Crispy and flavorful, these Air Fryer Eggplant Fries are a delicious and healthy side dish. They don't take too long to make and are crisped up to golden perfection in the air fryer with only a small amount of oil. You won't believe how much your family will love these healthy fries!
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👩🏻🍳 Why You'll Love This Recipe
There are a few recipes that I am obsessed with right now. Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, and these Air Fryer Eggplant Fries. I'm all about saucy flavor-packed recipes and crispy dishes right now. And these eggplant fries? They're a combination of both.
They are so crunchy thanks to the panko coating and it goes well with all kinds of dips and sauces. You're not going to be able to just stop at one so if you're planning to share these fries, be sure to make extra!
So why the air fryer? The air fryer is one of my favorite go-to appliances because you can get such delicious crispy food without having to use a ton of oil.
When you deep fry something for that crispy texture, the food in submerged in oil and absorbs it. When you air fry something, you use a bit of oil and the air fryer does it's magic and you get crispy food! These eggplant fries only require you to spray some oil in the basket and then a light mist over top of them before frying.
🥘 Ingredients Needed
For a complete list of ingredients, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- eggplant - make sure to pick an eggplant with no visible blemishes. The skin should look smooth and taut. The eggplant should also be slightly firm when squeezed.
- panko - panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style bread crumbs. They are lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs.
- seasoning - I use dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, and garlic powder to season my panko.
- parmesan - don't skip out on parmesan. I prefer freshly grated parmesan versus dried.
- eggs - to bind the coating to the eggplant, you'll need some eggs.
🔪 Instructions
Please note: This is an overview of the instructions. You'll find the complete instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cut up the eggplant into similar-sized sticks.
- Combine the panko, seasonings, and parmesan in a shallow dish.
- Beat the eggs in another shallow dish Then coat the eggplant fries with egg and then transfer to the coating, using a fork.
- Spray the air fryer basket with some oil. Place the eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the fries with a light coat of oil and then air fry for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Repeat until all the fries are done. Serve with your dip of choice!
👪 FAQs
I suggest you serve these immediately. They are super crispy after air frying but do lose some of the crunch when stored in the fridge over time. If you have leftovers, I suggest heating them up in the air fryer to get some of the crunch back.
You can sub the panko for traditional breadcrumbs or make your own.
These crispy air fryer eggplant fries go with almost everything! Try using my Basic Homemade Marinara Sauce, ketchup, ranch, caesar dipping sauce, or some hot sauce as a dip.
No need to peel the eggplant beforehand! The skin is edible and is nutrient-rich.
💭 Helpful Tips
- The best way to cut the eggplant is by slicing off the top and bottom and then cut the eggplant in half, widthwise. Slice the halves into four long pieces before cutting each of those into four as well, forming fries.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or stacking too many into the basket. This makes your eggplant fries less crispy.
- Grate some more parmesan on top of the eggplant fries right as they come out of the air fryer for more flavor.
- These fries are best eaten immediately for the maximum crunch.
📖 Variations
- Change these to chips by slicing the eggplant into rounds instead of sticks.
- Add some heat by adding cayenne pepper to the panko coating.
- Use a gluten-free breadcrumb to make this gluten-free.
- Try herb de Provence or a different combination of dried herbs to change things up.
🥗 Suggested Side Dishes
Here are some delicious dishes that would go well with these eggplant fries!
🍞 Related Recipes
Here are a few more side dish ideas for you! They are super versatile and go with any meal!
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
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📋 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 1 cup panko
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Cut up the eggplant into similar-sized sticks.1 eggplant
- Combine the panko, parmesan, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.1 cup panko, ½ cup grated parmesan, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Beat the eggs in another shallow dish.2 eggs
- Coat the eggplant fries with egg and then transfer to the coating, using a fork.2 eggs
- Spray the air fryer basket with some oil. Place the eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.olive oil spray
- Spray the fries with a light coat of oil and then air fry for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Repeat until all the fries are done. Serve with your dip of choice!
Notes
- To cut the eggplant, slice off the top and bottom and then cut the eggplant in half, widthwise. Slice the halves into four long pieces before cutting each of those into four, forming fries.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or stacking too many fries together. This prevents the fries from getting crispy.
- Grate some more parmesan on top of the eggplant fries right as they come out of the air fryer for more flavor. Top with additional garnish of choice as well such as fresh herbs.
- There will be some panko leftover but it's better to have extra than not enough.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Carmy is the blogger behind Carmyy.com and Onepotonly.com where she shares simple delicious recipes that are family friendly and easy to make! You can find her on Instagram and TikTok when she's not on her blog!
Barbara Miller says
I used my oven air fryer, and maybe that makes a difference. I cooked at 350* and turned after 5 minutes. At that point they were barely hot.
After 5 more minutes, they still were still not crisp. I increased the heat to 400* and they began getting done. The next batch I did at 400* for a total of 14 minutes. They did get crispy and brown. Thanks for the recipe! I would love to hear from others about using an oven air fryer to do these.
Kristin King says
Honestly, I think there can even be pretty big variations between different countertop air fryers. You did the right thing by adjusting for your appliance! Glad they turned out eventually and you were able to enjoy them! 🙂
MeMom StMartin says
Does the eggplant need to be peeled
Kristin says
Nope, no need to peel it! 🙂
veenaazmanov says
Love to try these out with my kids. They would never imagine enjoying this snack. Looks crispy and tempting and I just love that the Air Fryer option makes it healthier too.
kylie says
These are the best!!! I may have pretended to the kids that they were zucchini fries, but who cares, they ate them!
Biana says
I love eggplant and these fries look super crispy! What a perfect air fryer recipe.
Anjali says
Love this healthier version of fries!! I know they are going to be a hit with my kids! Can't wait to make them this week!
Julie says
We love eggplant and these fries are going to be devoured in my house.