Eggplant Parmesan Fries (Air Fryer)

These Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Fries make the best crispy appetizer! This recipe is vegetarian, gluten free, and perfect with marinara.

This recipe puts a fun twist on eggplant parm in that the eggplant is cut into fries, breaded, and 'fried' until crispy in the air fryer. These Air Fryer Eggplant Fries might just be my new favorite way to enjoy this classic Italian dish.

If you've ever made eggplant parmesan you know it's one of the best dishes out there. Crispy breaded eggplant tossed in marinara sauce, covered in cheese, and baked until bubbly? Yes, please!

The air fryer is an amazing contraption that turns just about anything you throw into it a crispy, delicious version of itself. I love eggplant just about any way I can get it but this preparation is at the top of the list.

These eggplant parmesan fries are a great introduction if you've never tried eggplant because they're easy to prepare and downright addicting.

Serve with warmed marinara sauce for a tasty treat!

Jump to:

• Do You Need To Peel Eggplant Before Cooking?
• How To Cut Eggplant Into Fries
• Do I Need To Salt The Eggplant First?
• How To Make Eggplant Parmesan Fries
• How To Make Eggplant Not Mushy
• How To Know When Eggplant Is Fully Cooked
• How To Make Eggplant Fries In The Oven
• What To Serve With Air Fried Eggplant Fries
• How Long Does Air Fryer Eggplant Last?
• Can They Be Frozen?
• Eggplant Parmesan Fries (Air Fryer)

Do You Need To Peel Eggplant Before Cooking?

Eggplant (also known as aubergine or brinjal) is an amazing fruit (yes, it is a fruit) and can be prepared in so many different ways.

It's found in cuisines all across the world and is a great substitute for meat because it's hearty and tends to take on the flavor of whatever is added to it.

Eggplant can be roasted, fried, grilled, sautéed, pickled, stuffed, and pureed. It's found in everything from dips like Baba Ghanoush to soups to casseroles like Vegetable Lasagna.

When it comes to eggplant parmesan and many eggplant dishes there is no need to peel the skin before cooking. The skin provides great texture and there's little taste to it so peeling first is not necessary.

How To Cut Eggplant Into Fries

The process of making eggplant parmesan fries is slightly different than if you were to make a traditional eggplant parmesan but similar in many ways.

1. The first step is to cut the bottom and top off a large eggplant with a knife (this creates a flat surface on which to cut the eggplant which is not only safer but more efficient).
2. The next step is to cut the eggplant in half.
3. Next, place one of the halves on a cutting board (flat side down) and cut it into half-inch slices. Repeat with the second half of the eggplant.
4. Lastly, cut each of the slices into wedges. The eggplant slices should look like potato wedges that you might order at a restaurant at this point.

Do I Need To Salt The Eggplant First?

There is no need to salt the eggplant first when making these eggplant parmesan fries.

Salting eggplant can draw out any excess bitterness and moisture. It's recommended when making eggplant parmesan or more complex dishes if you have the time but it's not absolutely necessary.

How To Make Eggplant Parmesan Fries

Transforming an eggplant into a big batch of fries is super easy if you've got an air fryer on hand. An air fryer is not necessary to create this recipe as it can also be baked in the oven.

Once the eggplant is cut into fries they are dredged in a combination of flour, eggs, and spiced Panko breadcrumbs. This provides the fries with a breading that gets nice and crispy as it cooks in the air fryer.

I use this process of dredging to make everything from Walleye Fingers to Skillet Chicken Parmesan to Fish Tacos and am consistently pleased with the results.

1. The first step is to place 1 cup of a gluten free flour blend such as Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Flour (or regular AP flour if not gluten free) in a bowl.
2. Combine 4 large eggs and 2 Tbsp. water in a second bowl.
3. Add 2 cups Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular Panko breadcrumbs if not gluten free) to a third bowl along with 2 tsp. garlic powder, 2 tsp. onion powder, 2 tsp. Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp. red chili flakes (optional), ½ tsp. kosher salt, ¼ tsp. pepper, and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until completely combined.
4. Place some of the eggplant slices into the gluten free flour, then transfer them to the egg mixture, and lastly place them in the gluten free Panko breadcrumb mixture. Toss until completely coated.
5. Repeat with the remainder of the eggplant fries and place them on a baking sheet(s).

How To Make Eggplant Not Mushy

One aspect of working with eggplant is making sure that the texture is optimal. If overcooked or fried in oil at the wrong temperature it may become mushy.

If eggplant is overripe or undercooked it can become tough.

One thing I love about these eggplant fries is the texture. The breading is crispy and the inside soft, but not mushy.

