The Best Fried Eggplant EVER! This is so easy to make at home and so much better than most restaurant versions. With our magic ingredient, you will easily have perfect results every time!
Let’s face it. There’s often a touch of technique or special ingredients you’d never think of to get everything just right. That doesn’t mean the recipe is difficult to make. There’s often just a secret ingredient or specific technique that you need to have!
For this recipe, it’s a little bit of both. Do you pan-fry or deep-fry? Use flour, batter, or breading? What about the oil? How hot is too hot, and can I manage a vat of frying liquid without needing emergency medical care?
Let’s demystify the frying process a bit and tackle one of my favorites: crispy Fried Eggplant.
Eggplant may not be on the “favorite vegetables” list for some people, but I’ve never had anyone turn down one of these crunchy slices!
Fried Eggplant Video Tutorial
Is fried eggplant good for you?
Eggplants themselves are a very nutrient-dense fruit (yeah, not a vegetable), touting tons of vitamins and minerals to combat everything from headaches to depression.
It’s also fiber-rich, which is great for heart health and digestive health and keeps you fuller longer (I see you, summer swimsuit!).
It’s the “fried” part we usually equate with not being healthy.
You can try oven fried eggplant instead, and it’s efficient if you’re making a baked eggplant parmesan or something where crisp isn’t critical. The oven-fried method just doesn’t create the same crunch, so it’s not gonna satisfy that fried-food craving the same way.
No, I don’t recommend eating fried food every day since no amount of treadmill time can completely counteract the “fried” part.
There’s definitely an increase in fat for this otherwise low-fat food when you fry it, but you can minimize the absorption of excess oil by choosing a good breading and executing the frying method properly.
There are three types of frying: pan-frying where the pan is barely covered with oil – good for delicate things like crab cakes or thin cutlets of chicken or pork; deep frying in several inches of oil – good for items like French fries and doughnuts; and shallow-frying which is a happy medium – good for things like bone-in chicken, Hot Water Cornbread, and this eggplant recipe.
Some home cooks like deep fried eggplant, and I find that does work well if you use a batter and chunks (not slices) of eggplant. Using a coating like a pancake or tempura batter, recipes for fried eggplant that incorporate deep frying yield a crispy but smooth exterior.
Personally, I prefer some additional texture on my eggplant, one only achieved with proper breading and coarse bread crumbs, and that technique works much better with the shallow frying method. One side of the eggplant is always in contact with the hot pan which helps sear the cooking side and creates a covetable crust. The breading can make or break a recipe.
You can choose a light breading, which is how to fry eggplant with flour, but it doesn’t create a thick enough coating to balance the texture of the eggplant.
You could opt for a heavy breading instead, like southern fried eggplant that’s dipped in buttermilk and cornmeal, but unless your slices are pretty thick (and take longer to cook), this method produces a breading-to-eggplant ratio that’s still a little off.
My breading is a three-step process that’s substantial enough to be worth the trouble of frying but without dominating the dish. Using panko breadcrumbs too, rather than making fried eggplant without breadcrumbs, actually complements the texture of the tender eggplant.
Fried Eggplant Ingredients:
- Egg
- Salt
- Cornstarch
- Eggplant
- Panko Bread Crumbs
How Do You Make Fried Eggplant?
The first step is dusting the eggplant with cornstarch to give the rest of the breading something to cling to.
I prefer to use cornstarch instead of flour since it’s 100% starch (versus flour which is about 75%), and it gets super crispy (it’s what they use for that crusty General Tsao’s chicken at your favorite Chinese restaurant).
Cornstarch also has a finer texture which means it covers the surface area more completely and helps the egg stick practically everywhere. Be sure to salt your eggs first, by the way, since the salt helps break down proteins and thin the eggs a bit, making it coat the eggplant a little more easily.
