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Crispy Parmesan Baked Eggplant Fries

Crispy Parmesan Baked Eggplant Fries - featured image

These oven-baked eggplant fries are perfectly crispy, salty, and satisfying, made with simple ingredients like Parmesan and panko. A healthy, crowd-pleasing snack or side dish that even veggie skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Japanese or Italian eggplant (about 2 medium)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • Optional: marinara sauce, ranch dressing, fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash eggplant and trim stem end. Do not peel. Cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices, then into 1/2-inch wide sticks.
  3. Set up breading station: In first shallow bowl, place flour. In second bowl, beat eggs with 1 tablespoon water. In third bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Coat each eggplant stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Roll in panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer with space between sticks.
  5. Spray sticks generously with olive oil spray.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are golden. Flip sticks, spray other side with oil, and bake another 10-12 minutes until deeply golden and crisp.
  7. Serve immediately with dipping sauce and garnish if desired.

Notes

For best results, use Japanese or Italian eggplants for less bitterness. Do not skip the flour step—it helps the breading stick. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. To reheat leftovers, use oven or air fryer, not microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggplant fries, baked eggplant fries, crispy eggplant, parmesan eggplant, healthy fries, vegetarian appetizer