Description
These Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries with Marinara are a delicious and healthy appetizer or side dish featuring golden, crunchy eggplant sticks coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection. Served with a warm marinara dipping sauce, they are an Italian-inspired treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant Fries
- 1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into fry-sized sticks
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating eggplant)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Sweat the Eggplant: Place the eggplant fries in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the Eggplant Fries: Dip each eggplant fry into the egg wash, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere. Place the coated fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the coated eggplant fries with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through baking to ensure even browning, until the fries are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To achieve extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- These fries are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
