Air Fryer Recipe
Eggplant fries
Eggplant fries are a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, offering a unique taste perfect for air frying.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Your choice of dipping sauces (optional)
Method
- Peel the eggplant and cut it into evenly sized 'fries'.
- In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat eggs with water.
- Dip each eggplant fry into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange breaded eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces.
Why this works in an air fryer
The high-speed convection of the air fryer crisps the breadcrumb coating by rapidly evaporating moisture from the surface, while the cheese melts to create a cohesive crust.
Equipment notes
Assumes a 3.5-litre basket; single-drawer models require fries in a single layer, while dual-zone models can separate batches but may need longer cooking for even browning.
Common pitfalls
- Fries not browning by minute 10? Increase temperature by 10°C; moisture from the eggplant may be too high.
- Breadcrumbs falling off? Ensure eggplant is well-dried before dipping to improve adhesion.
- Fries soggy after cooking? Reduce batch size to avoid steam build-up; overcrowding traps moisture.
- Uneven cooking? Rotate fries halfway through to ensure all sides are exposed to hot air.
Variations & substitutions
- Substitute panko for breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan option, adjusting for salt.
- Add smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a smoky flavour.
- Replace oregano with thyme for a different herbal note.
Storage & reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-4 minutes; keeps for up to 2 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
