Transform your eggplant into a crispy, flavorful delight with this air fryer eggplant fries recipe. These fries are a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries and are perfect for a snack or side dish. The combination of spices and breadcrumbs creates a crunchy exterior, while the air fryer ensures they are cooked to perfection without the need for excessive oil.
If you don't usually keep eggplant or almond milk at home, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be found in the produce section, while almond milk is typically located in the dairy or non-dairy milk aisle. Make sure to get plain, unsweetened almond milk for this recipe.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
Eggplant: A large vegetable cut into fry shapes, providing a hearty base for the fries.
Breadcrumbs: Used to coat the eggplant fries, adding a crunchy texture.
Almond milk: A dairy-free alternative to traditional milk, used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the eggplant.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky flavor and a hint of color to the fries.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fries.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Technique Tip for Perfect Eggplant Fries
For extra crispiness, try double-dipping the eggplant fries. First, dip them in almond milk and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Then, dip them in the almond milk again and give them a second coating of the breadcrumb mixture. This will create a thicker, crunchier crust when air fried.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a crunchy texture and are a gluten-free alternative.
almond milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk has a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.
almond milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and works well in coating the eggplant fries.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor to the fries.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor to the fries.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and complexity to the seasoning.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and a salty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and a slightly different heat profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Eggplant Fries
How To Store or Freeze Your Eggplant Fries
- Allow the eggplant fries to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled fries in an airtight container. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes until crispy.
- For freezing, arrange the cooled fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
- Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries soggy and lose their crispiness.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover eggplant fries in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help retain their crispy texture.
For a quick oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the eggplant fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will help them regain their crispiness without drying out.
If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the eggplant fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may make them a bit softer, but it’s the fastest option.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the eggplant fries in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the eggplant fries on the toaster oven tray in a single layer. Toast for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don’t burn. This method is great for small batches.
Essential Tools for Making Eggplant Fries
Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making crispy eggplant fries without using much oil.
Knife: Essential for cutting the eggplant into fry shapes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the eggplant.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and almond milk.
Tongs: Useful for dipping the eggplant fries into almond milk and then coating them with the breadcrumb mixture.
Shaking basket: Part of the air fryer where the eggplant fries are placed in a single layer to cook evenly.
Serving plate: For serving the hot, crispy eggplant fries with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Eggplant Fries
Pre-cut the eggplant: Cut the eggplant into fries ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save prep time.
Use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs: Opt for pre-seasoned breadcrumbs to skip the step of mixing spices.
Batch air frying: If your air fryer is large enough, cook multiple batches at once to save time.
Quick dip method: Use a shallow dish for the almond milk and another for the breadcrumb mixture to streamline the dipping process.
Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the air fryer while you prepare the ingredients to save time.
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large Eggplant cut into fries
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Almond Milk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the eggplant into fry shapes.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip eggplant fries into almond milk, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated eggplant fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
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