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Home » Sides & Vegetables » Side Dishes

Extra Crispy Eggplant Fries

Sep 16, 2024 · 4 Comments

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I love everything extra crispy, like extra crispy chicken wings, extra crispy chicken thighs, or extra crispy chicken drumsticks. Today, meet my extra crispy eggplant fries. Yes, these are really extra crispy, I guarantee it. Super crispy on the outside and very soft and creamy on the inside. These little morsels are divine. No other eggplant fries can compete with these. And the seasoning on these fries is the bomb. So scrumptious! I think I am in love! I love these eggplant fries so much that I think they are better than potato fries. And healthier. Seriously. This comes from someone who loves potatoes and French fries.

Eggplant Fries - super crispy on the outside, and very soft, creamy on the inside. These little morsels are divine. No other eggplant fries can compete with these. And the seasoning on these fries is the bomb. So scrumptious!

My secret for the crispiest eggplant fries

So, what's the secret to my extra crispy eggplant fries? I don't think there is one. I think it's a combination of things that culminate in the most delicious, the crispiest eggplant fry. Those include light salting to extract water, the right amount of seasonings that become crunchy during cooking, the use of corn starch, and, of course, deep-frying. Sorry, there is no other way. I tried making these in the oven and in my magical air fryer, but I could never get the level of crispiness that I liked. I can replicate my deep-fried chicken wings in an air fryer and even an electric oven, getting them just as crispy. But I could not achieve that same level of crispiness with eggplant fries. So, you must employ deep-frying.

A bowl of golden brown, extra crispy, delicious eggplant fries.

Equipment

The good news is that you don't need a deep-fryer. All you need is a wide, deep pan. A 14 to 16-inch Asian wok works magically for deep-frying. Asian woks are narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. That gives you a very wide surface for frying, but you don't have to use a lot of oil because of the narrow bottom. All you need is about an inch and a half of cooking oil. I like using peanut oil due to its high smoking point. But many other cooking oils will do.

The seasoning

Salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and granulated onions are all the seasonings you need. Chances are, most home cooks will have these in their pantry. They give eggplant fries a ton of flavor. I prefer using granulated garlic and onion instead of powder as they create a thicker, crispier crust.

That's it. You don't need anything else. If you do, you have countless options. You can use whatever seasonings you like, from Asian to Mexican.

Eggplant Fries - super crispy on the outside, and very soft, creamy on the inside. These little morsels are divine. No other eggplant fries can compete with these. And the seasoning on these fries is the bomb. So scrumptious!

Making eggplant fries

First and foremost, peel the eggplant. Eggplant fries with the skin on don't taste that great, especially if you use more mature vegetables (technically fruit).

peeling-eggplant

Next, cut the peeled eggplant into half-inch sticks. You may cut them a bit thinner or thicker, but that's not an issue. However, ensure they are uniformly thick, which will help them cook evenly.

eggplant-cut-into-sticks

Next, drop the eggplant sticks into a large bowl, lightly season with salt, and gently toss, ensuring uniform coverage.  Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. The salt will season the eggplant and draw moisture out, which will help with crsipening during frying.

eggplant-in-bowl-with-salt

After 20 minutes pass, dump the eggplant stick on a piece of paper towel, cover it with another piece of paper towel, and gently press. The paper towels will absorb the excess moisture on the surface of the eggplant.

drying-eggplant

Next, add the seasoned cornstarch to the bowl with eggplant sticks and toss well, ensuring even coverage.

dredging-eggplant-in-starch-mix

eggplant-tossed-in-seasoned-cornstarch

Finally, gently lower the seasoned eggplant sticks into preheated oil and fry until a crispy golden brown bark appears.

frying-eggplant-fries-in-oil

 golden-brown-eggplant-fries-removed-from-frying-oil

Remove the fries from the oil and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

eggplant-fries-on-paper-towels

Serve hot with ketchup or other favorite dipping sauce, like buttermilk ranch dressing.

Enjoy!

Eggplant Fries - super crispy on the outside, and very soft, creamy on the inside. These little morsels are divine. No other eggplant fries can compete with these. And the seasoning on these fries is the bomb. So scrumptious!

Extra Crispy Eggplant Fries

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Eggplant fries
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Resting time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 197kcal
Author: Victor

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 2 tsp granulated onion
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Wash the eggplant. Cut off the stem and peel. Cut into 1/2" sticks and place in a medium bowl.
  • Sprinkle salt over the eggplant and toss to ensure even coverage.  Set aside for 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine cornstarch with granulated onion, granulated garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  • After 20 minutes, pat dry the eggplant sticks with paper towels. Transfer them to a large bowl. Sprinkle the seasoned cornstarch over the eggplant and toss well, ensuring even coverage.
  • Heat the oil to 350F. Carefully lower the eggplant into the heated oil and fry until dark golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes. Do not overcrowd. Depending on your pan size, you may have to do this in two batches.
  • Remove the fries from the oil and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Serve hot with ketchup or other dipping source of your choosing.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

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  1. Nanajee Travels says

    February 10, 2025 at 1:13 pm

    5 stars
    These sound absolutely irresistible! 😍🍆🔥 Extra crispy on the outside, soft and creamy inside—pure perfection! Can’t wait to try them! 😋👌

    Reply
    • victor says

      April 15, 2025 at 3:40 pm

      I know what you mean. My family loves them. Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. MaryAnn Coy says

    September 16, 2024 at 12:18 pm

    Could you work up this recipe to make in the Air Fryer? Not everyone can have deep fried foods. Thank you.

    Reply
    • victor says

      September 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm

      Still working on it. I'll do my best to come up with a good way to get the same quality in an air fryer.

      Reply

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