Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Sticks
Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Sticks are crunchy air fryer bites coated with Parmesan and crushed pork rinds. The eggplant stays tender inside while the savory coating becomes crisp and golden. Serve the sticks with warm Napolitana sauce for dipping.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- Shallow dish
- Serving plate
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium eggplant cut into 1 cm rounds and sliced into sticks
- 1/2 cup no-sugar-added Napolitana sauce warmed
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Whisk the eggs and heavy cream together in a medium bowl.
- Combine the crushed pork rinds, Parmesan, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Dip each eggplant stick into the egg mixture.
- Coat the stick evenly with the pork rind and Parmesan mixture.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Arrange half of the eggplant sticks in the basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 6 minutes.
- Turn the sticks and air fry for another 6 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Transfer the cooked sticks to a serving plate.
- Repeat with the remaining eggplant sticks.
- Serve warm with the Napolitana sauce for dipping.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Keep the skin on the eggplant if you enjoy a little extra texture. It also helps the sticks hold their shape during cooking. Cut the eggplant into evenly sized sticks. This helps them cook at the same rate and prevents thinner pieces from becoming too soft. Press the pork rind and Parmesan coating gently onto each piece. A good coating creates a crispier exterior and gives these sticks their savory flavor. Cook the eggplant in batches and leave some space between the pieces. This allows the hot air to circulate and helps the coating become crisp instead of soft. Serve immediately with warm Napolitana Sauce for dipping.Wine Advice
A fresh Sangiovese works nicely with Parmesan, eggplant, and tomato sauce. Its acidity balances the rich pork rind coating while complementing the Italian flavors.Nutrition values
Serving: 1 gr | Calories: 2456 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Sodium: 720 mg | Sugar: 6 g