Vegan Crispy Breaded Eggplant

Golden, crunchy, and completely plant-based, this Vegan Crispy Breaded Eggplant recipe is a game-changer for any meal. Thick slices of eggplant are seasoned to perfection, coated in layers of flour, aquafaba, and a flavorful panko breadcrumb mixture infused with nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, then baked to crispy perfection. No oil-laden frying necessary! Ready in under an hour, this oven-baked delight is a savory, protein-rich dish that works beautifully as an appetizer, hearty side, or even a satisfying main course. Serve these irresistibly crispy rounds with your favorite dipping sauce or pair them with pasta for an elegant, vegan twist on a classic. Whether you're a plant-based foodie or just looking for a healthier comfort food option, this recipe will not disappoint!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup aquafaba
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds.

Step 2

Sprinkle the eggplant slices with 1 teaspoon of salt and lay them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with additional paper towels.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 4

In a shallow bowl, pour in the aquafaba, which will act as the vegan egg wash.

Step 5

In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 6

Place the flour in a third shallow bowl.

Step 7

Take each eggplant slice and dredge it in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip the slice into the aquafaba, ensuring it's fully coated, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well.

Step 8

Place the breaded eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9

Drizzle the slices with olive oil to aid in crisping.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the eggplant is golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Step 12

Enjoy your Vegan Crispy Breaded Eggplant as a delicious appetizer, side dish, or main course!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1125.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1467.3

Total Fat 48.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6206.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 224.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.1g	0%
Total Sugars 30.4g
Protein 40.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 157.5mg	0%
Iron 14.9mg	0%
Potassium 1865.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.1%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 60.1%