Eggplant fries are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional potato fries. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect snack or side dish. This recipe is simple to follow and uses common ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
If you don't usually cook with eggplant, you might need to pick one up at the supermarket. Additionally, almond milk is a plant-based milk that might not be in everyone's fridge, so make sure to grab some if you don't have it. Lastly, if you require gluten-free options, ensure that both your breadcrumbs and flour are labeled gluten-free.
Ingredients For Eggplant Fries Recipe
Eggplant: A large vegetable cut into fry shapes, providing a meaty texture.
Breadcrumbs: Used for coating, can be gluten-free if needed.
Almond milk: A plant-based milk alternative for dipping the fries.
Flour: Used for coating, can be gluten-free if needed.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory flavor to the coating mixture.
Paprika: Provides a mild spice and color to the fries.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fries.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat and depth to the seasoning.
Technique Tip for Eggplant Fries
When preparing the eggplant for this recipe, make sure to cut the fries evenly. This ensures that they cook uniformly, resulting in a consistent texture. Additionally, after cutting, you can sprinkle a little salt on the eggplant and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture, making the fries crispier when baked.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Eggplant - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can be cut into fries easily, making it a great alternative for eggplant.
Breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and can be made gluten-free if needed.
Almond milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk has a neutral flavor and similar consistency, making it a good plant-based milk alternative.
Flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is gluten-free and adds a slightly nutty flavor, which complements the spices well.
Garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar depth of flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
Paprika - Substitute with cumin: Cumin offers a warm, earthy flavor that can add a different but complementary taste to the fries.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the fries.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Eggplant Fries
How to Store or Freeze 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. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness.
- For freezing, arrange the cooled fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
- To reheat from frozen, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover eggplant fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and regain their crispiness.
Air Fryer Method: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
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 3-5 minutes on each side, until they are warmed through and crispy.
Microwave Method: Although not ideal for maintaining crispiness, you can use the microwave for a quick reheat. Place the eggplant fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. For better results, use a microwave crisper tray if available.
Best Tools for Making Eggplant Fries
Oven: Used to bake the eggplant fries at a high temperature to achieve a crispy texture.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking the eggplant fries evenly.
Parchment paper: Prevents the eggplant fries from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.
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 combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Second mixing bowl: Holds the almond milk for dipping the eggplant fries.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, almond milk, and breadcrumbs.
Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurement of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Tongs: Helps in flipping the eggplant fries halfway through the baking process.
Spatula: Useful for transferring the coated eggplant fries onto the baking sheet.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked eggplant fries to cool down evenly without becoming soggy.
How to Save Time on Making Eggplant Fries
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the eggplant and measure out the breadcrumbs, flour, and spices ahead of time.
Use a dipping station: Set up a station with almond milk, flour mixture, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls for a smooth workflow.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the eggplant fries to save time.
Batch process: Dip and coat multiple eggplant fries at once instead of one by one to speed up the process.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Eggplant Fries Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant cut into fries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
- ½ cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- ½ cup flour use gluten-free if needed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each eggplant fry into the almond milk, then coat with the flour mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated eggplant fries on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Nutritional Value
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