Crispy Fried Eggplant Medallions with Lemon-Garlic Aioli

Craving crispy fried eggplant? These golden medallions with lemon-garlic aioli are a winner! Inspired by Italian trattorias. Get the recipe!

May 24, 2025
By Marissa Duarte.

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Let's Talk Fried Eggplant Recipes!

Ever bite into a piece of fried eggplant and it's just... meh ? honestly, i've been there. but trust me, i've cracked the code! we're diving headfirst into amazing fried eggplant recipes that will make you say "oh my gosh!".

Forget soggy, greasy eggplant. we're talking crispy, golden perfection.

What's the Deal with Eggplant Anyway?

So, eggplant, or aubergine, as some call it, has a bit of a story. it actually originated in asia and made its way to europe and then, well, everywhere! it’s a bit like that one friend who's travelled the world.

This recipe delivers southern italian sunshine right to your kitchen. it’s totally manageable. even if your cooking usually ends up looking like a modern art experiment!

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Forget those heavy, calorie-laden versions! this healthy fried eggplant recipe gives you all the flavour without the guilt. imagine serving this up at a summer bbq, or even just for a cheeky mid-week treat.

It's special because of that lemon-garlic aioli. honestly? it's life-changing. you will fall in love with this easy egg plant recipes .

Is it Gluten-Free Fried Eggplant Time?

This recipe isn't naturally gluten-free. but it's a breeze to adapt. just swap out the regular flour and panko for gluten free fried eggplant alternatives.

Bingo! everyone can enjoy these crispy egg plant fried delights. you can even try the oven fried eggplant recipes for a lighter take.

Right, let's dive into what you need for these amazing fried eggplant recipes ! Honestly, finding quality ingredients is half the battle. You know?

Crispy Fried Eggplant Medallions with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe Card

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Preparation time:55 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), preferably slender Italian eggplants
• 1 tbsp / 15 ml kosher salt
• ½ cup / 60g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp / 5g garlic powder
• ½ tsp / 2.5g paprika
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup / 100g panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup / 120 ml vegetable oil, for frying (plus more as needed)
• ½ cup / 120 ml mayonnaise (full-fat is best)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil
• ¼ tsp / 1.25g salt
• ¼ tsp / 1.25g black pepper

Instructions:

• Wash, trim, and slice eggplant into ½-inch (1.25cm) thick rounds.
• Place eggplant slices in a colander, toss with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
• Set up three shallow dishes: flour mixture (flour, garlic powder, paprika), beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
• Rinse eggplant slices under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispiness.
• Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing gently to adhere.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot (test with a breadcrumb – it should sizzle immediately).
• Fry eggplant slices in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
• Transfer fried eggplant to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• While the eggplant fries, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Serve the crispy fried eggplant medallions immediately with the lemon-garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Fried Eggplant

Main Ingredients

Okay, so for killer fried eggplant, you'll need:

• 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs / 680g ). Go for the slender Italian ones if you can find them. They just seem to cook better, you know?
• 1 tbsp / 15 ml kosher salt. Don't skimp on this!
• ½ cup / 60g all-purpose flour.
• 1 tsp / 5g garlic powder.
• ½ tsp / 2.5g paprika.
• 1 large egg, beaten.
• 1 cup / 100g panko breadcrumbs. Panko is KEY for that extra crispy texture.
• ½ cup / 120 ml vegetable oil, for frying. You'll probably need a bit more.

Quality check: with eggplants, you want them firm, with smooth, shiny skin. avoid any that feel soft or have blemishes.

They are normally in season in the summer. if you cannot find quality eggplants, maybe you can try egg plants recipes

Seasoning Notes

Spices are your friends! Here's the lowdown:

• Essential Spice Combo: Garlic powder and paprika are the base. Simple, but effective!
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the flour if you want a kick. Some dried oregano or thyme works wonders too!
• Quick Subs: No garlic powder? Onion powder is fine. Smoked paprika instead of regular? Go for it.

I once made Oven Fried Eggplant Parmesan using some dodgy dried oregano. The family STILL talks about how awful it was! Lesson learned.

You might be wondering about Gluten Free Fried Eggplant . To make sure that is Gluten-Free, just make sure that you swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with a Gluten-Free alternative!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• Essential Tools: Cutting board, sharp knife, large bowl, colander, paper towels, 3 shallow dishes, and a big skillet (cast iron is amazing!).

• Household hacks: no colander? use a sieve. don't have shallow dishes? plates will do. improvise! people usually ask if oven fried eggplant recipes need any special equipment, and the answer is no.

