Crispy Fried Eggplant is a delightfully crunchy dish that transforms a humble vegetable into a golden-brown masterpiece. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy exterior with soft, creamy insides that dance on your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

As the aroma wafts through the kitchen, you can almost hear the eggplant whispering, “You know you want me!” Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, Crispy Fried Eggplant garners smiles and satisfied sighs from everyone around the table.

Nothing beats the joy of watching friends devour this dish while proclaiming their newfound love for eggplant.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Eggplant: Choose firm, medium-sized eggplants; they should feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin.

• All-Purpose Flour: This will create a great base for the crispy coating; opt for unbleached flour if possible.

• Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch; they’re light and airy, making them perfect for frying.

• Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.

• Salt and Pepper: These staples enhance flavor; season generously to elevate the taste of your eggplant.

• Oil for Frying: Use vegetable oil or canola oil which has a high smoke point, perfect for achieving that golden brown color.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Fried Eggplant

Prepare the Eggplant: Start by slicing the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides to draw out moisture and bitterness. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing.

Set Up Your Breading Station: Grab three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with spices like paprika or garlic powder.

Bread the Eggplant Slices: Dip each slice first in flour until coated lightly, then into the egg mixture to ensure adherence. Finally, press firmly into breadcrumbs to achieve that crunchy coating.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Heat until shimmering but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place breaded eggplant slices in hot oil without crowding them. Fry each side until golden brown and crispy—approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Drain and Serve Hot: Remove fried slices from the skillet using tongs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

Enjoy every crunchy bite of these delightful morsels!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

The best way to tackle crispy fried eggplant is to prep your ingredients first. Slice the eggplant, salt it to draw moisture, then coat it in flour and breadcrumbs before frying. This sequence ensures maximum crispiness for each slice.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to spice things up! Try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. You can also switch regular flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour based on your preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover crispy fried eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven for about 10 minutes until they regain their crunch.

Cooking crispy fried eggplant reminds me of family gatherings, where my grandma would serve her famous dish and everyone would fight over the last piece like it was gold.

FAQ

Can I make crispy fried eggplant vegan?

Yes, you can use plant-based milk instead of eggs for coating.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Use vegetable or canola oil as they have high smoke points.

How do I know when the eggplant is cooked through?

Fry until golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side.

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Crispy Fried Eggplant

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Crispy Fried Eggplant is a delectable dish that takes simple eggplant to new heights. With its golden-brown, crunchy exterior and creamy interior, this recipe will have everyone at the table raving about their newfound love for this versatile vegetable. Perfect as a snack or side dish, Crispy Fried Eggplant pairs beautifully with your favorite dips and is sure to become a favorite for gatherings and family meals alike.

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Ingredients

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• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt (plus extra for eggplant)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant: Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Set Up Breading Station: In three shallow bowls, place flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Eggplant: Coat each slice in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs.
4. Heat Oil: In a skillet over medium heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
5. Fry: Place breaded eggplant slices in the hot oil without crowding. Fry until golden brown (3-4 minutes per side).
6. Drain and Serve: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 slices
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg