Shallow bowls (for flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs)
large skillet
tongs
Paper towels
Wire rack
Baking Sheet
Measuring Cups and Spoons
spatula
Ingredients
2medium eggplantssliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1teaspoonkosher saltfor sweating the eggplant
1cupall-purpose flour
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoondried oregano
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
2large eggsbeaten
1cuppanko breadcrumbs
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheese
2tablespoonschopped fresh parsley
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoondried oregano
3/4teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
1/4cupolive oilfor frying
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant
Slice 2 medium eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Sprinkle the slices with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and place them on a paper towel-lined tray. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out moisture.
Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
Prepare the Dredging Station
In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
In a second shallow bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth.
In a third shallow bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Bread the Eggplant
Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess.
Dip the floured slice into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.
Press the slice into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it thoroughly. Gently press to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat for all slices.
Fry the Eggplant
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the breaded eggplant slices to the skillet in batches. Fry each slice for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the fried slices to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Add more oil as needed between batches.
Serve
Sprinkle the hot eggplant slices with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
Notes
Expert Tips:
Pat It Dry: After sweating the eggplant with salt, thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the breadcrumb coating adheres perfectly.
Dredge Carefully: Work in an assembly line: coat in the seasoned flour, dip in the beaten egg mixture, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for maximum coverage.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry the eggplant in a single layer with enough hot oil to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Keep It Warm: Place fried rounds on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven to stay crispy while you finish frying the remaining eggplant.
Serving Suggestions:
Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness of the dish while complementing its fresh herbs.
Classic Italian: Serve with spaghetti tossed in a light marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Upscale Plating: Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Family-Style Meal: Layer the eggplant rounds with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a baked casserole twist.
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerator: Store leftover crispy eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To keep the crust crispy, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8–10 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the coating soggy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the breaded but uncooked eggplant rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two per side.