Crispy Aldi Eggplant Fries in the Air Fryer: Your Ultimate Guide to Quick & Delicious Frozen Veggie Fries

Craving a delightful twist on classic french fries? Look no further than Aldi eggplant fries cooked to crispy perfection in your air fryer. These convenient frozen fries are already breaded and seasoned, making them an incredibly easy and quick side dish or snack. With your air fryer, you can transform them into a golden-brown, tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside treat in just about 10 minutes, offering a healthier and equally satisfying alternative to deep-fried options.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe

If you’re someone who appreciates convenience without compromising on flavor, these Aldi eggplant fries cooked in the air fryer are about to become your new favorite. Forget the tedious prep work of slicing fresh eggplant, the messy dredging in flour and egg, and the splattering oil of deep frying. Aldi takes care of all that hard work for you, providing perfectly prepared, flash-frozen eggplant fries ready to cook.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its sheer simplicity and fantastic results. You simply take the frozen eggplant fries directly from the freezer and place them into your air fryer – no defrosting needed! The air fryer’s circulating hot air works its magic, ensuring each fry achieves a beautifully crispy exterior while retaining a tender, flavorful inside. What’s more, air frying requires significantly less oil compared to traditional deep frying, making these a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy more often.

These versatile eggplant fries are perfect for various occasions. Serve them as a unique and delicious snack to curb those afternoon cravings, a delightful side dish to complement almost any meal, or even load them up with your favorite toppings for an impressive appetizer. They offer a fantastic alternative when you’re looking for something different from the usual potato french fries, providing a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that appeals to everyone.

Many find their taste reminiscent of fried zucchini, but with a richer, slightly earthier flavor that sets them apart. The subtle sweetness of the eggplant combined with the savory breading creates a truly satisfying bite.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

Preparing these delicious air fryer eggplant fries requires minimal ingredients, highlighting the ease and convenience of this recipe. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to get started:

• One 16-ounce box of frozen Aldi eggplant fries (Season’s Choice brand recommended): These are the star of the show, coming pre-breaded and ready for your air fryer.
• Marinara sauce for dipping (optional but highly recommended): A classic pairing that enhances the Italian-inspired flavors of the eggplant.

How to Make Frozen Eggplant Fries in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step for Optimal Crispiness

Achieving perfectly crispy and tender eggplant fries from frozen is incredibly simple with your air fryer. Follow these easy steps for the best results:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C): This is a crucial step to ensure immediate crisping upon contact with the hot air. If your air fryer doesn’t have an exact 375°F setting, select the closest temperature available. A preheated basket helps prevent the fries from sticking and promotes even cooking.
2. Arrange frozen eggplant fries in a single layer: Carefully remove the frozen eggplant fries from their packaging. Place them into the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out in a single layer without overcrowding. Overlapping fries will steam instead of crisp, leading to soggy results. If you have a large batch, it’s best to cook them in two separate batches to maintain optimal air circulation.

3. Air fry for 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through: Set your air fryer to the air fry setting and cook for 8 minutes. Around the 4-minute mark, pause the air fryer, gently shake the basket, or use a spatula to flip the fries. This ensures that all sides are exposed to the hot air, promoting even browning and maximum crispiness.
4. Check internal temperature and desired crispness: Aldi eggplant fries are safely cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For those who prefer an extra golden-brown and super crispy result, you may need to add an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time, checking frequently to prevent burning. Remember, different air fryers can vary, so visual cues are key!
5. Serve immediately with your favorite sauces for dipping: Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the hot eggplant fries from the air fryer. Transfer them to a serving plate and enjoy them with marinara, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or any other dipping sauce you prefer. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh!

What to Serve With Your Delicious Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

Aldi eggplant fries are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of dishes. Their savory, slightly sweet flavor and crispy texture can complement both hearty meats and lighter vegetarian options. Here are some great ideas for what to serve with your air fryer eggplant fries:

• Chicken: Pair them with grilled chicken, roasted chicken, or even breaded chicken tenders for a satisfying meal.
• Pork chops: The rich flavor of pork chops makes an excellent match for the crispy eggplant.
• Lamb: For a more Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve alongside roasted lamb or lamb kofta.
• Meatballs: A classic Italian pairing; imagine eggplant fries with savory meatballs and marinara.
• Italian sausage: Whether grilled or pan-fried, Italian sausage and eggplant fries are a match made in heaven.
• Zucchini: Double down on the veggies with grilled or sautéed zucchini for a fresh, light side.
• Greek salad: The crispness of the fries provides a lovely contrast to a vibrant, fresh Greek salad.
• Tomato soup: Dip your fries into a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup for ultimate comfort.
• Minestrone: A hearty minestrone soup and a side of crispy eggplant fries make for a comforting and complete meal.
• Marinara: The quintessential dipping sauce, perfect for enhancing the Italian flavors.
• Tzatziki sauce: For a refreshing twist, try dipping them in a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce.
• Chipotle aioli: Add a smoky, spicy kick with a homemade chipotle aioli.
• Garlic aioli: A rich and creamy garlic aioli is always a winner with any type of fry.