The key to great texture is to choose an eggplant that is ready for consumption but not overripe as this will decrease the likelihood of bitter taste and mealy texture.

It's also important to cook the fries thoroughly (whether using the air fryer or oven) and not to undercook or overcook them.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

Here's what you'll need to make them:

• 1 large Eggplant
• 1 cup Gluten Free Flour Blend (or AP flour if not gluten free)
• 4 large Eggs
• 2 Tbsp. Water
• 2 cups Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular Panko breadcrumbs if not gluten free)
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• ¼ tsp. Red Chili Flakes (optional)
• ¾ tsp. Kosher Salt (split)
• ¼ tsp. Pepper
• ½ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1 jar Marinara Sauce
• High-Heat Oil for spraying (safe for air fryers)

What Kind Of Oil Is Best For Air Fryers?

It's best to choose a variety of high-heat cooking oil such as grapeseed, avocado, or coconut oil in a dispenser that uses no propellants or aerosols.

This will help to protect your air fryer from damage and ensure that your air fried goodies have a nice, clean flavor.

How To Know When Eggplant Is Fully Cooked

After all the eggplant fries are thoroughly breaded and have been placed on a baking sheet(s) it's time to spray them with cooking oil.

1. Generously spray the breaded eggplant with cooking spray.
2. Place as many of the fries as will fit comfortably in the basket of an air fryer (it's important not to overcrowd the basket or they won't cook properly).
3. Set the timer temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook on the first side for 6 minutes. After this time, flip the fries over, spray the other side with cooking oil, and air fry for another 6 minutes.
4. Repeat with the remainder of the breaded eggplant fries, making sure to spray them with oil when flipped, until all of them are cooked. Set on a clean baking sheet(s) until ready to eat.
5. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.

This will likely need to be done in batches depending on the size of your air fryer and the eggplant used.

These eggplant parmesan fries are fully cooked when the outside is golden brown and crispy. The inside of the fries should be soft and airy, but not mushy.

If the inside is still tough and/or the outside not golden brown simply cook for another minute or two on both sides.

How To Make Eggplant Fries In The Oven

You can still whip up a batch of these fries even if you don't have an air fryer by baking them in the oven.

It's important to remember that the texture may differ slightly than if using an air fryer. The breading may not be quite as crisp when baked but the differences are minimal and the flavor is still great.

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. To bake them simply place the breaded eggplant wedges on a couple of baking sheets, being careful not to overcrowd them.
3. Spray them with cooking spray on both sides and pop the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 23-34 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.

Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your eggplant fries. They should be ready anywhere from 22-25 minutes.

What To Serve With Air Fried Eggplant Fries

A key component to eggplant parmesan is marinara sauce. I find that the best way to enjoy these fries is to heat a jar of your favorite marinara sauce and dip them into it.

You can also use pizza sauce or a homemade spaghetti sauce if you prefer.

This air fryer eggplant would also be great served with pesto or a pesto mayo dipping sauce. Other delicious sauces for dipping include roasted red pepper sauce, sundried tomato sauce, or romesco sauce.

Any type of sauce with Italian flavors is a great option. You can go for store-bought sauce if you'd like to keep things convenient or opt for homemade if you've got some on hand.

If you prefer, you can always choose a dressing like Herb Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing, or Creamy Tarragon Sauce.

Looking for more recipes with Italian flavors to enjoy with these eggplant fries? Don't miss these!

• Kalamata Olive Tapenade
• Roasted Mushroom Tapenade
• Italian Prosciutto Grilled Cheese
• Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto Mayo
• Marinated Tomato Salad
• Balsamic Green Bean Salad
• Sheet Pan Italian Chicken & Vegetables
• Tuscan Vegetable Soup
• Mushroom Arugula Pizza
• Arugula Pesto Tomato Pizza
• Skillet Vegetable Lasagna

How Long Does Air Fryer Eggplant Last?

These fries should last 1-2 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

For optimal crispiness, it's best to enjoy them right after cooking. They may lose some of their crunch after storage in the refrigerator.

Can They Be Frozen?

I do not recommend freezing them as this would likely create an unfavorable texture.

Just like any fries it's best to enjoy these right out of the fryer.

If you like this recipe check out this Baked Eggplant Parmesan!

Love the air fryer? Don't miss these recipes!

• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
• Crispy Air Fried Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Breaded Fish Tacos
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
• Parsnips in the Air Fryer
• Turkey Burgers with Dill Aioli

Looking For More Eggplant Recipes? Don't Miss These!

Eggplant Rollatini

Roasted Eggplant Red Pepper Dip

Indian Eggplant Curry