The eggs help adhere the panko to our eggplant slices, and I like to use pre-seasoned to add extra herbs and spices. “Italian seasoning” means some mixture of garlic, onion, basil, and oregano, and the earthy quality of these ingredients really enhances the richness of the eggplant.
Now that you’re breaded and ready for frying, let the eggplant dry for a few minutes. Do NOT skip this step.
Excess moisture is messy and downright dangerous when you’re dealing with hot oil. It also makes the temperature drop too much when you add the eggplant which means you’re decreasing the potential for the maximum crunch factor.
The drying time also helps the coating stick better to the eggplant while it’s cooking.
Make sure your skillet’s deep enough to hold the oil and eggplant, with enough height to keep the oil safely splattering inside. I also suggest using a straight-sided pan since fishing the fried bits out of a rounded-edge pan can be tricky business, especially if you want to avoid oil spillage (and stovetop fires).
I use a vegetable or other neutral-flavored, high-smoke point oil for this recipe so you can keep it safely at about 375 degrees.
Hot oil forces the moisture (steam) out of the eggplant which helps prevent oil from moving into the eggplant. If the oil isn’t hot enough, or you overcrowd the pan, oil can actually soak into your breading and make a sad, greasy mess.
Don’t gamble with a higher temperature, though, since you don’t want the exterior to brown (or burn) before the insides are finished cooking.
Expect to see lots of tiny bubbles surrounding the eggplant as soon as you drop the slices into the skillet.
It’s flipping time once the bubbles start getting bigger and decrease significantly, then you’ll finish bronzing up these beauties on the other side.
Those big bubbles mean you’re about out of steam – literally – on that side and in danger of soggy-ville. Drain on paper towels before serving, both to catch greasy drops and to wick away any excess moisture.
Do you have to peel eggplant before frying?
I get asked this question a lot because I think many people assume you do, but I actually prefer to fry my eggplant with the skin on. Most of those vitamins and minerals I mentioned earlier are trapped inside that deep purple coating, and the skins of young eggplant will be perfectly tender after cooking.
It also adds a touch of color and helps keep the eggplant slices intact once the insides soften during cooking.
Frying isn’t a complicated process, but there are some basic rules to follow. I always advocate the whole “practice makes perfect” thing, especially since fried food executed properly is so darn good!
Just get in your kitchen and experiment with different methods of frying and breading and battering.
A squeeze of lemon complements almost any savory fried dish, so definitely try it here, but you can also serve Fried Eggplant with marinara sauce. If you pile both on top of pasta, I think you can officially call it dinner (though it’s also good served with leftover Antipasto Salad)!
Recipe Notes for Fried Eggplant:
- Batch frying – You’ll want to cook the eggplant in batches to avoid overcrowding. Keep the fried eggplant warm in a 200-degree oven, on a paper-towel-lined cookie sheet, while you finish.
- Eggplant perfection – When you’re picking out eggplants, choose the freshest you can find and use them in less than a week. Look for shiny, plump specimens, not dull and wrinkly ones. Smaller is preferable too since the larger ones tend to be more mature and potentially bitter.
- Did you say bitter? – You’ll notice I don’t pre-salt the eggplant for this dish. There are lots of thoughts on whether salting is needed, but the general consensus is if you’re dealing with fresh, young, firm eggplants, salting ahead of time isn’t required.
- In addition to pulling out some of the bitter juices, which adds extra moisture you’ll have to deal with before breading, salting also changes the texture of the eggplant. It’s best to just opt for eggplants that don’t need the whole “youthening” treatment.
How to Store and Make Ahead
- How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge? Leftovers, if there are any, can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Can You Freeze This? No, this is best to consume immediately.
- Make-Ahead Tips: This is so easy and quick to make, no make-ahead steps are required.
- Food Safety: If you’d like more info on food safety check out this link.
More Side Dishes And Appetizers!
