Fried eggplant is a delightful dish that combines a crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. This recipe is perfect for a quick appetizer or a side dish that will impress your guests. The golden-brown eggplant slices are not only visually appealing but also packed with a rich, savory taste that pairs well with a variety of dips and sauces.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to ensure you have eggplants on hand, as they are the star of the dish. Additionally, breadcrumbs are essential for achieving that perfect crispy coating. If you don't have them, you can easily find breadcrumbs in the baking aisle of your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Fried Eggplant Recipe
Eggplants: The main ingredient, providing a tender and flavorful base for the dish.
All-purpose flour: Used for dredging the eggplant slices, helping the breadcrumbs adhere better.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for creating a crispy coating on the eggplant slices.
Eggs: Beaten and used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the eggplant slices.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the eggplant slices to a golden brown.
Salt: Used to season the eggplant slices and enhance their flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a perfectly crispy texture, make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the eggplant slices after dipping them in the beaten eggs. This ensures an even coating that will adhere well during frying. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the frying pan; fry the slices in batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve a consistent golden brown color.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Eggplants - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can be fried in the same manner as eggplant.
All-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch provides a crispy coating and is a good gluten-free alternative.
Breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, giving a different texture to the fried coating.
Eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the coating adhere to the vegetable and adds a slight tangy flavor.
Vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a higher smoke point and adds a richer flavor to the fried dish.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor while still providing the necessary saltiness.
Black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile to the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the fried eggplant slices to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the cooled eggplant slices in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- For freezing:
- Arrange the cooled fried eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the slices for about 2 hours or until they are solid.
- Transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper.
- Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
- For best results, avoid microwaving the fried eggplant as it may become soggy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and regain some crispiness.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the fried eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan. Place the fried eggplant slices in the skillet and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the fried eggplant slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess. This method is the quickest but may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried eggplant slices on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and slightly crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Knife: for slicing the eggplants into ¼ inch rounds
Cutting board: to provide a stable surface for slicing the eggplants
Paper towels: for patting the eggplant slices dry after salting
Mixing bowls: for holding the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs separately
Frying pan: for frying the eggplant slices
Tongs: for turning the eggplant slices while frying
Plate: for placing the dredged eggplant slices before frying
Paper towels: for draining excess oil from the fried eggplant slices
Measuring cups: for measuring the flour, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil
Whisk: for beating the eggs
Stove: for heating the frying pan and cooking the eggplant slices
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Slice the eggplants and season them with salt in advance to save time during cooking.
Use assembly line method: Set up a station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs to streamline the coating process.
Preheat oil: Start heating the vegetable oil while you prepare the eggplant slices to reduce waiting time.
Batch frying: Fry multiple eggplant slices at once to speed up the cooking process.
Paper towel prep: Have paper towels ready to quickly drain excess oil from the fried eggplant slices.

Fried Eggplant Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Eggplants sliced into rounds
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 2 large Eggs beaten
- 1 cup Vegetable oil for frying
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Slice the eggplants into ¼ inch rounds.
- 2. Season the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- 3. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- 4. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 5. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 6. Remove the fried eggplant slices and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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