Name: Air Fryer Eggplant Fries (No Breading, Keto, Gluten-free)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: •1 eggplant; •2 tsp olive oil; •1 tsp smoked paprika; •½ tsp turmeric powder; •1 tsp. cumin powder; •Salt and pepper to taste

Eggplant is one of the most versatile, low-carb vegetables that many people don’t know how to cook. Here is a simple air fryer eggplant fries recipe that will make you fall in love with eggplant.

There are many ways you can cook eggplant. For example, you can use eggplant as a meat substitute (eggplant parmesan), roast them on a BBQ, include them with pasta, and make a dipping sauce with it.

One of the simplest recipes of all is air fryer eggplant fries. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and cook. They also taste delicious and pair well as a side dish for a Thai, Indian, or any meal.

Air Fryer eggplant fries serves with red sauce and lemon in a white dish

These air fryer eggplant fries are made without breading, so those on a low carb or keto diet can eat them too!. Also, this recipe is gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and no onion, no garlic, and no eggs have been used while making this eggplant fries.

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What is Eggplant Fries?

Eggplant fries are one of the simple ways to include eggplant in your diet. Eggplant is cut into long finger sticks, seasoned with herbs, and cooked in an air fryer.

Eggplant fries are often cooked in an Indian kitchen to eat with flatbread (roti). But when you serve eggplant fries with dipping sauce, it can be a stand-alone snack or side dish that goes with many main dishes.

Are Eggplant Fries healthier than French Fries?

Yes, absolutely. The traditional eggplant fries are dipped in an egg, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. But these air fryer eggplant fries are made without breading and with little oil. So, it is one of the healthiest recipes you will find with eggplant as the main ingredient.

Also, eggplant is a naturally low-carb vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals. So, there is no reason why you can not include this recipe in your diet if you are a healthy eater.

Ingredients used in making Air Fryer Eggplant Fries without breading

You only need a few ingredients to make eggplant fries.

Eggplant
Salt
Pepper
Turmeric
Smoked Paprika
Cumin powder
Olive oil

And an Air fryer. This recipe works for any model of air fryer – basket, tray, Instant pot crip lid. I have used a basket air fryer for this recipe.

How to make Eggplant fries without breading in Air Fryer?

Here is how to make eggplant fries in an air fryer (Step-by-Step)

cut eggplant sticks on a wooden chopping board

Cut both ends of the eggplant and discard off. Then cut the eggplant into finger-long sticks of the same thickness. Cut the eggplant in a half fist and then lengthwise, make 3-4 sticks depending upon the thickness of the eggplant.

Add the eggplant sticks into a large bowl.

red and yellow spiced eggplant sticks in a stainless steel container

Then add salt, pepper, turmeric powder, smoked paprika, cumin powder, and oil olive.

Run the spices over the eggplant sticks ensuring that eat stick is coated.

Preheat the air fryer at 370°F/185°C for 5 minutes.

Transfer the eggplant sticks into the air fryer basket without overcrowding it.

Air Fry them at 370°F/185°C for 8-10 minutes and mix them halfway through. You will see eggplant slices shrink as they cook.

Tips

Cut the eggplant in even size sticks to ensure even cooking in an air fryer.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you need more, cook them in batches.
Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
For seasoning the eggplant sticks, you can use any herbs you like. Garlic powder, lemon zest, Lemon juice, Za’atar, and miso paste works well with eggplant. If you like a kick to your eggplant fries, add chili powder and garam masala.
Serve Air Fryer eggplant fries immediately with marinara sauce, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, or any dipping sauce you like.

What can you serve with Air Fryer Eggplant Fries?

Eggplant fries are served as a side dish with Thai or Indian main dishes. In addition, you can serve eggplant as sides with any pasta dish, Thai curries, rice, or any meat dish.

FAQs

What is the cooking time for eggplant fries in Air Fryer?

Cooking time for Eggplant fries varies depending upon the type and model of Air Fryer you are using. For example, it took me 10 minutes @ 370°F / 180°C to cook eggplant fries and an air fryer.

If you are cooking the eggplant fries in the air fryer for the first time, make sure the check your fries before the time is up.

Do you need to peel the eggplant before cooking?

No, you do not need to peel the eggplant before cooking. The purple, shiny skin is nutritious and gives the eggplant a meatier texture.

Can you refrigerate leftover eggplant fries?

Yes, you can refrigerate leftover eggplant fries. But eggplant fries taste best when eaten immediately after cooking. If you refrigerate eggplant fries, they will turn soggy. But you can still enjoy cold eggplant fries as is.

You can also make small pieces of eggplant fries and add them to your salad, soup, curries, and stews. They are also great with crackers. Just spread them over saltine crackers and enjoy them as a snack.

Can you reheat eggplant fries in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat eggplant fires in an air fryer at 370°F for 5 minutes. You can also microwave them to reheat.

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