- Scalloped Corn
- Sauteed Asparagus
- Roasted Garlic Asparagus with Feta
- Baked Tomatoes
- Zucchini Corn Fritters
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
I hope you’ll join our cooking family! Subscribe to Gonna Want Seconds and receive all our latest recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Absolutely free to you and we never share your email address.
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fried Eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/3 Cup Cornstarch
- 1 Small Eggplant Cut Into 1/4 Inch Thick Slices
- 1 Cup Italian Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs
Serve With:
- Lemon Wedges-Optional
- Jarred Marinara Sauce-Optional
- Sliced Mozzarella-Optional
Instructions
- In a small shallow bowl, beat the egg with 1/4 teaspoon salt. In 2 more separate shallow dishes, pour the cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each slice of eggplant in cornstarch, coating it thoroughly then gently tapping off excess, then in egg mixture, then in the panko crumbs, pressing them to help them stick. Transfer coated eggplant to a wire rack and allow the coating to set 20 minutes.
- Heat 1/2 inch oil in a heavy bottom, skillet with straight sides 2 inches tall, to 375degrees. Fry the eggplant slices in batches, for 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel-lined baking sheet. Season with additional salt and pepper. Over hot eggplant, squeeze lemon wedges, or top with marinara sauce or mozzarella if using, and serve.
Fans Also Made:
Nutrition
On your phone? Check out my web story here.
Sandra Cole says
THE BEST!!!!! Easiest-peasiest!!!! Sooooo very tasty!
My hubby and I “inJOYed” ours with freshly squeezed lemon wedges; but another night, we’ll step it up a bit with Chef Kathleen’s suggested marina sauce & sliced mozzarella, toooed with fresh basil! THANK YOU, KATHLEEN!! You’re as pretty as your pretty plates of food!!
Kathleen says
Hi, Sandra! Thank you so much I’m so happy you and your hubby like this fried eggplant! 🙂
Bob S says
It’s time for my annual “Thanks!!!” for the best fried eggplant recipe ever. My Japanese eggplant crop is on the wane but ever since I discovered that they could be fried, wrapped in foil, laid flat in a freezer bag and frozen for the winter that hasn’t bothered me. I’m in eat half, freeze half mode right now!
A little homemade marinara and a heavy sprinkle of good pecorino romano and I’m a happy man.
Kathleen says
That sounds fantastic! I’m glad you have a new recipe to try 🙂
Thank you so much.
Veronica Branton says
Made this per recipe instructions. My husband says they are exactly like his mother used to make 60 years ago. He enjoyed them tremendously. First recipe I tried. No need to look further. Thank you.
Kathleen says
That’s so fantastic, Veronica! Thank you so much for your positive feedback. 🙂
Carrie Bulger says
Perfect!
Bryan Mooney says
Hands down 5 star and so simple to make. Took another reader’s advice and cooked up a large batch of my bumper crop of Japanese eggplant to freeze. Followed the recipe exactly. Did a test by freezing what was not eaten the same day ( it’s that good) and then reheating in air fryer after defrosting. My neighbors will no longer get free eggplants. I’ll be stocking up my freezer with this recipe. Thank you again!
Kathleen says
Hi, Bryan! Sorry to your neighbors hehe. I’m so happy you like this! I’m gonna try reheating this too in the air fryer 🙂
Thank you so much for your positive feedback!
Sue says
First time I made eggplant and this was easy to follow and we loved it. So nice and crispy. Thanks
Kathleen says
Yay! Thank you, Sue! 🙂
Bob S says
Made extensive use of this legitimate 5 star recipe last year with my Japanese eggplant crop. Just had my next to last meal with the fried then frozen coins…went into the freezer in September and still in great shape the following June. Should be picking fresh eggplant next week. Highly recommend the use of Japanese eggplants for this recipe versus the Italian varieties…they have less moisture in them and stay firm.
Kathleen says
Thanks Bob! I hope you have a great crop this year!
Bob S says
I did!
For those who grow their own try Hansel and Diamond varieties.
