The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries (Baingan Chips): Your New Favorite Healthy Snack!
Are you on the hunt for a snack that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly good for you? Look no further than these Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries ! Also known as Baingan Chips, this recipe transforms the humble eggplant into a golden, crunchy, and utterly addictive treat. Forget soggy, oily vegetable sides—the air fryer works its magic to create a perfectly crispy exterior with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, all with a fraction of the oil.
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This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and a fantastic way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their vegetables. Whether you need a quick afternoon snack, a impressive party appetizer, or a fun side dish for burgers and sandwiches, these eggplant fries are sure to be a hit. Let’s turn that beautiful eggplant into something spectacular!
Why You’ll Love This Eggplant Fries Recipe
If you’re still skeptical about eggplant being the star of the show, let me convince you. First, the texture is unbeatable. A light, seasoned coating gives way to a soft, almost creamy inside—a contrast that is simply irresistible. Second, it’s incredibly easy and quick. From prep to plate, you’re about 20 minutes away from snack heaven. No deep-frying mess, no heavy grease, just simple, wholesome ingredients.
Finally, it’s wildly versatile. Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a variety of dips. A classic marinara sauce, a cool creamy ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo all work perfectly. They are a brilliant, healthy alternative to traditional french fries and a great way to mix up your vegetable routine.
Air Fryer Eggplant Fries / Baingan Chips
Crunchy, spiced, and utterly addictive eggplant fries coated in a vibrant blend of Indian masalas and chickpea flour. These ‘Baingan Chips’ are a deliciously healthy, gluten-free, and vegan snack that bakes to perfection in the air fryer with just a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant (baingan) or 2 medium, cut into ½-inch thick fry-shaped strips
- 1 tsp salt for drawing out moisture
- 0.75 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 2 tbsp rice flour or cornstarch, for extra crispness
- 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder or ½ tsp paprika + ½ tsp cayenne for heat
- 1 tsp cumin seeds lightly crushed
- 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or 1 tbsp lemon juice added to wet mix
- 0.5 tsp garam masala
- 0.5 cup water approximately, to make a thick batter
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or neutral oil plus more for spraying
Instructions
- Prepare Eggplant: Cut eggplant into fry-shaped strips. Toss with 1 tsp salt and let sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, which is critical for crispiness. Rinse thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Make Spiced Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together besan, rice flour, Kashmiri chili powder, cumin seeds, turmeric, amchur, garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add water and 2 tbsp oil, whisking until a smooth, thick, pancake-batter consistency forms.
- Coat the Fries: Add the dried eggplant fries to the batter and toss gently until each piece is evenly and thoroughly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Air Fry: Lightly grease the air fryer basket. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed right out of the air fryer while they are hot and crispy. Serve with mint chutney or a tamarind date chutney.
Notes
🔹 DRY THE EGGPLANT: This is the most important step. Do not skip salting and thoroughly drying the eggplant, or the fries will be soft and steam instead of crisp up.
🔹 Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to heavily coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, add a little more besan; if too thick, add a teaspoon more water.
🔹 Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches for the crispiest results. Overcrowding will make them steam.
🔹 Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference. Kashmiri chili provides color and mild heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 9gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 12mg
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The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Baingan Chips
The key to achieving that desirable crunch without deep-frying lies in two simple steps: salting and the air fryer. Salting the eggplant slices before cooking might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial. It helps draw out excess moisture, which is the enemy of crispiness. This ensures your fries won’t turn out soggy and allows the seasoning to really stick to the flesh.
Then, the air fryer takes over. Its powerful, circulating hot air cooks the fries evenly, creating a beautifully browned and crispy exterior while using minimal oil. It’s a genius appliance for creating healthy versions of our favorite fried foods, and this recipe is a perfect example.
How to Serve Your Eggplant Fries
These fries are delicious straight out of the air fryer basket, but serving them with a dip takes them to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
- Marinara Sauce: A classic, always delicious pairing.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a cool, tangy dip.
- Tzatziki: The cucumber and yogurt combo is refreshing and light.
- Spicy Aioli: Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime.
They also make a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or tucked inside a pita for a vegetarian lunch option.
Let’s Make Some Fries!
Now for the best part! Below is the recipe card with everything you need: the simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information. I know you’re going to love this healthy, crispy, and satisfying snack. Happy air frying!
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to see your crispy creations! Tag me on social media @AirFry24 and let me know how your Air Fryer Eggplant Fries turned out!
