Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
Every evening, as the sun sets, casting a golden hue over my bustling kitchen, the aroma of spices fills the air. As a housewife, blogger, and self-proclaimed food critic, my culinary journey has been a blend of tradition and innovation. Among my treasured recipes, Air Fryer Eggplant Fries recipe hold a special place. Their crispy exterior, soft inside, and the tantalizing hint of spices take me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where food was more than sustenance; it was a language of love.
See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Air Fryer
What Are Air Fryer Eggplant Fries?
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries are a modern twist to the traditional Indian baingan (eggplant) dishes. Thin slices of eggplant are seasoned with a blend of aromatic Indian spices, coated in a light batter, and then air-fried to perfection. The result? A crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful interior. Imagine biting into a piece and experiencing the robust flavors of cumin, turmeric, and a hint of chili, all harmoniously blended with the earthy taste of eggplant.
The Air Fryer Eggplant Fries are more than just a dish; they are a testament to the beautiful amalgamation of traditional Indian flavors and contemporary cooking techniques. Whether you’re relishing them with a cup of chai on a rainy day or serving them as an appetizer at a dinner party, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser.
Variations – Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
While the classic recipe is a favorite, the beauty of these fries lies in their adaptability. Here are some variations to consider:
- Spicy Delight: Add a pinch of garam masala or extra red chili powder for that extra kick.
- Herbal Twist: Incorporate finely chopped cilantro or mint into the batter for a refreshing touch.
- Cheesy Indulgence: Sprinkle some grated cheese over the fries just before they’re done air frying. The melted cheese complements the spices beautifully.
Nutrition – Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
Eggplants, or baingan, are not just delicious but also packed with health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Eggplants contain anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress.
- High in Fiber: Promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling full.
- Low in Calories: A guilt-free snack for those watching their weight.
- Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Especially B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.
Furthermore, using an air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, making this snack both tasty and heart-healthy!
Step by Step Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Eggplant / brinjal / baingan
- ½ tsp ginger powder /saunth
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp aamchur / dry mango powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- coriander leaves / cilantro
To Serve With
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Green chutney
- Tomato Sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Rinse and pat the eggplant first. Then, remove the head or stem.
- Now, cut the eggplant into 2 equal parts lengthwise. Then, cut each eggplant again in 2 equal parts lengthwise. Like this way, you will get 4 equal parts.
- Now, cut each piece into half from the width.
- Then, each piece into equal parts lengthwise. Make sure the pieces are not too thin or too thick. They should be of medium thickness.
Cooking
- Now, take a big bowl and add all the spices in it along with the oil. Mix everything well to a fine paste.
- Add chopped eggplants in it and mix well with the spice paste. Rub 2-3 minutes so that eggplants can get nicely coated with the spices.
- Cover and leave for 5-6 minutes.
- In the meantime, line a parchment paper with holes in the Air Fryer basket.
- Transfer the eggplant in to the Air Fryer basket.
- Start cooking at 180°C for 10-12 minutes or until eggplants are cooked nicely and crisp thoroughly.
- Do not forget to flip the eggplants in between the half time. Alternatively, you can deep fry these brinjal pieces in the hot oil or bake in the oven (See notes).
- As a result, you will get nice, crisp and juicy Eggplant Fries.
- Garnish with chopped coriander, if like and serve Eggplant Fries with your favorite sauce or chutney!
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Tong
Notes & Tips
- For Deep frying method: Make sure the oil is medium hot before dropping the eggplant in to the oil. Fry at medium heat until cooked properly and turn into crisp texture. You don’t need to add oil in the spice mix for deep frying method.
- For Oven method: Preheat the Oven at 180°C for 5 minutes. Line a parchment paper on the baking tray and transfer the brinjal on it. Make sure all pieces are in the single layer and are not overlapping each other. Place the tray at the Oven and bake for 10 minutes at 180°C or until crisp.
- Adjust salt and spices as per your taste preference.
- Use any neutral tasting oil. I have used olive oil here.
- It's essential to slice the eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the quantity of red chili powder.
- The rice flour gives the fries a crispy texture, so it's recommended not to skip it.
- Freshly made mint chutney or tamarind chutney works best as a dip for these fries
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
What are Air Fryer Eggplant Fries?
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries are a delightful twist on traditional Indian baingan dishes. They involve thin slices of eggplant seasoned with a mix of aromatic Indian spices, enveloped in a light batter, and then air-fried. This process yields a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, flavorful inside, making them a gourmet’s treat.
How do these fries differ from traditional Indian baingan recipes?
While traditional Indian baingan dishes often involve deep frying or roasting the entire eggplant, these fries take a modern approach. By using an air fryer, the eggplant slices get a crispy texture without the excessive oil, merging the age-old flavors of India with contemporary cooking techniques.
Can I add other spices to the Air Fryer Eggplant Fries?
Absolutely! The beauty of Indian cuisine lies in its adaptability. You can add a pinch of garam masala for a spicier kick or incorporate herbs like cilantro or mint for a refreshing touch. Experimenting with spices allows you to tailor the dish to your taste buds.
Are Air Fryer Eggplant Fries healthy?
Yes, these fries are a healthier alternative to many deep-fried snacks. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and low in calories. Additionally, air frying reduces the oil content, making this dish both heart-healthy and delicious.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these fries?
While these fries are flavorful on their own, pairing them with an Indian-style chutney, like mint or tamarind, can elevate the tasting experience. You could also opt for a yogurt-based dip or even a spicy tomato sauce.
Can I make a cheese variant of these fries?
Certainly! A cheesy twist is a popular variation. Sprinkle some grated cheese over the fries just before they’re about to finish air frying. The melted cheese complements the Indian spices beautifully, offering a fusion of flavors.
How can I ensure the fries are crispy and not soggy?
For the crispiest fries, ensure your eggplant slices are not too thick. Also, preheating the air fryer and making sure the eggplants are evenly coated in batter will help achieve that perfect crunch.
Are there other vegetables I can use with this recipe?
Yes, the air fryer technique paired with Indian spices can be applied to other vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even okra. Each vegetable will bring its unique flavor, making the dish versatile and exciting.
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