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.
Video
Notes
Calories for Fried Eggplant will be higher up to 550 kcal.
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.