These Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries are golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Quick and easy to make, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries without sacrificing taste.
Stop settling for soggy, flavorless veggie snacks and say hello to your new favorite obsession: Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries.
Whether you are looking for a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional fries or just a delicious way to use up garden eggplant, this 15-minute recipe delivers a perfectly tender interior and a shatteringly crispy crust that pairs beautifully with a side of zesty marinara or creamy garlic aioli.
If you love eggplant, here are some easy air fryer eggplant recipes to try:
Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana
Air Fryer Roasted Whole Eggplant
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Golden and crispy fries with zero deep-frying required.
- Tender, flavorful eggplant inside every crunchy bite.
- Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes.
- Perfect healthy snack, appetizer, or side dish.
- Pairs perfectly with dipping sauces like marinara or aioli.
Here are some of my favorites if you are looking for some other great and easy Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes. AIR FRYER PARMESAN DILL PICKLE CHIPS, AIR FRYER BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE, AIR FRYER ARTICHOKE DIP and AIR FRYER ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS.
Ingredients Needed
- Eggplant: Use firm, medium-sized eggplants.
- All-Purpose Flour: You can also use almond flour if you want to make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour, for a gluten-free recipe.
- Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs.
- Bread Crumbs or Panko: For a keto-friendly, low-carb recipe, use crushed pork rinds. For a gluten-free recipe, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Parmesan Cheese
- Seasonings/Spices: Garlic Salt and Italian Seasoning.
- Optional: Dipping Sauce
Recipe Variations
- Low Carb / Keto: Swap the breadcrumbs with pork rind crumbs or almond flour to keep it crunchy without the carbs. Use Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed rice crackers, or crushed cornflakes for that perfect crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the coating mix for a bold, zesty twist.
- Air Fryer to Oven: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer, flipping halfway through.
How To Make Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
Step One: In a large bowl, mix the Panko, Parmesan Cheese, Bread Crumbs, Garlic Salt, and Italian Seasoning.
Step Two: Set your dredging stations and in the first bowl, pour your flour. In the second, add your eggs, and in the third, add your Panko mixture.
Step Three: Then take the eggplant slices, dip them into the to the flour, then egg, and finally, the Panko mixture.
Step Four: As you coat them place them into a sprayed air fryer basket. Spray the coated eggplant fries with cooking oil, then set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway and spray again with cooking spray.
Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe Tips
- Choose firm, fresh eggplant for the crispiest fries—avoid overly soft or spongy ones.
- Slice the eggplant evenly so all fries cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip spraying with cooking oil; it’s key for a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
- Serve immediately for the best texture—fries tend to soften as they cool.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Do not microwave if you want to maintain the crunch—it will make them soggy.
Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe Faqs
Can I make these eggplant fries ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the eggplant slices and breading ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until ready to air fry.
Can I freeze the breaded eggplant fries? Absolutely. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What can I use instead of Panko breadcrumbs? Almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs work well for a low-carb or gluten-free version.
Can I make these fries without eggs? Yes! Use a mixture of milk or a milk alternative with a tablespoon of flour, or a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) to help the coating stick.
What dipping sauces go well with air fryer eggplant fries? Marinara, garlic aioli, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo all pair perfectly.
How do I keep them extra crispy? Make sure the slices aren’t overlapping in the air fryer, spray lightly with oil, and flip halfway through cooking. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
More Easy Eggplant Recipes
- Air Fryer Eggplant Chips
- Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana
- Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Air Fryer Roasted Whole Eggplant
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!
Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup panko
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs,
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 medium eggplant, cut into fry shapes
Instructions
- Peel the 1 medium eggplant, and then cut it into strips, about 4 inches long and ½ inch thick
- In a large bowl, mix the 1/2 cup panko , 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Set your dredging stations in the first bowl, and pour your 1 cup all-purpose flour. In the second, add your 2 large eggs, and in the third, add your Panko mixture.
- Then take the eggplant slices, dip them into the flour, then the egg, and finally, the Panko mixture.
- As you coat them place them into a sprayed air fryer basket. Spray the coated eggplant fries with cooking oil, then set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, and set cook time for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway and spray again with cooking spray.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
