Crispy Oven Baked Eggplant Fries (with Parmesan)

Crispy eggplant fries with marinara sauce.

Crispy Oven Baked Eggplant Fries (with Parmesan)

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 30

Servings: people

Calories: 252kcal

Author: Aleka Shunk

Cost: $6

Turn french fries into a healthy appetizer with these Crispy Oven Baked Eggplant Fries! They're baked in the oven until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce at your next party!

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Ingredients

1 lb. Eggplants short and fat
1 Cup Cornstarch or flour
2 Large Eggs + 1 tablespoon Water
1 ½ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese
3 tablespoon Olive Oil
½ Tsp. Garlic Powder
½ Tsp. Onion Powder
¾ teaspoon Salt
½ Tsp. Pepper
2 Tbsp. Freshly Chopped Parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cutting:
Peel and trim your eggplants. Cut slices that are ½"-¾" thick. Then cut those slices into 4-6" long sticks depending how long you want your fries. (See photos above.) You should be able to get about 10-12 eggplant sticks. The size of your eggplant will determine the total yield.
Seasoning your eggplant:
Eggplant is VERY bland. If you do not season the eggplant itself before breading, it may not have much flavor. Make sure to season your sticks well with salt and pepper before breading. (You have to eyeball this since the amount of salt depends on the size of your sticks.)
Seasoning your breadcrumbs:
Add breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and olive oil to a LARGE bowl and mix thoroughly so the oil coats everything. The oil will help the fries to brown nicely. Set aside.
Now set up the your dredging station by pouring your cornstarch onto a shallow plate or dish. Then scramble your eggs in a wide dish or bowl (wide enough for the eggplant to fit) and place your breadcrumb mixture last onto another shallow dish.
You should have one neat "assembly line". Have one large baking sheet ready to go with parchment paper. (or grease your baking sheet well)
Dredge each stick into the cornstarch. Then dip each stick into the egg wash making sure to cover all sides. Finally, coat each stick in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place sticks on your baking sheet when finished.
*Tip. It's faster if you do each stage all at once rather than sending one at a time through your assembly line.
Bake your fries on the middle rack for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with any sauce you prefer.

Notes

*Serve with multiple sauces for dipping! These are my go-to and are easy! Try a jarred marinara sauce, a store-bought buttermilk ranch dressing and a quick homemade garlic aioli sauce.

Nutrition