Air Fryer Eggplant Fries are a modern twist to the traditional Indian baingan (eggplant) dishes. Thin slices of eggplant are seasoned with a blend of aromatic Indian spices, coated in a light batter, and then air-fried to perfection. The result? A crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful interior. Imagine biting into a piece and experiencing the robust flavors of cumin, turmeric, and a hint of chili, all harmoniously blended with the earthy taste of eggplant.
Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
Rinse and pat the eggplant first. Then, remove the head or stem.
Now, cut the eggplant into 2 equal parts lengthwise. Then, cut each eggplant again in 2 equal parts lengthwise. Like this way, you will get 4 equal parts.
Now, cut each piece into half from the width.
Then, each piece into equal parts lengthwise. Make sure the pieces are not too thin or too thick. They should be of medium thickness.
Cooking
Now, take a big bowl and add all the spices in it along with the oil. Mix everything well to a fine paste.
Add chopped eggplants in it and mix well with the spice paste. Rub 2-3 minutes so that eggplants can get nicely coated with the spices.
Cover and leave for 5-6 minutes.
In the meantime, line a parchment paper with holes in the Air Fryer basket.
Transfer the eggplant in to the Air Fryer basket.
Start cooking at 180°C for 10-12 minutes or until eggplants are cooked nicely and crisp thoroughly.
Do not forget to flip the eggplants in between the half time. Alternatively, you can deep fry these brinjal pieces in the hot oil or bake in the oven (See notes).
As a result, you will get nice, crisp and juicy Eggplant Fries.
Garnish with chopped coriander, if like and serve Eggplant Fries with your favorite sauce or chutney!
For Deep frying method: Make sure the oil is medium hot before dropping the eggplant in to the oil. Fry at medium heat until cooked properly and turn into crisp texture. You don’t need to add oil in the spice mix for deep frying method.
For Oven method: Preheat the Oven at 180°C for 5 minutes. Line a parchment paper on the baking tray and transfer the brinjal on it. Make sure all pieces are in the single layer and are not overlapping each other. Place the tray at the Oven and bake for 10 minutes at 180°C or until crisp.
Adjust salt and spices as per your taste preference.
Use any neutral tasting oil. I have used olive oil here.
It's essential to slice the eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking.
If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the quantity of red chili powder.
The rice flour gives the fries a crispy texture, so it's recommended not to skip it.
Freshly made mint chutney or tamarind chutney works best as a dip for these fries
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
68
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
0.3
g
2
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Sodium
11
mg
0
%
Potassium
293
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
9
g
3
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
4
g
4
%
Protein
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
178
IU
4
%
Vitamin B1
0.05
mg
3
%
Vitamin B2
0.05
mg
3
%
Vitamin B3
1
mg
5
%
Vitamin B5
0.3
mg
3
%
Vitamin B6
0.1
mg
5
%
Vitamin C
3
mg
4
%
Vitamin E
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
8
µg
8
%
Calcium
17
mg
2
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
Magnesium
20
mg
5
%
Zinc
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.