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- 1 large eggplant - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper - Marinara sauce for dipping Each serving has about 180 calories, 8 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs, and 6 grams of protein. Eggplant is a star in this recipe. Its texture works well as fries. You will love how crispy they get in the air fryer. Panko breadcrumbs make the fries extra crunchy. Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor that makes them hard to resist. I suggest using fresh eggs for the best results. They help the coating stick well. Salt draws moisture out of the eggplant and cuts any bitterness. Italian seasoning gives the fries a nice herb taste. Garlic powder adds a bit of zest too. If you like, you can dip these fries in marinara sauce. It adds a tangy touch that pairs well with the crispy fries. Start by cutting the eggplant into thin fries, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices in a colander. Generously sprinkle salt on them. Let them rest for 30 minutes. This step draws out moisture and reduces bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water. Make sure to wash off all the salt. Pat each slice dry with paper towels. This is key for a crispy fry. Now, set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps the fries cook evenly and turn crispy. This step is very important, so don’t skip it! In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended. This mix gives the fries a tasty, crunchy coating. Take one eggplant slice and dip it into the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s fully covered. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. Repeat this for all slices, ensuring each one is well coated. Place the coated eggplant fries in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each fry. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece and cook them evenly. Cook the eggplant fries in the air fryer for 15 to 18 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through the cooking time. They should look golden brown and crispy when done. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! To get that perfect crisp, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) before you start cooking. This step warms the air fryer and helps the fries cook evenly. Next, space your eggplant fries well in the basket. If you crowd them, they will steam instead of crisp. Give each fry room to breathe for the best results. Salting the eggplant is key. After cutting the eggplant into fries, sprinkle salt on them and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process pulls out moisture and reduces bitterness. Once done, rinse off the salt and dry each slice well with paper towels. This prevents sogginess and keeps the fries crispy. Serve your eggplant fries warm for the best flavor and texture. They taste great right out of the air fryer. If you let them sit too long, they can lose their crispiness. For a fun touch, dip them in warm marinara sauce. This adds a tangy kick and makes them even more enjoyable! {{image_4}} You can customize your eggplant fries to match your taste. Try adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the breadcrumbs. These add flavor and freshness. If you prefer a different cheese, try using mozzarella or a spicy cheese blend. Experimenting with spices and herbs makes each batch unique. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. You can use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Both options give a nice crunch. Make sure your cheese is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. For dipping, marinara sauce is classic, but don’t stop there. You can try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. These dips add fun flavors. For sides, pair the fries with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. This makes your meal more balanced and colorful. Enjoying different dips and sides can turn a simple snack into a feast! To keep your leftover eggplant fries fresh, use an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps maintain crispiness. Store the container in your fridge. Consume the fries within 3 days for the best taste and texture. To reheat and keep them crispy, use your air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. You can also use an oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes. To freeze your eggplant fries, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, cook straight from frozen in your air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Check for crispiness and adjust the time if needed. Enjoy your delicious fries again! Yes, you can! Here are a few great options: - Zucchini - Sweet potatoes - Carrots - Bell peppers These veggies can also give you a fun and tasty fry. Just cut them into thin sticks like the eggplant. Remember, cooking times may change based on the veggie you choose. To add some heat, try these tips: - Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix. - Use spicy Italian seasoning instead of regular. - Serve with a spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha or a hot marinara. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can always add more! If you don't own an air fryer, no worries! You can still make these fries: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated eggplant fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway until they are golden brown. - Stovetop Method: Use a skillet with oil over medium heat. Fry the coated eggplant strips in batches until they are crispy and brown on both sides. Both methods will give you tasty fries, just with a different texture! In this article, we talked about making tasty eggplant fries. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare them step by step. I shared tips to achieve the best crisp and avoid sogginess. We also covered how to store leftovers and explore different variations. Now, you can enjoy a healthier snack that's easy to prepare. Remember, customizing with your favorite spices can make a big difference. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking!

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Fries

Satisfy your cravings with these Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Fries! This delightful recipe combines the perfect crunchy coating of breadcrumbs and Parmesan with tender eggplant, making for a healthy and delicious appetizer or snack. Learn how to create these golden fries, served with warm marinara for dipping. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant, cut into thin fries (approximately 1/4 inch thick)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for an extra crunchy texture)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

2 large eggs, beaten until frothy

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant: Start by placing the sliced eggplant in a colander. Generously sprinkle the slices with salt and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes. This process will help draw out excess moisture and minimize bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water to remove the salt and pat each slice dry thoroughly using paper towels.

    Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.

      Prepare the Coating: In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

        Coat the Eggplant Fries: Take each eggplant slice and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off. Next, roll the slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the eggplant. Repeat the process for all slices.

          Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated eggplant fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. It's important to keep space around each piece for even cooking; you may need to cook in batches.

            Air Fry: Cook the eggplant fries in the air fryer for 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should emerge from the air fryer golden brown and crispy.

              Serve: Once the fries are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and can be dipped in a side of warm marinara sauce for a deliciously tangy finish.

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

                  - Serving Suggestion: For an appealing presentation, serve the fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color!