  Don't be afraid to try healthy fried eggplant , which uses an air fryer, and so, is quicker!

  Let's get cooking, shall we? there is nothing wrong in trying some easy egg plant recipes or even deep fried eggplant recipes .

  The egg plant fried is a staple in every family's cooking book, and can even be used for a quick snack!

Alright, let's dive into cooking methods , particularly the art of frying eggplant! sounds easy, right? but trust me, there's a knack to getting it perfectly crispy, not soggy.

Think italian nonna secrets passed down, that's what we're aiming for here. this guide will give you the confidence to create amazing fried eggplant recipes in your kitchen.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: mise en place , people! Basically, get your act together before you start slapping eggplant around.

• Essential Mise en Place : Slice those eggplants into roughly 1/2-inch thick rounds. Not too thick, not too thin!
• Time-Saving Organization : Get three bowls ready. One for flour, one for beaten egg, and one for breadcrumbs. Trust me, this will save your sanity.
• Safety Reminders : Hot oil is no joke. Keep a safe distance. And never, ever , add water to hot oil!

Step-by-Step to Fried Eggplant Heaven

Ready to fry? Let's do this! This easy egg plant recipes section is going to be amazing.

1. Salt the Eggplant : Toss eggplant with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. This is key to avoiding sogginess.
2. Rinse & Dry : Rinse off the salt. Really dry the eggplant with paper towels. I mean, thoroughly .
3. Set Up Dredging : Flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. Get those bowls in a line like an assembly line.
4. Dredge : Coat each slice completely. Make sure to get all the edges.
5. Fry : Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of breadcrumb. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready to go.
6. Fry in Batches : Fry for 2- 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan.
7. Drain : Place fried eggplant on a wire rack. This helps it stay crispy.

Pro Tips for Healthy Fried Eggplant

Want to take your fried eggplant game to the next level? Here are a few secrets.

• Don't Skip the Salt : Seriously, salting is non-negotiable. I learned this the hard way with some particularly eggs plant recipes .
• Common Mistakes : Overcrowding the pan! It lowers the oil temperature. Your eggplant will be sad and soggy. And if you are thinking in gluten free fried eggplant , make sure you are using the right flour.
• Oven Fried Eggplant Parmesan is also an option for an even healthier dish!

Alright, that's it! Go forth and fry some eggplant! I love to create delicious and affordable deep fried eggplant recipes for my friends and family.

Right, let's talk recipe notes for these crispy fried eggplant recipes . honestly, these are more like friendly tips than strict rules.

We all know cooking is about feel, innit? so, take these as helpful nudges in the right direction!

Serving Up Some Ideas

Plating like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? don't just chuck it on a plate. think about it! arrange your egg plant fried medallions artfully.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley? chef's kiss . serve them on a bed of rocket for a pop of colour and a peppery bite.

Basically, make it look like you spent ages on it, even if you didn't!

Sides and Sips that Sing

What goes well with fried eggplant recipes ? loads! i reckon a fresh greek salad would be banging. or some grilled halloumi.

For drinks? a crisp white wine, or even a refreshing iced tea if you're keeping it casual. honestly, whatever floats your boat.

Storing Secrets

Fridge Rules

Got leftovers? Fair play! Pop them in an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just be warned, they won't be as crispy. But hey, still tasty!

Freezing? Maybe Not

Freezing eggplants recipes is a bit dicey. I wouldn't recommend it if you're aiming for that perfect crisp. The texture can go a bit funny. But if you're desperate, go for it!

Reheating Rescue

To reheat, the oven is your best bet. a quick blast at 180° c ( 350° f) will help crisp them up a bit.

Microwave? only if you're really starving. they'll be a bit soggy, mind.

Swaps and Twists

Gluten Free Fried Eggplant Dreams

Want a gluten free fried eggplant version? Easy peasy! Just swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Job done!

Seasonal Sunshine

Think about what's in season! In summer, use fresh basil for the aioli. In autumn, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds would be lovely. Get creative!

A Lighter Healthy Fried Eggplant

Oven Fried Eggplant Parmesan is a great choice for health-conscious eaters.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Okay, let's be real. deep fried eggplant recipes aren't exactly a health food. but healthy fried eggplant can be achieved!.

But oven fried eggplant recipes are a better option. easy egg plant recipes are about balance, right? eggplant itself is packed with fibre and vitamins.

Just don't go eating the whole batch in one go!

So there you have it! my egg plants recipes , my two pennies worth on serving, storing, and tweaking these fried eggplant recipes .

Don't be scared to experiment, have a laugh, and most importantly, enjoy! get frying.