Air Fryer Eggplant Fries-No Breadcrumbs

Looking for a tasty way to enjoy eggplant?

This Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant recipe made without breadcrumbs is amazingly delicious and yet simple! Made in just a little oil, these eggplant fritters are crispy on the outside and tender within. Team them with tomato sauce or your favorite dip for a quick snack!

These golden brown air-fried eggplant fritters, made using gram flour (Besan) are the perfect gluten-free delicious snack! With just a handful of ingredients and a total no-fuss recipe, these eggplant rounds are so easy to gather.

While one may deep fry the gram flour batter-smeared eggplants, the air fryer helps you reduce the oil intake by a quick frying method that doesn't absorb a lot of oil. I loved eggplant fritters even as a kid but I came across many people who have never heard of or tried it. I love creating easy recipes, and making this air fryer version of eggplant was long overdue.

While I could have used oats breading, Panko breadcrumbs, or Parmesan cheese to make breaded eggplant, I loved the way these besan-coated eggplant chips in air fryer turned out- A perfect gluten-free recipe and easy side dish for holidays and Thanksgiving!

Find popular More Air Fryer recipes from the blog: Air Fryer Carrot Fries, Air Fryer Beet Chips, and Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls.

Try Popular Rice Fritters recipe.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
• Expert Tips
• Storage Suggestions
• What To Team These Air Fry Eggplant Slices With?
• Recipe FAQs
• Air Fryer Eggplant Fries (No Breadcrumbs)

Ingredients

• Eggplant- I have used the local produce of Eggplant, also known as aubergine. The same recipe can be made with Zucchini, potato, or portobello mushrooms.
• Olive Oil
• Gram Flour (Besan): Gram flour, made from ground chickpeas, creates a light and crispy coating for the eggplant, adding a nutty flavor. Since Gram flour is a gf option, I love creating fritters using it. Cornstarch or rice flour can be used as alternatives. They provide a similar crispiness when air-fried. Adjust quantities accordingly for the desired coating consistency.
• Red Chili Powder: Red chili powder adds a kick of heat balancing the mildness of the eggplant. My appetite for red chili is amazing. Start with less if you don't like the heat. Black pepper, Paprika, or cayenne pepper can be used as substitutes. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of spiciness.
• Turmeric Powder (optional): Though optional, Turmeric powder (Haldi) adds an amazing color and texture to the gram flour batter. If you don't have turmeric powder, you may skip it.
• Salt- Normal table salt works well. Kosher salt works well too.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

Step 1. Prepare the Eggplant

While you prep, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Wash and slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds. I haven't peeled the eggplant, you may feel free to do that. You may sprinkle salt on eggplant to drain excess moisture from it, but it's not mandatory.

Step 2. Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, combine gram flour, olive oil, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix well with water to create a smooth, thick paste. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Step 3. Coat the Eggplant Slices

Dip each eggplant slice into the gram flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Shake off any excess coating to avoid clumps. Make sure to brush the air fryer with little olive oil before placing the slices.

Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray some oil over the eggplant slices. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. I have air fried in 2-3 batches.

Step 4. Air Fry Coated Eggplant

Air fry the eggplant slices for 12-15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. The slices should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 5. Serve It.

The delicious Air Fryer Eggplant Slices are ready. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to cut eggplant in uniform thick slices (not too thick or thin)- ½ inch thick works best.
• Make sure to brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to avoid sticking of eggplant slices.
• Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation, promoting even cooking.
• About halfway through the cooking time, flip or shake the basket gently to ensure that all sides of the eggplant slices are cooked.
• Air-fried food is best enjoyed right out of the fryer. Serve the eggplant slices immediately to preserve their crispy texture.

Storage Suggestions

If you have leftover Air Fryer Eggplant Slices, store them in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the refrigerated slices in the air fryer for a few minutes on the stovetop or in an oven until they regain their crispiness. I won't recommend freezing them as they would lose texture and flavor.

What To Team These Air Fry Eggplant Slices With?

Air Fryer Eggplant Slices are a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. You may team them with sauces like marinara sauce, Tahini dip, Cilantro Dip, amla Chutney, Hummus without Tahini, Indian Bathua Dip, or Raita. For a quick meal, have this delicious dish with Wheat Focaccia bread, Roasted Pumpkin Spinach Salad, Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad, Veg Brown Rice Pulao, Air Fryer Paneer, and Sweet Potato Fritters.

Recipe FAQs

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