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 make a satisfying low-carb appetizer at roughly 7.1 grams net carbs per serving. This easy air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-style crunch without deep frying — light, tasty, and simple to prepare.
Better than regular fries—everyone loves them!
– Jessica
🍆 Keto Eggplant Fries Ingredients
Ingredients for keto eggplant fries:
- 1 small eggplant (about 6 ounces / 170 g after peeling)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup pork panko (crushed pork rinds)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra 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)
Printable recipe card available in the recipe section below.
Pork panko—made from crushed pork rinds—is a flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. I like it because it crisps up nicely in the air fryer and often eliminates the need for cooking spray thanks to its natural fat content. Cooking times can vary by air fryer model; smaller baskets may require cooking in batches so fries crisp evenly.
🍟 How to Make Keto Eggplant Fries
Trim the stem and blossom ends of the eggplant and peel the skin. Cut into fry-shaped sticks about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick and 4–4½ inches (10–11 cm) long. Keep pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
Prepare two bowls: whisk the egg in one, and in the other mix pork panko, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Dip each eggplant stick into the egg, then press into the pork panko mixture until well coated. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd so air can circulate and crisp the coating.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until coating is golden and crisp and eggplant is tender. Finish with extra Parmesan if desired and serve with warm marinara for dipping.
Watch How to Make It!
Keto Eggplant Fries (Air Fryer Recipe)
Summer Yule
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant (about 6 ounces / 170 g 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
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1. Trim the stem and blossom ends, peel the eggplant, and cut into uniform fry-shaped sticks about ½ inch thick and 4–4½ inches long.
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2. Whisk the egg in one bowl. In a second bowl, combine pork panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
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3. Dip each stick in the egg, then coat thoroughly in the pork panko mixture. Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
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4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve with warm marinara.
Equipment
- Peeler
- Knife
- Air Fryer
Notes
Expert tips: Crushed pork rinds add great crunch and flavor but also calories. These fries are low in carbs and gluten-free, but not a low-calorie option. They’re a tasty way to enjoy more vegetables, and the crispy coating plus dip often appeals to picky eaters. Nutrition information is for one serving without dipping sauce.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult a registered dietitian or physician for personalized advice. Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary with brands and portion sizes.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 12.8 g
Protein: 44.1 g
Fat: 32.4 g
Fiber: 5.7 g
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👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Fries Recipes
- Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Home Fries
- Air Fryer Jicama Fries with Cilantro Lime Dipping Sauce
If you enjoy air fryer eggplant, try Air Fryer Eggplant Parm for another delicious option.
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