Jenni says
Anxious to try. I made a different recipe last night and it was so overcooked (mushy) I ended up throwing away. One minute per side sounds better than 3.
Kathleen says
Hi, Jenni! Sorry that happened to you! I hope you give this one a try and let us know how it turns out 🙂
jen says
Hi! I don’t have cornstarch. Can I substitute with any of the following?… Cornmeal, flour, Almond flour, or potato pancake mix? Or I may have something else on hand. Which is the best suggestion? Thank you.
Kathleen says
Hi, Jen. I think flour will do.
Maria says
Can I make these Christmas Eve for Christmas Day, if so how do I keep them crispy?
Kathleen says
I would place cooled eggplant slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, set on the counter for 30 minutes then warm through in a 350-degree oven. They won’t be quite as crisp as they were originally but they’ll be delicious!
Sara says
Omg!!! I’ve made these twice now. They’re amazing. My husband who hates eggplant loves these. Thank you for bringing eggplant back into my life.
Kathleen says
Hi Sara! I’m so happy you and hubby are enjoying eggplant again! <3
Kimberly Baker says
Absolutely delicious!! Waiting 20 minutes after coating is brilliant!! Coating stays on while frying! Super good babe! Thanks!!
Kathleen says
It’s amazing what a difference waiting that 20 minutes does for the coating! Thank you, Kimberly <3
Alison Bianco says
The corn starch substitution ( instead of flour) is brilliant. It covered the slices uniformly and made for the perfect base for the rest of the coating. The eggplant turned out perfectly fried…..my best effort so far.
Thanks!
Kathleen says
Thank you, Alison! 🙂
Dan Miles says
Fantastic!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍
Kathleen says
Thank you, Dan! 🙂
Kathleen says
Thank you, Dan!
Karen says
Can flour be used in place of the cornstarch?
Kathleen says
Hi, Karen! I think it’ll work, but the crispiness may not be the same.
Tracy says
I loved this recipe. I fried the breaded Eggplant in butter then baked them in the oven putting a layer of mozzarella cheese on top first, then lightly added marina sauce so it didn’t get soggy. If anyone wanted to put more sauce on they could.
Kathleen says
Hi, Tracy! I’m so happy you like this recipe! It’s so crispy, right? Thank you for your positive review 🙂
Maralind Krejci says
The Eggplant turned out amazing!! I have been trying to make Fried Eggplant for a long time and it just never seemed to happen, but today I did make it. Your recipe was so easy to follow. It didn’t get to “wordy” which was great and the directions to lay out everything was so simple. I didn’t have any Marinara Sauce so we settled for Ranch which was also good but next time I want to have the Marinara.
Kathleen says
Hi, Maralind! Thank you so much for your positive review! I’m happy you found this recipe 🙂
Michelle says
Superb! Easy directions, simple ingredients and delicious crispy results! Forgot about the lemon, didn’t use sauce, instead topped off with grated Romano cheese and I don’t regret a thing. Hopefully they’ll reheat well, I’d hate losing that crisp breading.
Kathleen says
Hi, Michelle! I’m glad you like this 🙂
I gotta try this with Romano cheese too!
Andrea S Rose says
Can I make the egg plant earlier in the day of a dinner party and reheat it in the oven? I know it will take some time and I am making these as an appetizer to a shrimp and pasta dinner and I will have my hands full getting everything done at the last minute. thank you
Kathleen says
Andrea, yes, absolutely you can!!
Vito B says
Is it better if you peel the eggplant first. I don’t like the skin???
Kathleen says
Hi, Vito. I don’t think that’ll work. Just remove the skin after frying. Hope this helps!
ambart51 says
Just absolutely love this recipe and have shared it with others. Sometimes I add 1/3 cup of parmesan to the panko for a tasty change.
Kathleen says
Yay! That’s perfect! Thank you for sharing your positive review 🙂