easy fried eggplant recipe

The Best easy fried eggplant recipe

I’ve been making this easy fried eggplant recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is so simple to prepare, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. I love how the crispy exterior gives way to the tender, slightly sweet interior of the eggplant.

It’s a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I’ve served it at countless family gatherings, and everyone always asks for the recipe. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re slicing the eggplant into thin rounds and dredging them in flour before frying.

It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and teach them about different flavors and textures. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish, add it to a sandwich or wrap, or even use it as a topping for a salad. I’ve even used leftover eggplant to make delicious eggplant parmesan sandwiches the next day.

The health benefits of this recipe are also a major plus – eggplant is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and frying it in olive oil makes for a satisfying and filling meal. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, but I still get excited every time I serve it to my family or friends. There’s something special about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly special.

I’ve experimented with different seasonings and spices over the years, but this basic recipe remains one of my favorites.

Easy Fried Eggplant

4.8 from 1627 votes

Crispy golden fried eggplant slices seasoned with salt and pepper. A simple and delicious side dish or snack that comes together in minutes.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Eggplant

1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
2Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and liquid.
3Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
4Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then in egg, then in panko, pressing gently to adhere.
5Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
6Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches without overcrowding, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy.
7Transfer fried eggplant to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Paper towels
Shallow bowls
Tongs
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 93mg🧂Sodium: 640mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded eggplant slices at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Watch Video Of How Easy Fried Eggplant Works

This easy fried eggplant recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it’s so easy to make and always impresses my family and friends. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste by adding different seasonings or spices – try experimenting with different combinations to find your new favorite flavor combination!

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days – just let them cool completely before refrigerating them. Reheating leftover fried eggplant is also super easy – just pop it in the microwave or oven until crispy again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Eggplant

Q: What type of eggplant is best for this recipe?

The best type of eggplant for this recipe is the Italian or Japanese variety – they have a more delicate flavor and texture that holds up well to frying.

Q: Can I use other seasonings instead of salt and pepper?

Yes, you can experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your eggplant some extra flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover fried eggplant?

You can store leftover fried eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days – just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it.

Q: Can I bake instead of fry the eggplant?

Yes, you can bake the eggplant instead of frying it – just brush it with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

Q: Can I use frozen eggplant instead of fresh?

No, frozen eggplant doesn’t work as well in this recipe because it tends to be too watery and lacks flavor – stick with fresh whenever possible.

Similar Posts