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–+ servings
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Air Fryer Crispy Eggplant Fries

These Air Fryer Crispy Eggplant Fries are golden, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious. With a crispy panko-Parmesan coating and tender interior, they're a healthy, kid-approved alternative to traditional fries ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Eggplant
  • 2 large globes eggplant firm, unblemished
Breading Station
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Seasonings & Oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked preferred
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt plus more for sweating
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper fresh cracked
  • Olive oil spray pure, no propellants

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,
  • Shallow Bowls
  • paper towels.
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Wash and slice eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds, then cut into fry-shaped sticks.
  2. Salt generously and let sit in colander for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat completely dry.
  3. Set up breading station: flour in one bowl, whisked eggs with 1 tbsp water in second bowl, and panko mixed with Parmesan and seasonings in third.
  4. Dredge eggplant sticks: flour → egg → panko, pressing firmly to adhere. Keep wet/dry hands separate.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 385°F (195°C). Lightly spray basket and arrange fries in a single layer without overcrowding.
  6. Spray fries generously with olive oil. Cook 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  7. Season with extra salt or herbs, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 7gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

For gluten-free fries, substitute flour and panko with GF versions. For keto, try crushed pork rinds. For vegan, use a plant-based milk + cornstarch mixture and nutritional yeast instead of egg and Parmesan.
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