Crispy Eggplant Fries
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These eggplant fries are coated in panko and parmesan and baked in the oven until they’re wonderfully crispy. They make a great family-friendly side dish, simple appetizer, or snack. You’ll NEVER guess that they’re made with eggplant!
Eggplant might not be the first vegetable you think of for fries, but it absolutely shines here. With a light coating of panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt, these baked eggplant fries turn beautifully crisp in the oven while staying tender and creamy inside. I’ve made everything from carrot carrot fries to zucchini fries, but these are the ones I come back to again and again — the texture is just that good.
They’re also incredibly easy to make. Thick eggplant strips get dipped in egg, then coated in that savory, cheesy breadcrumb mixture before being drizzled with olive oil and baked until golden. The Parmesan adds salty depth, the panko keeps things light and crunchy, and the eggplant softens into that almost silky interior that makes each bite so satisfying.
This is one of those recipes that surprises people. Even our youngest taste testers — who normally turn their noses up at eggplant — happily polish these off. Served straight from the oven with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re the kind of snack or side dish that disappears fast.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make eggplant fries in an air fryer?
Yes, it’s easy to make air fryer eggplant fries! Bread the eggplant slices as per the recipe, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (making sure they’re not touching each other) and cook for 15 minutes, turning once. You’ll likely need to cook these in batches.
What kind of eggplant works best for fries?
We like to use globe eggplants (also called Mediterranean eggplants) for this recipe. However, if you have access to long, Asian eggplants, they will also work. Skip the small Thai eggplants, as they’re too tiny to cut into French fry shapes.
How long do eggplant fries last?
These fries are best eaten shortly after they come out of the oven. If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in your oven until crispy.
Can I make eggplant fries ahead of time?
Eggplant fries can be breaded up to 8 hours in advance and kept on a baking sheet (covered) in your refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
Eggplant Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup panko
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (can sub dried oregano)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt (see notes)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 medium eggplants (cut into ½ inch strips)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Set an oven rack in the top third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a baking sheet with oil. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the panko, parmesan, oregano, and garlic salt. In another bowl, whisk the two eggs with a small splash of water.1 cup panko, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon garlic salt, 2 large eggs
- Dredge the eggplant strips first in the egg and then in the breadcrumb mixture. (Using 1 hand for the egg and the other for the breadcrumbs makes this a lot less messy) Place the eggplants on the oiled baking sheet and drizzle with a little more oil.2 medium eggplants, Olive oil
- Place the eggplant fries in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until they are golden and crispy, turning them over once about halfway through baking.
- Serve the crispy eggplant fries with some dipping sauce on the side – see notes for some suggestions.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
More fry recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of my eggplant recipes!
Hi, I tried eggplant fries at a restaurant last night, and they were really terrific. They told me that they order theirs pre-prepped from Sysco Foods, though. I like particularly like that you suggest different sauces (the dish at the restaurant came with marinara, but I like the chipotle aioli idea). Can’t wait to give this a try!
Hey Abaigeal,
Ya Sysco does provide a lot of pre made food that restaurants serve. Don’t worry though, they’re really easy to make!
Writing from Indonesia where I’m limited in the veggies available but eggplants are local so I found you 🙂 Appreciate you posting, I’m excited to try ’em out!
I will definitely try this recipe soon…looks so delicious. I am always looking for good
eggplant recipes.
Hi Marg,
I’d love to hear what you think of this dish. It is one of my favourites!
Wow, this recipe is amazing. I tried it by the book and was amazing. I also tried doing them on a pan with some garlic infused oil. I really recommend it, the eggplant becomes really light while the outside becomes really crispy and golden brown.
I’m ordering the book ASAP
Greetings from Mexico!
Hi James,
That’s a great idea about using some garlic infused oil. I’m going to try that next time for sure!!
I’ve been looking for a recipe for eggplant that kids might like – this looks like it might be it!
I hope this one works for your kids!
I love eggplant
Me too!!
Hi! if I’m making these in the day but am taking them to a dinner should I reheat them or do these have to be served immediately?? thank you!
We use a lot of brinjals in Indian food. Pl try these fritters made with gram flour.
wow, that a fantastic recipe. brava! I have been looking for different ways to use eggplants and this was one of the best yet. Even my Italian boyfriend was impressed 😉 , keep up the great recipes!
Thank you for posting this recipe. I made it using 1 tablespoon fresh herbs and dipped in a chipotle/mayo sauce. Delicious!!
You are so welcome, Lisa!!
Yum looks great! Just wondering, should i soak the eggplant before?
Hey Lyric,
No definitely don’t soak the eggplant. Just dip the pieces in the egg to coat them before putting them in the breadcrumb mixture 🙂
So excited to try these!!! Love baking regular fries and these are even lighter!
Hey Brittany,
I love regular fries too and it’s even better if they are lighter!
Eggplant fries? Eggplant bacon? I’m in love. Sign me up!
Faith
Hey Faith,
I’m stoked to try the eggplant bacon too!
I am very picky about how I like eggplant and these sounds great!
Hey Morgan,
If you like zucchini fries you will love these! They’re very similar 🙂
Eggplant is one of my favourite indulgences and I’m always looking for new recipes – my experience with them has also been limited to a couple of dishes. Can’t wait to head down to the farmers market to get myself an eggplant and try these!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome, Rosie! I always love having an ingredient prepared in a way I had never thought of before. Hope you enjoy them!
Eggplants are my favorite and I’m always looking for new ways to prepare them! How exciting!
Hey Madeline,
I always love them too but often get stuck preparing them the same few ways. Was so great to get some more inspiration from Grace Wilders’ book 🙂