Whether you’re enjoying your air fryer eggplant fries as a delicious side to a main course, adding them to an Italian-style sandwich for extra texture and flavor, or simply dipping them into your favorite sauces as a snack, the options are plentiful and delicious.

For more meal inspiration, try your Aldi eggplant fries with my creamy Air Fryer Roasted Tomato Soup, or serve them alongside our easy Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs for a quick dinner. You can also explore any of these great Air Fryer Pork Steak Recipes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe Pro Tips for the Crispiest Eggplant Fries

To ensure your Aldi eggplant fries come out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• You do not need to add any additional oil for cooking. Aldi’s Season’s Choice eggplant fries are pre-breaded with a coating that already contains oil, designed to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without any extra fat. Adding more oil might make them greasy rather than crispy.
• I highly recommend using a sturdy silicone spatula or tongs for flipping the fries halfway through cooking. Eggplant fries can sometimes start off a bit soggy and floppy before they become fully crispy, so a gentle tool will help you turn them without breaking the delicate breading.
• My batch of frozen Aldi eggplant fries achieved ideal crispiness and thorough cooking after just 8 minutes in a Ninja air fryer. However, cooking times can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and model of your air fryer, as well as its wattage and efficiency. It’s always a good idea to monitor them closely the first time you make them.
• Since the bag of frozen fries will inevitably contain varying sizes, you’ll find that some fries will crisp up before others. The smaller, thinner pieces will naturally become very crispy faster. In my experience, at 8 minutes, the smaller fries were perfectly done and very crispy, but the larger, thicker pieces benefited from an additional 4-5 minutes to reach the same level of golden crispness. Rest assured, they are safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, so any additional cooking time is purely for personal preference regarding texture and browning.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: For truly crispy fries, air circulation is key. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring a single layer of fries in the air fryer basket.
• Listen for the sizzle: As the fries get crispier, you’ll start to hear a distinct sizzling sound in the air fryer, indicating that the moisture is evaporating and the exterior is browning.

Storage and Reheating Your Air Fried Eggplant Fries

Enjoying your crispy eggplant fries fresh out of the air fryer is ideal, but sometimes you’ll have leftovers. Here’s how to properly store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:

• To store leftover eggplant fries, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or a zippered food storage bag. Store them in the refrigerator and consume them within 3-5 days for the best quality and safety. It’s important not to refreeze eggplant fries once they have been cooked, as this can severely affect their texture and quality upon subsequent reheating.
• To reheat Aldi eggplant fries, the air fryer is once again your best friend for restoring their crispiness. Place the leftover fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until they are thoroughly warmed through and have regained their desired crisp texture. Keep an eye on them, as reheating times can vary based on the quantity and your air fryer model. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soft and soggy.

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Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Aldi Eggplant Fries

These Season’s Choice Aldi eggplant fries are truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, easy, and delicious snack or side dish. The air fryer transforms them from frozen into perfectly crispy, hot, and flavorful fries in approximately 10 minutes, making them an ideal solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings. Their convenience and fantastic texture make them an instant hit.

Beyond being a superb alternative to traditional potato fries, these eggplant fries shine as a versatile appetizer or a satisfying snack. The seasoned, crispy breading is utterly delicious on its own, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. However, they reach new heights when paired with your favorite dipping sauces, especially a classic marinara, creamy aioli, or a zesty tzatziki.

For an extra treat, consider making “loaded” eggplant fries by topping them with a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, perhaps even a dollop of marinara or a dash of fresh herbs. They also make a fantastic, meat-free addition to Italian-style sandwiches, offering a hearty texture and savory depth that complements rather than competes with other fillings. No matter how you choose to enjoy them—whether as a standalone snack, a creative side, or a flavorful sandwich component—you’re sure to fall in love with these easy, air-fried eggplant fries from Aldi.