Crispy Eggplant Bites Recipe

overhead shot of eggplant bites on platter with dipping sauce and lemon slices

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: baked eggplant, eggplant bites, how to make crispy eggplant

Prep Time: 40

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 84kcal

Author: Jessica Formicola

These crispy eggplant bites are baked with panko and Mediterranean za’atar seasoning. Learn how to make eggplant perfectly crispy every time.

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Ingredients

Eggplant:

2 cups eggplant , cut into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
1 egg white
1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon za'atar seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Dipping Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon za'atar seasoning
1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Eggplant Bites:

Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and arrange the 1-inch cubed 2 cups eggplant in a single layer. Sprinkle with the 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
Dab the eggplant dry using paper towels, trying to dab up as much moisture as possible.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or nonstick aluminum. If it is stick, give it a quick spritz of cooking spray. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the 1 egg white and toss the eggplant bites. there should be little to no liquid pooling in the bottom of the bowl, but if there is, drain it off.
Sprinkle the eggplant with the 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon za'atar seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper. Toss to evenly cover and using your hands, transfer the bites to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, flip and return to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes or until light browned and easily pierced with a fork. Serve hot with the dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon za'atar seasoning and the fresh juice and zest from the 1 lemon and 1 lemon. Chill until ready to serve.
If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best reheated in an air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes.

Freezing: Technically you can freeze crispy eggplant bites, but the texture will be different upon thawing.

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