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Crispy Baked Eggplant

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Crispy Baked Eggplant delivers a golden, crunchy exterior with a tender inside, offering all the satisfaction of fried eggplant without the excess oil. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or meatless main, it’s especially tasty with marinara sauce for dipping.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 pounds small to medium-size eggplant (about 6, depending on size)

2 large eggs

3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup plain panko breadcrumbs (or Rice Chex crumbs for gluten-free)

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Olive oil, for baking sheets

Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat one or two baking sheets with olive oil and set aside.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon water. In another dish, combine panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Slice eggplants into 1/2–3/4-inch rounds.
  4. Dip each slice into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat well.
  5. Arrange coated slices on prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 17–20 minutes, until bottoms are golden. Flip slices and bake another 8–10 minutes, until lightly browned on the second side.
  7. Serve immediately with marinara sauce if desired.

Notes

  • For an air fryer version, cook at 375–400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Make it vegan by using plant-based Parmesan and an egg substitute like aquafaba.
  • For gluten-free, replace panko with Rice Chex crumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • To make Italian-style baked eggplant Parmesan, layer baked slices with marinara and mozzarella.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/crispy-baked-eggplant/