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My keto eggplant fries are coated in crushed pork rinds and Parmesan for a crispy, savory crust with tender insides. Served with warm marinara sauce, they’re a satisfying low-carb appetizer at just 7.1 grams of net carbs per serving. This easy air fryer recipe gives you that indulgent restaurant-style crunch without deep frying. Honestly, I might be in love with these Parmesan eggplant fries, and I think you will be too.
Better than regular fries- even the guys love em! 
– Jessica
🍆 Keto Eggplant Fries Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make keto eggplant fries:
- 1 small eggplant (about 6 ounces/170g after peeling)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup pork panko
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Warmed marinara sauce (optional; for dipping)
Get a printable recipe card at the end of the post!
If you’ve seen my keto Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel post, you already know I’m a big fan of pork panko. Made from crushed pork rinds, it’s a flavorful low-carb alternative to traditional bread crumbs.
One great perk of using pork panko is that it eliminates the need for cooking spray. The natural fat content helps prevent sticking in the air fryer basket or tray.
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. If you’re working with a smaller unit that has a basket, you might need to cook in batches.
🍟 How to Make Keto Eggplant Fries
Trim both the stem and blossom ends from the eggplant, then peel off the purple skin. Cut the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, about ½ inch thick (1.3 cm) and 4 to 4½ inches long (10.2–11.4 cm). Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
Grab two medium bowls. In one, whisk the egg. In the other, combine the pork panko, Parmesan, spices, and dried herbs.
Dip each eggplant stick in the egg, then coat it in the pork panko mixture. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t pack them in tightly; the hot air needs to circulate to crisp them up properly.
Air fry eggplant fries for 8-10 minutes at 400F (200C), flipping the fries halfway through. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you’d like and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Watch How to Make It!
Keto Eggplant Fries (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant (about 6 ounces/170g after peeling)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup pork panko
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon dried rosemary
- warmed marinara sauce (optional; for dipping)
Instructions
- Trim both the stem and blossom ends from the eggplant, then peel off the purple skin. Cut the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks, about ½ inch thick (1.3 cm) and 4 to 4½ inches long (10.2–11.4 cm). Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
- Grab two medium bowls. In one, whisk the egg. In the other, combine the pork panko, Parmesan, spices, and dried herbs.
- Dip each eggplant stick in the egg, then coat it in the pork panko mixture. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them.
- Air fry eggplant fries for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping the fries halfway through. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you’d like and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Using crushed pork rinds definitely adds calories, so while these keto eggplant fries are low in carbs and gluten free, they’re not the best choice if you’re looking for a low-calorie option. That said, they’re a fun and delicious way to work more produce into your meals. Plus, the combo of a crispy coating and a tasty dip is often a win with picky eaters. Nutrition information is for one serving without dipping sauce.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Fries Recipes
- Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- Healthy Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Home Fries
- Air Fryer Jicama Fries
BTW, if you’re specifically after air fryer eggplant recipes, this Air Fryer Eggplant Parm is not to be missed! YUM!
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
Better than regular fries- even the guys love em!
Yesss! So happy to hear that, thank you for the feedback 🙂