peel and cut two eggplants into fries-shaped strips. In a bowl, combine milk, water, and salt. Soak the eggplant strips in the milk mixture for 10 minutes. Also, cover eggplants with the plate so they stay soaked properly.
- Prepare Coating: Season the flour by mixing flour, dry basil leaves, and chicken powder, in a bowl until smooth.
- Make Eggwash: To make the egg wash, whisk together two large egg, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Coat the soaked eggplants in the seasoned flour, making sure that each eggplant strip is completely covered.
- Bread Them: First dip each strip in egg wash. Turn to coat all sides evenly.
- Then roll in the breadcrumbs, making sure that each fry is completely covered. Press the breadcrumbs if needed. Repeat with the remaining eggplant fries.
Different methods to bake and fry!
You can choose any method, you like. I recommend air-fry for best result.
Deep Fry: Heat 2 inch oil in a pot or wok. Fry breaded eggplant strips on medium heat until golden brown. Fry in batches. The eggplant fries will puff up a bit which is a sign they are cooked completely.
Air Fry: To air-fry eggplant fries, simply preheat your air fryer to 175 degrees Celsius for 2 minutes. Place the eggplant fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Spray the fries lightly with a little cooking spray/ olive oil on both side. Air-fry for 10 minutes at 175 C. Shake after 5 minutes.
Bake In the Oven: Place the eggplant fries on the baking sheet lined with baking paper in a single layer. Spray the fries lightly with a little cooking spray/ olive oil.
Then bake them in the pre-heated oven for 15-18 minutes at 425ºF/220ºC until golden brown. Flip the eggplant fries midway.
Expert Tips
Storage:
Serve immediately, store any leftover eggplant fries in an air-tight container. Air fryer for 2 minutes to reheat if needed.
Make ahead:
Coating and the breading station is a bit of a hassle but the good thing is that you can coat the eggplant fries with breadcrumbs up to two hours ahead and store them in the fridge. Just before serving deep fry them and serve crispy fried eggplant fries hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions:
Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or try sprinkling some chat masala on the fries before serving.
I recommend a spicy dipping sauce like mayo garlic dip or marinara sauce to go with it.
Seasonings:
You can always use any seasonings you like, onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun, or fajita.
Vegetables:
Try switching eggplant for zucchini to make zucchini fries.
FAQS
To cut eggplant for fries, simply wash the eggplant and trim the ends. Then, cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and cut each half into ½-inch thick slices. Finally, cut each slice into less than ½-inch wide fries.
You need to soak the eggplant in milk and water solution so they don't turn dark. This also helps remove some of the bitterness of the eggplant.
I personally prefer making eggplant fries in the air fryer, because if convenient and less messy. Moreover, it is crispier than its baked or deep-fried counterpart.
Hungry for more fries? Check these!
If you try this eggplant fries recipe, I'd LOVE to hear your feedback in the comments. Your 5-ratings motivate me to do my best. Stay connected for more recipes and videos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube.
📖 Recipe
Eggplant Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (200 gram) eggplant, preferably small sized
Soaking solution
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Flour Coating
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tablespoon chicken powder
- ½ teaspoon dry basil leaves
Bread crumbs Coating
- 2 large eggs
- a pinch salt
- a pinch pepper
- 1½ cup bread crumbs, like panko
- Oil, to fry
Instructions
- Mix milk, water and salt in a large bowl set aside.
- Peel eggplant (optional) and cut lengthwise like french fries. Soak eggplant in milk water solution for 10 minutes.
- Mix all ingredients of flour coating in a bowl.
- Shake excess water from the eggplant strips and coat each strip in flour coating.
- Beat eggs with salt, pepper and milk. Coat each eggplant slice in egg mixture first then coat with bread crumbs. Choose any method for cooking.
Deep Fry
- When all fries are coated, heat oil and deep fry eggplant fries until golden brown. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Air-Fry (recommended)
- To air-fry eggplant fries, simply preheat your air fryer to 175 degrees Celsius.
- Place the eggplant fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the fries lightly with a little cooking spray/ olive oil on both sides. Air-fry for 10 minutes. Shake after 5 minutes.
Bake in Oven
- Place the eggplant fries on the baking sheet lined with baking paper in a single layer. Spray the fries lightly with a little cooking spray/ olive oil.
- Then bake them in the pre-heated oven for 15-18 minutes at 425ºF/220ºC until golden brown. Flip the eggplant fries midway.
Notes
- Eggplant: I used small eggplant for fries because they are less bitter. Peeling is optional.
- Chicken powder: You can use any other seasoning of your choice like garlic powder, fajita, or cajun to enhance the flavor.
- Egg: I use egg wash to coat eggplant fries. If making vegan version, switch eggwash with cornflour slurry.
- Herbs: I used dried basil. You can use any herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or Italian herbs of your choice.
- Storage: Serve immediately, and store any leftover eggplant fries in an air-tight container. Air fryer for 2 minutes to reheat if needed.
- Make ahead: Store breaded eggplant in the fridge. Cook just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or try sprinkling some chat masala on the fries before serving. I recommend a spicy dipping sauce like mayo garlic dip or marinara sauce to go with it.
Mary Cocchetto says
I use 5o work at Dodge Main, Chrysler plant and their cafeteria had some excellent cooks. They use to make French Fries eggplant and they were so delicious! I have tried but could not quite get the same texture, they were crispy just like French fries but I will give this recipe a try, Thank you! The Chrysler Dodge Main plant was located in Detroit, Michigan!
Mariam Sodawater says
Hey Mary, I'm soon gonna update this recipe with Air-fryer version as well. Air-fryer make very crispy fries. You'd love them! Do share you feedback of this recipe.
Carolyn Copous says
This recipe is fabulous! I didn't have regular bread crumbs so I used seasoned panko bread crumbs that I crushed up before dipping in the bread crumbs. I deep fried what I wanted to eat and then I placed the remaining eggplant strips on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for an hour. I then placed them in freezer bags so that I can enjoy them later. They were so crispy and so good!
Mariam Sodawater says
I'm so glad, I've been thinking to update this beautiful recipe with new photos and video. Thanks for the reminder. Have a nice day.
Umm-e-Aimen Taaha says
My family couldn't guess till the last bite, my daughter never eats Brinjal infact any veggie so easily but she also loved it.
I used wheatbix instead of breadcrumbs, it turned out v well. Thanks alot
Recipe 52 says
Thanks a lot Umme Aimon for leaving comment. Tell you daughters Mariam aunty loves them.?
Saki says
Innovative receipe. .Thnkz
Recipe 52 says
I’m glad you liked. Thanks for the feedback.