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- 1 large eggplant - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 beaten eggs - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Marinara sauce for dipping You need a few key items to make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Fries. Start with one large eggplant. Slice it into thin fries, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy. Next, grab a cup of breadcrumbs. I recommend panko for extra crunch. You will also need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that rich flavor. You will then use two beaten eggs. They help the breadcrumbs stick to the eggplant. For seasoning, you need 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, don’t forget the marinara sauce for dipping. It pairs perfectly with the crispy fries. These ingredients combine to create a tasty snack or side. Each item plays a role in making your fries crispy and delicious. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking. This way, you can enjoy your flavorful Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Fries in no time! First, slice the large eggplant into thin fries. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This will help them cook evenly. Place the sliced eggplant in a colander. Sprinkle salt on top of the slices. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. This process draws out moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water. Pat the slices dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispy fries. Now, let’s mix the breadcrumb mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined. Next, dip each eggplant slice into 2 beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off. After that, coat the slice in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Before air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. Place the coated eggplant fries in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them, as this can lead to uneven cooking. You may need to work in batches. Air fry the eggplant fries for 15-18 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. You know they are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy and delicious eggplant fries! To get that perfect crunch, I always use panko breadcrumbs. They add a light and airy texture that makes all the difference. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives you more crunch. Another key tip is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If you stack the eggplant fries, they won’t crisp up well. Instead, arrange them in a single layer. If you have a lot, cook them in batches. This way, every fry gets hot air and cooks evenly. To boost flavor, I love experimenting with spices. In addition to Italian seasoning, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or some dried oregano. These spices enhance the taste and bring out the best in eggplant. Also, consider mixing different types of Parmesan. You can use a blend of aged and fresh Parmesan for a richer flavor. This small tweak can elevate your fries from good to amazing! {{image_2}} You can make your eggplant fries extra cheesy. Just add mozzarella or provolone cheese to the breadcrumb mix. This will give your fries a delicious, gooey center. Simply mix in about a cup of shredded cheese with your breadcrumbs. When you bake them, the cheese melts and creates a wonderful flavor. It’s a great twist on the classic recipe. If you like some heat, try a spicy version. Just add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Start with one teaspoon and add more if you want it hotter. The spice will enhance the flavor of the eggplant. It gives your fries a nice kick that pairs well with marinara sauce. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They are easy to find in most stores. You can also make your own by grinding gluten-free bread. Just follow the same steps as the original recipe. This way, everyone can enjoy these crispy eggplant fries. To keep your eggplant fries fresh, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool before storing. Refrigerate the fries for up to three days. Line the container with paper towels to absorb moisture. This helps keep them crispy for longer. Avoid stacking the fries to prevent sogginess. To reheat and keep the fries crisp, use the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fries in a single layer and heat for about 5 minutes. This method revives their crunchiness. You can also use a toaster oven for reheating. Avoid the microwave, as it makes them soggy. Yes, you can use frozen eggplant fries. Frozen fries save time, but they may not be as crispy. Fresh eggplant fries generally have a better texture and flavor. If you choose frozen, adjust the cooking time. They may need a few extra minutes to cook through. You will know the fries are done when they are golden brown. They should feel crispy on the outside and tender inside. A good way to check is to flip them halfway through cooking. If they look too pale, give them a few more minutes. Absolutely! To make it vegan, replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. For cheese, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. This blog post showed you how to make tasty eggplant fries. We covered the main ingredients, like eggplant and Parmesan cheese, and shared easy steps for preparation and cooking. Tips for crispness and flavor add fun twists. You learned about variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. Now, you can enjoy healthy snacks that satisfy your taste. Get creative with spices or cheeses and enjoy every crispy bite!

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Fries

Craving a delicious twist on a classic? Try these Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Fries! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re made with fresh eggplant, savory Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Ideal for a healthy snack or side dish, these fries pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping. Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to whip up this tasty treat today!
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Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant, sliced into thin fries (about 1/4 inch thick)

1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the eggplant fries. Place the sliced eggplant in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse the salt off and pat the slices dry with paper towels.

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

      In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Dip each eggplant slice first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.

          Arrange the coated eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to work in batches.

            Air fry the eggplant fries for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

              Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4