If you’re on the hunt for tasty and healthy air fried eggplant recipes, then you’ve come to the right place! These Air Fryer Eggplant Fries are one of my family’s favorites, and they’re super easy to make in the air fryer. If you’re looking for air fryer eggplant recipes that don’t require deep frying but still give you that crispy, golden finish, this one is perfect. Whether you’re making eggplant fries in air fryer or experimenting with different eggplant air fryer recipes, you’ll love how quick and simple this recipe is.
These crispy eggplant fries are a great alternative to air fryer French fries and are packed with flavor. They’re the perfect side dish or snack, and they’re so easy to throw together, even if you’re busy like me! Eggplant dishes are usually packed with flavor, but I love how airfryer eggplant gives them that extra crunch, turning them into the ultimate crispy treat. If you’re looking for more eggplant air fryer recipes or just trying to figure out ways to use eggplant, these eggplant fries air fryer are a great choice.
Whether you call them eggplant fries air fryer recipes or eggplant fries in air fryer, they are sure to be a hit at the table. You can even mix them up with other veggie fries for a healthier snack option. Get ready for some seriously delicious eggplant side recipes that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (regular works fine, but panko gives it a nice crunch!)
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese (this is optional, but I love it for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- Cooking spray (or olive oil if you’re feeling fancy)
Instructions:
1. Get the Eggplant Ready
Start by cutting your eggplant into fries. I like to make them about 1/4 inch thick, but don’t stress too much about the size. Just make sure they’re not too thick or they won’t get that crispy texture we’re after.
2. Mix Your Breadcrumbs and Seasonings
In a big bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese (if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix. The seasonings really make these fries pop, so don’t skip this step!
3. Dip the Eggplant
Now grab another bowl and crack those eggs into it. Whisk them up so they’re all nice and beaten. Then, take each eggplant fry, dip it in the egg wash, and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press it in a bit to make sure it sticks. Do this until all your fries are covered in that yummy breading.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). It only takes a couple of minutes, and while it’s heating up, you can get your fries ready.
5. Air Fry Those Fries
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to keep things from sticking. Then, arrange your fries in a single layer inside the basket. Don’t overcrowd them or they won’t get that nice, crispy texture. You might need to cook in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
6. Cook and Flip
Air fry your fries for about 15 minutes. Halfway through (around 7 minutes), flip them over so both sides get nice and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to make sure they don’t burn. You can cook them a little longer if you want them extra crispy!
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re golden brown and crispy, take them out and let them cool for a minute. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara, ranch, or even some yogurt and herbs. Trust me, these won’t last long. My kids can never get enough!
Why You’ll Love These Fries:
- Quick & easy: The air fryer does all the work, and you don’t have to stand over a hot stove.
- Kids will love ‘em: I’m not joking, my little ones devour these. They’re just like regular fries, but healthier!
- No mess: No oil splattering all over your kitchen. Just a little spray, and boom, fries are ready.
- Sneaky veggies: It’s a great way to get some veggies into those picky eaters. And trust me, they’ll be asking for more.
So, next time you’re looking for a healthy-ish snack, give these air fryer eggplant fries a try! They’re so easy to make, and the whole family will love them. Let me know if you give them a shot, I’m sure they’ll be a hit at your house too!
FAQs: Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
Can I use any type of eggplant for this recipe?
Yes! Any variety of eggplant works, but I usually go for the medium-sized globe eggplant because it has the right texture. Just make sure it’s not too big, as it can be a bit tougher.
Can I make these eggplant fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the eggplant fries ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just coat them in the breadcrumbs and egg mixture, cover them with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.
Can I use a different kind of breadcrumbs?
Yes! If you don’t have regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crunch. You can even use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option.
Can I freeze these eggplant fries?
Yes, you can freeze them! After breading the fries, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, just air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How long do the fries last in the fridge?
These eggplant fries are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture!
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe Card
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
Ingredients
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs regular or panko
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant:
- Slice the eggplant into fries, about 1/4 inch thick. (Don’t worry about being perfect!)
Prepare the Breading:
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Dip the Fries:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each eggplant fry into the egg wash, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Air Fry the Fries:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the fries in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray the fries lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve:
- Once golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, spray a little extra oil and flip halfway through.
- You can prep these ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Try adding cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick!
These Air Fried Eggplant Fries are truly a game changer when it comes to finding tasty, easy-to-make air fryer eggplant recipes. If you’ve been looking for a healthier alternative to air fryer French fries or just want to try something new, these crispy fries are perfect! Whether you call them eggplant fries air fryer or eggplant fries in air fryer, they make a delicious snack or side dish that’s packed with flavor.
If you’re a fan of air fryer eggplant or experimenting with different eggplant air fryer recipes, this is definitely a recipe to add to your rotation. You can explore more eggplant airfryer recipes to create a variety of eggplant dishes the whole family will love. From eggplant air fryer to fried eggplant air fryer, the air fryer makes cooking eggplant a breeze. Plus, eggplant recipes easy in the air fryer can be adapted for all tastes, from eggplant side recipes to veggie fries and beyond.
So, next time you’re looking for ways to use eggplant, try these crispy eggplant fries air fryer recipes. They’re quick, delicious, and sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
