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.
Servings: 32
Calories: 79kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 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 Parmesan cheese
- high heat cooking oil safe for air fryers
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions
Prepare The Eggplant Fries:
- 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) and then cut the eggplant in half.
- 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.
- 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.
Coat The Eggplant Fries:
- 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.
- Combine 4 large eggs and 2 tablespoon water in a second bowl.
- Add 2 cups Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular Panko breadcrumbs if not gluten free) to a third bowl along with 2 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional), ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until completely combined.
- 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.
- Repeat with the remainder of the eggplant fries and place them on a baking sheet(s). Spray the eggplant fries generously with an air fryer safe high heat cooking spray.
Cook The Eggplant Fries (Air Fryer Instructions):
- 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).
- 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.
- 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. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt. (This will likely need to be done in batches).
Cook The Eggplant Fries (Baking Instructions):
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To bake them simply place the breaded eggplant wedges on a couple of baking sheets, being careful not to overcrowd them.
- 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. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
Serve The Eggplant Fries:
- Warm a jar of marinara sauce and use for dipping. You may top the eggplant fries with additional Parmesan cheese or minced basil (optional).
Notes
You can also serve these eggplant fries with pizza sauce, tomato or spaghetti sauce, pesto, roasted red pepper dip, sundried tomato sauce, romesco sauce, or any kind of Italian sauce.
Feel free to use regular flour and Panko breadcrumbs if gluten is not an issue for you.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg