Crispy Eggplants: Light Sticks Baked or in Air Fryer.
These crispy eggplant sticks are a light and tasty recipe, perfect as an appetizer for a dinner with friends or a fun side dish to get kids to eat more veggies. The eggplants are cut into sticks, breaded, and cooked in the oven or air fryer for a crispy result without adding fats.
My mom used to call them “fake mushrooms” playfully because, according to her, the taste really reminded of breaded and fried mushrooms, but at a much lower cost — and you know, a housewife in the 60s and 70s knew how to make the family happy without spending too much! 🙂
This recipe is ideal for those looking for a healthy alternative to fried eggplants, also suitable for those on a vegetarian or low-calorie diet. Great as a side dish, snack, or finger food, they will win over both kids and adults.
Try them too and discover the unique taste of “poor man’s mushrooms” 🙂 in a light and crispy version!
So, let’s not waste more time and let’s prepare these crispy eggplants: light sticks baked or in an air fryer.
Oh my, so good!
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 8
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, Autumn, Summer
Ingredients. Crispy Eggplants: Light Sticks Baked or in Air Fryer
- 2 round eggplant
- 3 eggs
- as needed flour
- 3.5 oz breadcrumbs
- 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
Tools. Crispy Eggplants: Light Sticks Baked or in Air Fryer
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Baking Tray Perforated 16 x 12 inches
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Baking Tray Perforated 18×14 inches
- 1 Container perforated air fryer
- 1 Container non-perforated air fryer
Steps. Crispy Eggplant Sticks: The Step-by-Step Recipe
Crispy eggplant sticks, light and easy to cook in the oven or air fryer. A tasty and light side dish for the whole family!
Wash the eggplants well, remove the ends, and cut them into regular sticks (about 0.4 inches), similar to thick fries
Prepare three plates:
One with flour
One with beaten eggs
One with a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
Then pass each stick first in the flour (removing excess).
Then in the egg.
Finally in breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Press well to make the coating adhere.
Arrange the breaded sticks on a baking tray lined with dampened and squeezed parchment paper or in the suitable container for the air fryer (if you don’t have the perforated one, use a pin to make some holes, you’ll get more even cooking).
If you want, spray with a little oil.
Cooking in the oven or air fryer:
– Static oven: 356°F for about 30-40 minutes and until golden, turning halfway.
– Air fryer: 374°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway, be careful as each air fryer is different.
Enjoy them right away! Great on their own, with light sauces, or as a side dish.
Curiosities.
Did you know that until the 18th century, the eggplant was considered an ornamental and even poisonous plant? In Europe, it was called “mela insana” (from which the name “melanzana” comes) because it was thought to cause mental illnesses.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
How to store them?
I store them in the fridge tightly sealed in a container.
For those intolerant to gluten?
Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and choose rice flour.
Can I prepare the eggplant sticks in advance?
Yes, you can bread them and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them uncooked and bake them directly in the oven or air fryer.
Is it possible to replace the egg in the breading?
Of course! You can replace it with a batter of water and flour to adhere the breadcrumbs in case of intolerances or vegan diet.
Can I serve them as a main course?
Yes, if accompanied by a protein source or a cereal, they become a complete vegetarian main course. Also great as a finger food or side dish.
