By: Lisa M. Pressey
Air fryer eggplant fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You get the crunch and feel of a fried food without all the oil. This is a healthy way to consume fried eggplant. It’s also fun for kids because they can dip the eggplant fries in sauce.
They are made slightly different than fried eggplant, but deliver the same great taste. There is no need to drain them because they’re not cooked in any oil. I simply brush them with olive oil to allow the fries to get crispy and crunchy.
If you are someone who needs to avoid fried foods due to chronic illness or doctors orders, then I suggest getting an air fryer. Unfortunately, the foods that we love the most are the worst for us. Air frying takes the unhealthy repercussions out of fried foods.
All air fryers are not the same. My mom has one where you pull out the bucket, fill it, and slide it back in. I personally did not care for the way the food came out. I own a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and I love it. The air fryer basket has holes, so the air can circulate all the way around. The basket goes in the middle of the toaster, which even distribution of air. This allows air to reach the food from all sides giving maximum crispiness.
TIP: I buy unseasoned breadcrumbs and add my own spices to ensure they are gluten and dairy free.
Now it’s time to make air fryer eggplant fries.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 eggplant, peeled
- 1 cup gluten free flour
- 2 cups gluten free dairy free breadcrumbs
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- parmesan cheese, gluten and dairy free
- olive oil to brush over fries
- parchment paper
I usually place a piece of parchement paper underneath the air fryer basket so the oil and breadcrumbs don’t go all over.
DIRECTIONS
- Peel the eggplant, then cut it into pieces that are 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches long.
- In a small bowl mix the flour and milk together to create a paste.
- In another bowl add breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Lay a piece of parchment paper under the air fryer basket for easy clean up.
- Dip the eggplant in the flour/milk mixture and coat. Next, dip the eggplant into the breadcrumbs and coat. Place each piece on the air fryer basket as you go, leaving space in between, then repeat the steps.
- Put some olive oil in a small container. I either brush each piece of eggplant with oil on both sides or dip them in the oil. This will ensure your breadcrumbs get crispy.
- Cook at 385 degrees F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
When they are done cooking, remove the eggplant fries from the oven and sprinkle parmesan cheese over them. Serve them with a bowl of pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.