Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 25 minutes
METHOD: Air Fryer
OTHER TOOLS: mini-chopper or food processor
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 9
Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer is a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! The crispy breading turns golden brown in the air fryer, and the combination of potato chips and panko breadcrumbs keeps it light and satisfying. Serve this healthy side dish with dipping sauces for a delicious added touch!
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- Try this crispy take on eggplant that’s golden brown and flavorful, without any deep-frying! Mix up a simple breading with egg wash and let the air fryer work its magic.
- Eggplant fries are a fun and spicy twist on a classic side or appetizer. Serve them as a main vegetarian dish or with dipping sauces for extra flavor.
- Breaded eggplant is quick and easy to make in the air fryer, ready in under 25 minutes! This is a delicious addition to grilled meats, Italian-inspired dishes, or for any time that you want to add more veggies to your menu.
- If you have a garden-fresh eggplant or find one on sale at the grocery store, this is a great way to use it up.
- Sneak some vegetables onto your kids’ plates with this kid-friendly finger food. The crispy breading adds plenty of flavor, and you can adjust the spice level as needed.
Ingredients Needed
- Eggplant – Eggplant is a carbohydrate-rich vegetable that also contains a good amount of fiber. Look for a medium-sized eggplant to work best for slicing into uniform fry shapes or cubes. Overly large eggplants can taste bitter, so it’s best to avoid those.
- Egg – A beaten egg wash will lightly coat the eggplant and bind the crispy coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs and crushed potato chips – Together, panko and crushed chips create a crunchy texture that adheres well to the eggplant. The added salt in the potato chips adds flavor, and you can use gluten-free panko if needed.
- Smoked paprika – This adds a little smoky flavor and depth to the breading.
- Cayenne pepper – Elevate the breading with a touch of spicy heat. You can adjust this amount according to your spice preference.
- Garlic powder and salt – Finish out the breading with a bit of extra seasoning from garlic powder and salt. This also enhances the flavor of the eggplant under the breading.
- Avocado oil spray – Avocado oil spray helps keep the eggplant fries from sticking to the basket and also allows them to brown lightly without burning or adding extra fat.
How To Make Eggplant In The Air Fryer
- Cut off the ends and slice the eggplant into fry-sized sticks (about ½ inch thick). Lightly salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg.
- In another bowl, mix panko, crushed chips, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt. Place in a mini-chopper or food processor and pulse until the mixture is blended and broken down into a coarse powder.
- Dip each eggplant fry into the egg, then coat in the panko and chip mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 ℉, and spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer (cook in batches if necessary), and lightly spray the tops with oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Breaded eggplant is best served hot with a dipping sauce, such as spicy ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara.
Pro Tips
- When choosing an eggplant, look for firm, shiny skin and a slightly heavy feel. Avoid an eggplant with soft spots or wrinkling.
- Lightly salting and draining helps reduce bitterness and draws out excess moisture, resulting in a better texture. (This process is also called “sweating the eggplant.”)
- Slice the eggplant into evenly cut ½-inch sticks for consistent cooking, or cube it for bite-sized pieces.
- Cook in a single layer for crisp results. Don’t overcrowd or stack the eggplant pieces, which prevents proper airflow.
- Be sure to flip the pieces halfway through cooking for even browning and a crispy exterior on all sides.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Change up the flavors to match your meal! Try adding Italian herbs, ranch seasoning, or Parmesan cheese to the breading for a different flavor profile.
- Use just panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture or almond flour for a lower-carb option.
- Omit or reduce cayenne pepper for a milder version, or add more for extra spice.
How To Serve Eggplant
Breaded eggplant is a unique way to serve (or disguise!) a veggie and add it to practically any meal. Serve it with Easy Gluten Free Meatloaf and mashed potatoes, or as a side to spaghetti with homemade Spaghetti Sauce.
Pair the eggplant with grilled chicken thighs, sandwiches, or salads for a complete meal. The air fryer makes it easy to add a fun side to your main meal!
Enjoy eggplant “fries” with dipping sauces like marinara, spicy ranch, or garlic aioli, and Sprinkle with fresh herbs or parmesan for added flavor.
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store the cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Reheat the fries in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness to the breading.
Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer
Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer is a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! The crispy breading turns golden brown in the air fryer, and the combination of potato chips and panko breadcrumbs keeps it light and satisfying. Serve this healthy side dish with dipping sauces for a delicious added touch!
Equipment
- Mini-chopper or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 large egg
- 1 oz panko breadcrumbs can use gluten-free
- 1 oz spicy or regular potato chips crushed
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to heat preference
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Avocado oil spray or other high-heat spray
Instructions
- Cut off the ends and slice eggplant into fry-sized sticks (about ½ inch thick). Lightly salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg.
- In another bowl, mix panko, crushed chips, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt. Place in mini-chopper or food processor and pulse until mixture is blended and broken down into coarse powder.
- Dip each eggplant fry into egg, then coat in panko and chip mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 ℉, and spray air fryer basket with avocado oil spray.
- Arrange fries in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary), and lightly spray tops with oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Breaded eggplant is best served hot with a dipping sauce, such as spicy ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara.
Notes
- Store fully cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes to crisp the breading again.
- Choose an eggplant with firm, shiny skin and a slightly heavy feel. Avoid eggplant with soft spots or wrinkles.
- Lightly salting the eggplant before cooking helps to rescue bitterness and draw out excess moisture.
- Slice into uniform sticks or cubes for even cooking throughout the batch.
- Avoid overcrowding and cook in a single layer to ensure crispness.
