This breaded fried eggplant recipe is a wonderful way to use up fresh eggplant from the garden or farmer’s market in the summer. With a crispy and golden coating, the eggplant slices have a combination of texture from the soft interior to the crunchy coating. This fried eggplant can be served as an appetizer with a marinara or lemon aioli dipping sauce, or they can be added to salads or served on top of pasta.
To make the breaded fried eggplant, you dip the eggplant into batter followed by crispy breadcrumbs. Then, they get fried until golden brown before serving.
What is Breaded Fried Eggplant?
Breaded fried eggplant is sliced eggplant that is breaded and fried. This version uses panko breadcrumbs which results in an extra crisp texture.
Pro Tips
- For the smoothest batter, use a whisk to mix it and prevent lumps from forming.
- If you find that the breadcrumb coating is a little patchy, you can dab more batter on the black spots of the eggplant slices to help the breadcrumbs stick easier.
- Make sure the oil is heated to around 350 F (177 C) before frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the eggplant slices as crowding will prevent the slices from cooking evenly. Instead, you can cook the breaded eggplant in batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Serve Breaded Fried Eggplant?
This breaded fried eggplant recipe is delicious served as an appetizer with a marinara or lemon aioli dipping sauce. Alternatively, feel free to add the eggplant to sandwiches or use them as a garnish on top of grain bowls, salads, or pasta.
What Type of Eggplant Should Be Used?
For this recipe, it is best to use Italian-style eggplant rather than Asian varieties that are thinner. The larger Italian eggplant will have more surface area for the breadcrumbs.
Can I Add Seasonings to the Breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can! The breadcrumbs can be mixed with any of your favorite dried spices or herbs like cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and more. You could also blend chopped rosemary into the breadcrumbs as it is a woody herb that can hold up to more heat.
How to Store Breaded Fried Eggplant
You can store the eggplant in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, although the coating will soften. To re-crisp the eggplant, you can then reheat it in the oven or air fryer.
Ingredients
How to Make Panko Breaded Fried Eggplant
Cut the eggplant into slices. In a bowl, whisk the flour with the cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and water until combined.
Cut the eggplant into slices. In a bowl, whisk the flour with the cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and water until combined.
Dip the eggplant slices in the batter followed by the breadcrumbs.
Dip the eggplant slices in the batter followed by the breadcrumbs.
Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
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