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- 1 large eggplant - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 2 large eggs - Olive oil spray To make crispy air fryer Parmesan eggplant fries, you need fresh ingredients. Start with a large eggplant. This will give you a good amount of fries. You will also need panko breadcrumbs. They make the fries extra crispy. Finely grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. Next, gather your seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning work well together. They add depth to the fries. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. These enhance the taste. You will also need two large eggs for the egg wash. This helps the breadcrumbs stick. Lastly, grab some olive oil spray. It helps crisp the fries in the air fryer. This simple list of ingredients makes a big difference. Each one plays a role in creating flavor and texture. Enjoy the process of gathering them. You’re on your way to a delicious treat! Start by slicing the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, place the slices in a colander. Sprinkle salt generously over them. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step draws out moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and moisture. For the breading, set up two bowls. In one bowl, whisk together two large beaten eggs until smooth. In the second bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the dry ingredients well so they blend evenly. Take each eggplant fry and dip it into the egg wash. Let any extra egg drip off. Then roll the fry in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick. Place each coated fry on a plate as you go. This will make it easier to cook them later. Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the fries cook evenly. While it preheats, arrange the fries in the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Lightly spray the coated eggplant fries with olive oil spray. This adds crispiness while cooking. Air fry the fries for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. When they finish, they should be golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, carefully take the fries out of the air fryer. Serve them hot. For a fun twist, pair them with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Present the fries in a nice bowl or on a platter to impress your guests. Enjoy the crunchy goodness! Salting the eggplant is key. This step helps draw out excess water and bitterness. By letting the salted eggplant sit for about 30 minutes, you enhance the final crunch. Rinse and dry the slices well afterward to avoid excess salt. Using panko breadcrumbs is a game-changer. Panko is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. This difference gives your fries that desired crunch, making each bite enjoyable. When you choose panko, you elevate the entire dish. To ensure even coating, set up your breading station with two bowls. Use one for the egg wash and another for the breadcrumb mix. Dip each eggplant fry in the egg first. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Wet hands can make breading tricky. To avoid this, keep one hand for the wet ingredients and the other for the dry. This method helps you manage the mess and makes the process smoother. Cooking time can vary based on size and your air fryer model. Fries cut thicker may need a bit longer. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Don’t forget to flip the fries halfway to ensure even cooking. Your patience will pay off with perfectly crispy fries. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your eggplant fries easily. Try adding different herbs and spices. Some great choices include: - Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor. - Cayenne pepper: For a spicy kick. - Dried basil or oregano: For an Italian twist. Cheese variations also work wonders. Instead of Parmesan, use: - Cheddar: Gives a rich, sharp taste. - Mozzarella: Offers a gooey, melty texture. If you want a vegan option, you can use aquafaba instead of eggs. Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It works well as a binding agent. For breadcrumbs, try these alternatives: - Crushed cornflakes: For a crunchy texture. - Ground oats: For a gluten-free option. Your eggplant fries can shine in many ways. Make them into a sandwich by adding: - Fresh veggies: Like lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers. - Sauces: Such as hummus or a spicy mayo. You can also turn the fries into a salad topping. Just toss them over: - Mixed greens: For a fresh crunch. - Grains: Like quinoa or bulgur for added health benefits. To store leftover fries, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to reheat them, set your air fryer to 375°F. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked eggplant fries. If you freeze uncooked fries, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cooked fries can also be frozen. Make sure they cool completely before packing. Use freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. Stored fries last about three days in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer. Watch for signs of spoilage, like strange smells or discoloration. If they feel slimy or mushy, throw them away. Always trust your senses when checking stored food! Yes, you can use an oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated eggplant fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy fries, too. Salt the eggplant for about 30 minutes. Salting helps remove moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. This step is key for getting fries that are crispy and tasty. Yes, eggplant fries are generally healthier than traditional potato fries. They have fewer calories and carbs. Eggplant is high in fiber, which helps with digestion. Plus, using an air fryer cuts down on oil. This makes them a better choice for a snack or side dish. Absolutely! You can use zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Cut them into fry shapes, just like the eggplant. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fries. Each vegetable will bring its unique flavor and texture, so feel free to get creative! You now have a complete guide to making delicious eggplant fries. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for crispiness, and even storage info. Remember, salting the eggplant is key for texture. Feel free to customize the flavor with different herbs or even vegan options. Enjoy your tasty, healthier alternative to regular fries. With practice, you'll perfect your technique and impress everyone with your cooking!

Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Fries

Discover how to make Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Eggplant Fries that are both delicious and guilt-free! This easy recipe combines fresh eggplant, savory Parmesan, and a little seasoning for a snack that's sure to impress. Perfectly crispy and ready in just 45 minutes, these fries are a must-try! Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to make them perfectly crispy and golden. Enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant, cut into fry-shaped sticks (about 1/4 inch thick)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 large eggs, beaten until well combined

Olive oil spray, for crisping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by slicing the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Place the cut eggplant in a colander and liberally sprinkle with salt. Allow the slices to sit for approximately 30 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture and any inherent bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and moisture.

    Set Up Your Breading Station: Create a two-bowl setup for the breading process. In one bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs until smooth. In a second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the dry ingredients until evenly distributed.

      Coat the Eggplant: Take each eggplant fry, dip it into the bowl of beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Next, roll the fry in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating sticks to the surface. Once coated, set each fry aside on a plate.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature before cooking the fries.

          Air Fry the Fries: Lightly spray the coated eggplant fries with olive oil spray to enhance crispness. Arrange the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd them. Cook the fries for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. They should emerge golden brown and crispy.

            Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re cooked to perfection, carefully remove the fries from the air fryer. Serve them hot and crispy, complemented by a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost.

              Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4