CRISPY EGGPLANT TENDERS (BAKED)

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Crispy Eggplant Tenders (Baked) image

I really enjoy eggplant -just about any way I've tasted it. I bought an eggplant and wanted to think of an easy snack I could make with the eggplant. I thought to mysef, "Other than a dip, what different dish can I make with eggplant -either as a appetizer or side dish -and one that is not fried?" This is what I came up...

Provided by Pat Morris

Categories     Other Snacks

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

kosher salt water for soaking eggplant (this is an important step).
1 large eggplant, peeled, and cut into 2 inch pieces.*
1 jar(s) marinara sauce (or home-made)
1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 c panko crumbs, crushed
1/2 c italian bread crumbs
3/4 c parmesan cheese, shredded
2 large beaten eggs

Steps:

  • 1. Place eggplant pieces in a large bowl; cover the eggplant pieces with salted water (1/4 cup Kosher salt** added to the water). If eggplant rises out of the water, weight it down with a plate or something to keep it submerged.
  • 2. Let the eggplant sit in the salt water for 45 minutes to an hour, while you do other things (Can sit in Kosher salt water overnight, if desired.). Please Note: Prep time stated does not include salt soaking time.
  • 3. In a quart-sized plastic bag (or on a plate), put in the flour and pepper; in another bag (or on a plate) combine the Panko crumbs, Italian bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese); then in a wide mouth bowl beat the eggs. Set all aside until the eggplant is ready to be removed from the salt water.
  • 4. Remove eggplant pieces from the salted water and set eggplant pieces on paper towels to drain -pat dry.
  • 5. Put the eggplant in the plastic bag containing the flour and pepper (several pieces at a time) and shake to coat with the flour.
  • 6. Remove eggplant from the bag and shake the pieces to remove excess flour.
  • 7. Dip the eggplant into the beaten eggs, coating both sides; let excess egg drip back into the bowl.
  • 8. Then, place the eggplant pieces into the Panko and Italian bread crumbs and the cheese mixture. Coat each piece, making sure each piece of eggplant has the mixture on both sides.
  • 9. After all the eggplant is coated, place on a hot cookie sheet or other flat pan that has been coated with a little oil.
  • 10. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes (turning once). Insert tip of sharp knife into a piece to test for doneness. If knife does not go in easily, return to the oven and cook about 3-4 minutes more.
  • 11. To serve, arrange on a serving platter and eat as is or use a Marinara sauce as a dip. Yummy snack!!! Enjoy.
  • 12. **I slice the eggplant in half lengthwise; then slice each half in half again and cut into 2 inch pieces.
  • 13. Note: If you have leftover tenders, you can use them to have Eggplant Parmesan the next day for lunch. Just wrap the leftover Eggplant Tenders in foil, and refrigerate. The next day (or later), place the tenders over cooked spaghetti noodles, and top with warmed tenders and spoon marinara sauce over all. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Yum!!

Cyan
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This recipe looks amazing! I can't wait to try it.


Emmanuel Mwaisaka Ziro
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I'm allergic to eggs. Is there a way to make these eggplant tenders without eggs?


Miss Pathani920
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Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?


None Nonea
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I would love to try this recipe, but I don't have an air fryer. Is there another way to make these eggplant tenders?


Nawab Rangrej
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Overall, I thought these eggplant tenders were a good recipe. They were easy to make and they tasted good. I would definitely make them again.


Adwoa Portia
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These eggplant tenders were a bit too oily for my taste. I think I would use less oil next time.


Dorcas Lissu
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I followed the recipe exactly, but my eggplant tenders didn't turn out crispy. I'm not sure what I did wrong.


Destinee Britten
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These eggplant tenders were a bit bland for my taste. I think I would add more seasonings to the breading next time.


BD Gaming Ibrahim YT
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I love eggplant, and these tenders were a delicious way to enjoy it. The breading was crispy and flavorful, and the eggplant was tender and juicy.


Anthony Carr
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These eggplant tenders were easy to make and they turned out great. I will definitely be making them again.


Ngarii Uuanga
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I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I really enjoyed these tenders. The breading was crispy and flavorful, and the eggplant was cooked perfectly.


Theony Ngobeni
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I made these eggplant tenders for a party and they were a huge success. Everyone loved them and they were gone in minutes.


Cate Wangeci
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These eggplant tenders were a great way to get my kids to eat eggplant. They loved the crispy breading and the tender eggplant inside.


muunuu muunuu
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I've tried many eggplant recipes before, but this one is by far the best. The eggplant tenders were perfectly crispy and flavorful. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


Laim Belair
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These crispy eggplant tenders were a hit with my family! They were so easy to make, and the results were delicious. The eggplant was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the breading was flavorful and well-seasoned. I served them with