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- Medium eggplant - 1 cup almond flour - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1 large egg - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray - Fresh parsley You need a medium eggplant for this recipe. Choose one that feels firm. Next, almond flour gives fries a nice crunch. It’s a great gluten-free option. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor. For seasonings, garlic powder and onion powder stand out. They bring a rich taste to each fry. Dried Italian herbs add a hint of warmth. The large egg acts as a binder. It helps the coating stick well. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. They enhance all the flavors in the dish. Cooking spray is optional but helps create a crispy texture. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top. Gather these ingredients before starting. They make the best air fryer garlic Parmesan eggplant fries! 1. Preheat Air Fryer: First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This step helps the fries cook evenly. 2. Slice Eggplant into Fries: Next, wash your medium eggplant. Cut it into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure they are uniform for even cooking. 3. Salting the Eggplant: Place the sliced eggplant in a bowl. Sprinkle salt over them. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This draws out moisture and helps them crisp up later. After 15 minutes, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. 1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well for an even coating. 2. Whisk the Egg: In another bowl, whisk one large egg until it is smooth. This will help the coating stick to the fries. 3. Dipping and Coating Process: Dip each eggplant fry into the egg mixture first. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, roll it in the almond flour and Parmesan mixture. Ensure each fry is covered well for the best flavor and crunch. 1. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated eggplant fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them. 2. Cooking Time and Temperature: Air fry the fries for about 10-12 minutes. This will make them golden brown and crispy. 3. Shaking the Basket for Even Cooking: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket gently. This helps ensure that every fry gets nice and crispy on all sides. These steps will guide you to make the perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Eggplant Fries. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful treat! Salting the eggplant is key. It draws out moisture, making your fries crisp. Slice the eggplant into fry shapes, then sprinkle salt on them. Let them sit for 15 minutes. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is vital for crispiness. For an even coating, ensure the eggplant fries are fully covered in the egg mixture. Then, roll them in the almond flour and Parmesan mix. This guarantees a crunchy outside. Make sure to coat each fry well. Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste. Want a kick? Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Prefer a milder flavor? Just stick with salt and pepper. The choice is yours! You can also try alternative breading options. If you want a gluten-free option, stick to almond flour. If not, you can use whole wheat flour or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. For presentation, serve your garlic Parmesan fries in a shallow dish. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice touch. Pair your fries with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It adds a rich flavor to each bite. Other great options include ranch or garlic aioli. Enjoy experimenting with different dips! {{image_2}} You can make a few swaps to make this dish lighter. - Using Whole Wheat Flour: Swap almond flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier option. Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients. - Vegan Option for Egg: Use a flaxseed meal mix instead of the egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This works well for binding. Boost the taste of your eggplant fries easily. - Adding Spices: Try adding paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick. You can also mix in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. - Different Cheese Options: Use mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a unique twist. These cheeses add different textures and flavors to the dish. You can serve these fries in many ways. - Pairing with Dishes: Serve with pasta or grilled chicken for a complete meal. The fries add a nice crunch next to soft dishes. - Making a Platter with Other Veggies: Create a veggie platter by adding carrot sticks or zucchini chips. This makes it fun and colorful for sharing. To keep your eggplant fries fresh, place them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. You can store them for up to three days. Before storing, let the fries cool to room temperature. This step helps avoid sogginess. For the best taste, reheat in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the fries crispy. If you prefer the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway for even heating. You can freeze eggplant fries before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, coat them well and lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For reheating, air fry from frozen for about 15 minutes. If cooked, let them cool, then freeze. Reheat in the air fryer as mentioned above. The best way to cut eggplant for frying is to slice it into fry-shaped sticks. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick pieces. This size helps them cook evenly and get crispy. Keep the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Remember to salt them before frying. This step draws out moisture and enhances the flavor. Air fryer eggplant fries can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Frozen fries can last up to 3 months. Reheat them in the air fryer for a crispy texture. Yes, you can use other vegetables instead of eggplant. Zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even carrots work well. Just cut them into similar fry shapes. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose. Each will bring unique flavors and textures to your dish. Several dipping sauces pair nicely with garlic Parmesan eggplant fries. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. It adds a nice tomato flavor. Ranch dressing also complements the fries well. For a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo. Each sauce enhances the savory taste of the fries in different ways. In this article, I shared how to make delicious garlic Parmesan eggplant fries. We explored essential ingredients, from eggplant to Parmesan. Then, we went step-by-step through prepping, coating, and air frying. I also provided tips for crispiness, variations for health, and serving options. Now, you can enjoy tasty, crispy fries with your favorite dips. Remember, cooking is about experimenting, so try new flavors and find your unique touch. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Eggplant Fries

Elevate your snacking game with these delicious Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Eggplant Fries! This easy recipe transforms eggplant into crispy, flavorful fries that are perfect for dipping. Made with almond flour and Parmesan cheese, they're a healthier alternative to traditional fries. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a tasty treat that's sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and discover how to make these tasty eggplant fries today!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium eggplant

1 cup almond flour

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large egg

Cooking spray (for air frying)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    While the air fryer is preheating, wash and slice the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, approximately 1/2 inch thick.

      Place the eggplant fries in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

        In a shallow dish, mix together the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

          In another bowl, whisk the large egg until smooth.

            Dip each eggplant fry into the egg, coating it well, then roll it in the almond flour and Parmesan mixture until fully coated.

              Place the coated fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

                Air fry the eggplant fries for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.

                  Once cooked, remove the fries from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and color.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the garlic Parmesan eggplant fries in a shallow dish lined with parchment paper, and offer a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top before serving adds a nice touch!