Crisp Eggplant Chips

Light and crispy Asian eggplant slices coated in a sweet and savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, confectioners sugar, and cornstarch, then fried until golden brown. These unique chips offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

4 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ lb thin Asian eggplant
  • 3 cups vegetable oil
  • equipment

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Stir together confectioners sugar, cornstarch, panko, and salt in a wide shallow bowl. Cut eggplant crosswise into paper-thin rounds with slicer.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Fill a deep 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) halfway with oil and heat over moderate heat until it registers 360°F on thermometer.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Dredge one fourth of slices in cornstarch mixture, tossing until thoroughly coated and lightly pressing to help coating adhere, then gently shake in sieve to remove excess.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Fry coated slices in oil, turning and separating with a slotted spoon, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer eggplant chips with a wire-mesh or slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, then season lightly with salt. Coat and fry remaining slices in 3 batches in same manner, returning oil to 360°F between batches. Chips will crisp as they cool. Serve at room temperature.

    20 min