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Baked Eggplant Fries

A pile of golden brown, crispy Baked Eggplant Fries dusted with Parmesan cheese and herbs on a white plate.

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A recipe for making crispy eggplant spears baked in the oven, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried french fries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the eggplants and trim the ends. Cut each eggplant lengthwise into sticks about 1/2 inch thick. You do not need to peel them.
  3. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Whisk the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dredge each eggplant stick first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured stick into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the stick firmly into the panko mixture to coat completely.
  5. Arrange the coated eggplant sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Do not overcrowd the pans.
  6. Lightly spray the tops of the eggplant sticks with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. This helps with browning.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip the sticks carefully using tongs. Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
  8. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, let the breaded eggplant sticks rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  • If you want a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch as a binder, and omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • To prevent sogginess, ensure you press the panko firmly onto the eggplant pieces.

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