These easy eggplant fries boast an irresistible crispy exterior that gives way to a delightfully tender and creamy interior. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables, even for those who might be hesitant about eggplant.

I absolutely love serving these with a spicy sriracha ketchup or a refreshing Tahini Yogurt Dressing. What makes them truly special is how simple they are to prepare in the air fryer, requiring minimal clean-up – a huge win in any kitchen!

Why Choose Air Frying for Eggplant Fries?

While you can certainly bake these eggplant fries in the oven or traditional deep-fry them, the air fryer stands out as the superior method for several reasons. Air frying uses significantly less oil compared to deep-frying, preventing the eggplant from becoming overly greasy. This results in fries that are not only deliciously crispy but also a much healthier option. You get all the satisfying crunch without the excess fat, making it perfect for a wholesome diet.

The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks the eggplant quickly and evenly, achieving that coveted golden-brown crispness that’s hard to replicate with other methods. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can have these flavorful fries on your table in under 20 minutes, from prep to plate!

Versatile Appetizer or Side Dish

These crispy air fryer eggplant fries are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent appetizer for entertaining guests or a delightful side dish to complement almost any main meal. Imagine them alongside hearty soups or succulent meats. I find them particularly delicious when paired with robust flavors like my Moroccan Red Lentil Soup, a light Lemon Lentil Soup, or savory Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs. They also perfectly complement juicy Moroccan Chicken Thighs or a zesty Greek Marinated Chicken.

If you’re an eggplant enthusiast like me, you might also enjoy exploring other eggplant recipes. Check out my post on how to roast a whole eggplant in the air fryer for another simple method. Eggplant is such a fantastic vegetable that shines in dishes like Mediterranean Eggplant Salad, creamy Baba Ghanoush, classic Ratatouille, or tossed into a vibrant Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Couscous.

Essential Ingredients for Eggplant Fries

This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card below.

• Eggplant: I typically use one medium-sized eggplant, which yields a good portion for a side or appetizer. Choose firm, shiny eggplants without soft spots.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my top choice for their superior light and crispy texture. If panko isn’t available, regular dried breadcrumbs or pre-seasoned breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute, though the texture might be slightly less airy.
• Cheese: Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese is incorporated into the breading mixture. It imparts a wonderful savory flavor and a subtle saltiness that elevates the taste of the fries.
• Seasoning: The secret to the flavor-packed coating lies in the spices: a touch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat, garlic powder for savory depth, and dried oregano for its classic Mediterranean aroma. After cooking, a final dash of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is added to taste, enhancing the overall deliciousness.
• Eggs: Two whisked medium eggs are essential for creating a sticky binder. They help the seasoned breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to the eggplant sticks, ensuring a uniform and crispy coating.
• Sauce: While I personally enjoy serving these eggplant fries with a creamy tahini dip, feel free to use any dipping sauce that your family loves. Sriracha ketchup, marinara, or a cool ranch dip are all fantastic choices.

How to Make Eggplant Fries in the Air Fryer

Creating these delightful crispy eggplant fries is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Step 1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s preheating, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2. Prepare the Eggplant: Carefully cut the eggplant into uniform french fry shapes. Consistency in size is key to ensuring that all the fries cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. Aim for sticks about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long.

Step 3. Make the Crumb Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.

Step 4. Beat the Eggs: Crack two medium eggs into a separate shallow bowl and whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined. This will create a consistent liquid for coating.

Step 5. Coat the Eggplant Fries: This is where the magic happens! Take each eggplant stick, one by one, and dredge it in the whisked egg, shaking off any excess liquid. Immediately transfer the egg-coated eggplant to the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough and even coating on all sides. For best results and to keep your hands cleaner, use one hand for the wet ingredients and the other for the dry ingredients.

Step 6. Cook the Fries: Arrange the coated eggplant fries in a single layer within the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there’s space between each fry to allow hot air to circulate properly, which is crucial for crispiness. Lightly spray the top of the eggplant fries with cooking spray to help them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crunch.

Air fry for approximately 10 minutes, or until the exterior is a deep golden brown and feels crisp to the touch. Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for optimal results.

Step 7. Serve the Fries: Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the eggplant fries from the air fryer basket. Immediately season them with a sprinkle of sea salt and ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Eggplant Fries

• Uniform Cutting: As mentioned, aim for consistently sized eggplant sticks. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others burn.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for air frying. Overloading the basket restricts airflow, leading to steamed (soggy) fries instead of crispy ones. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing ample space around each piece.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the eggplant hits a hot surface immediately, kick-starting the crisping process and preventing it from soaking up too much oil.
• Light Oil Spray: After placing the coated eggplant in the basket, give them a final light spray of cooking oil. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and adds an extra layer of crispiness.
• Shake the Basket: For even cooking and browning, remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This redistributes the fries and exposes all sides to the hot air.
• Optional: Salt the Eggplant First: For very watery eggplants or if you want extra firm fries, you can salt the eggplant sticks for 20-30 minutes before breading. This draws out excess moisture, leading to a crisper final product. Just be sure to pat them thoroughly dry before proceeding with the egg and breadcrumb coating.

How to Serve Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

These versatile fries can elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a variety of dips. My favorite is a simple tahini dip, but they also pair wonderfully with a creamy Lemon Spinach Artichoke Dip or a classic, homemade Lebanese Hummus.
• Alongside Main Meals: They make a sensational side dish for a range of main courses. Try them with my flavorful Moroccan Chicken Thighs, light and healthy Mediterranean Chicken, savory Mediterranean Beef Kabobs, aromatic Grilled Beef Kofta Kebabs, flaky Air Fryer Cod, or rich Black Sea Bass.
• With Burgers: For a delightful alternative to potato fries, serve these alongside your favorite burgers. They’re excellent with an Easy Mediterranean Burger, a tangy Feta Burger with Tzatziki, a unique Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burger, or even hearty Pork Burgers.

Storage & Freezing Tips

• Storage: If you have any leftovers, allow the cooked eggplant fries to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best texture, reheat in the air fryer.
• Make Ahead and Freezing: You can prepare these eggplant fries in advance! After coating the eggplant sticks with the breadcrumb mixture, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for at least 1-2 hours, or until the fries are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before air frying according to the recipe instructions. This ensures they cook evenly and retain their crispiness.
• Reheating: To reheat refrigerated leftovers, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

For the best adhesion and to keep your hands clean, I recommend using the “wet hand/dry hand” method. Use one hand solely for dredging the eggplant in the whisked egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, use your other hand exclusively for coating the eggplant in the dry breadcrumb mixture. This prevents the coating from clumping on your fingers and ensures a smooth, even layer on each fry.

The secret to truly crispy and evenly cooked eggplant fries lies in proper air circulation. Always work in batches: do not be tempted to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the fries in a single layer with distinct space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate completely around them, ensuring they crisp up beautifully rather than steaming and becoming soggy. Also, remember to shake the basket once or twice during cooking for uniform browning.

Whether to peel the eggplant depends on its size and tenderness. If you’re using a smaller, more tender eggplant (like Japanese or Italian varieties), the skin is usually thin and can be left on. For larger eggplants, the skin can sometimes be tougher and slightly bitter. In such cases, you might prefer to peel all or some of the skin off, according to your preference, for a more uniformly tender texture.

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated eggplant fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Yes! To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a plant-based milk alternative. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, or a plant-based grated cheese substitute. For gluten-free fries, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, which are widely available.