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!
Servings 4
Calories 112kcal
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 253mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 261IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg