Description
These Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries, coated with a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, then baked to golden perfection. Served with a tangy marinara sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s both crispy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant Fries
- 1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Salt and Drain Eggplant: Lightly sprinkle the eggplant fries with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step helps reduce sogginess. After 15 minutes, pat the fries dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a second bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth. Place the flour in a third bowl.
- Bread the Eggplant Fries: Take each eggplant fry and dredge it first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs well.
- Arrange and Spray Fries: Lay the breaded fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray to promote crispiness during baking.
- Bake the Fries: Bake the eggplant fries in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure even browning and crispiness. The fries should turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the crispy baked eggplant fries warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before breading the fries.
- These fries are best enjoyed immediately after baking to maintain their crisp texture.
