The Best Temperature To Bake Crispy Eggplant Fries At

If you're looking to switch things up with your homemade fries, you need to reach for a hearty eggplant. After all, it is one of the best vegetables that can be transformed into crispy golden fries. However, since eggplants naturally contain a lot of moisture, developing a perfectly crisped exterior while allowing the inside to cook until tender and tasty can be a challenge. No one wants to end up with a serving of soggy fries or ones that have been charred black and burnt. The trick to a successful serving of eggplant fries with maximum crunch is to bake them at the ideal temperature. According to Quentin Garcia, the executive chef of Thompson Palm Springs who also helms the in-house Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Lola Rose Grand Mezze, there is a "non-negotiable" temperature that ensures a foolproof serving of fresh eggplant fries. Garcia told Chowhound that you will develop the desired crispiness on the outside without the inside flesh turning into a mushy, slimy mess at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. "Anything less and you have a result of steaming sadness," says Garcia.

When you're ready to bake the eggplant fries, Garcia recommends that you "lay them out with space so there are no fry cuddle puddles" when doing so. Bake them for about 15 minutes or until the desired texture is achieved, brush them with oil for more crunch, and enjoy! So, the next time you're in the mood for homemade eggplant fries or are feeling inspired to switch up your fry game with different types of produce, whip up this chef-approved serving for a crispy and succulent treat.

In addition to the correct temperature, there are other key steps that are crucial to avoid a textural blunder when baking eggplant fries. Start by cutting the eggplant into evenly sized slices to ensure they cook uniformly and achieve a consistent texture. Thinner slices are preferred for extra crispiness. Next, Quentin Garcia recommends salting and then drying the vegetable thoroughly to prevent sogginess and improve the texture of the fries. To do so, salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry before coating in seasoned bread crumbs and baking. 

When ready to serve, there are countless possibilities that include conventional and unique inspirations. Keep it basic with a sprinkle of sea salt or some nutritional yeast for a vegetarian Parmesan substitute. Garnish with fresh herbs or accompany the fries with a creamy condiment made by combining soy sauce and tahini, two powerhouse sauces.

Beyond an appetizer, eggplant fries can be featured as a hearty main course. Amp up the creativity and put a spin on eggplant Parmesan by giving it the french fry treatment. To make this plant-based, use a combination of soy milk and all-purpose flour for the dredging mixture, and opt for your preferred brand of dairy-free cheese. You can also make your own homemade vegan cheese sauce from butternut squash. Another ingenious yet flavorsome idea is to serve the fries with rice and an aromatic Japanese-style curry sauce for an eggplant "katsu" dish by coating the vegetable slices in Japanese panko breadcrumbs. Clearly, it's time to tap into the exciting culinary possibilities that eggplant fries bring to the table.