Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love snacking on these Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips! They have an amazing crunch that rivals traditional potato chips while delivering a unique and savory taste. Each slice is infused with garlic, making them the perfect accompaniment to dips or enjoyed on their own. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! Using just a few spices and a bit of olive oil, I can whip these up in no time. Trust me, once you try these chips, they'll quickly become your go-to snack for any occasion.
Creating these Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips was a delightful experience for me. I was looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chips, and experimenting with eggplant was an exciting choice. After slicing the eggplant thinly and letting it rest with salt, I discovered how the salt draws out moisture and enhances flavor. I recommend using a mandoline for even slicing, which ensures uniform cooking and that perfect crunch.
While baking them, I realized that flipping the chips halfway through ensures they crisp up beautifully on both sides. The garlic flavor really permeates each chip, creating a taste that’s simply irresistible. These chips are perfect for snacking or serving at a gathering, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly crunchy with a satisfying bite
- Infused with robust garlic flavor
- A healthy alternative to traditional snacks
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Understanding Eggplant and Its Role
When selecting eggplants for this recipe, look for firm, shiny skin without blemishes. The smaller varieties, like Japanese or Indian eggplants, tend to be sweeter and less bitter, which can enhance the flavor of these chips. The taste and texture of the eggplant are crucial since they serve as the base of the chips, absorbing the garlic and oil to create a deliciously savory snack. You can experiment with different types of eggplants, but make sure they're fresh to achieve the best results.
One key to achieving crispy chips lies in the salting process. By sprinkling the eggplant slices with sea salt and letting them rest, you'll draw out excess moisture that can lead to sogginess. After 20 minutes, you should see beads of moisture on the surface of the slices. Rinsing and drying them thoroughly afterward is crucial, as any leftover moisture can inhibit the crisping process in the oven.
Perfecting the Seasoning Blend
Garlic is the star flavoring in this recipe, and using fresh, minced garlic is essential for the strongest flavor impact. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you can reduce the amount or even substitute with garlic powder. The oil not only helps the flavors to adhere to the eggplant but also assists in achieving that desired crunch. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for depth and richness, but feel free to use a lighter oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
For an extra layer of seasoning, consider adding other spices such as cayenne pepper for heat or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you’re aiming for a vegan version, be assured this recipe is entirely dairy-free. Tweaking the spice mixture is a fun way to customize the chips to your taste preferences while still retaining that satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Arrange the slices on a paper towel and sprinkle with sea salt.
Season the Chips
Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika. Add the eggplant slices and toss until they are evenly coated.
Bake the Chips
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding some chili powder to the seasoning mix. Additionally, make sure to slice the eggplant as evenly as possible for uniform cooking.
Making Ahead and Storage
These Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips are best enjoyed fresh, but if you’d like to prepare them in advance, bake them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. However, to preserve their crunchiness, avoid stacking them too tightly and try to separate layers with parchment paper. If they do lose crispness, a quick flash in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes can revive their crunch.
To make larger batches, simply double or triple the quantities listed in the recipe. Ensure you have enough baking sheets to allow a single layer of eggplant slices for optimal crisping. Just remember that you may need to incrementally adjust the baking time to ensure even cooking throughout.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These chips are fantastic on their own but can also be served with a variety of dips. I love serving them alongside hummus or a zesty yogurt dip, which adds an extra layer of creaminess that pairs perfectly with the crunch. For a more gourmet touch, try a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy vinegar-based dip to shake things up.
For a different twist, you can incorporate additional vegetables. Thinly sliced zucchini or sweet potatoes can be prepared similarly to create a colorful variety of chips. Adjust the baking time slightly to account for different densities, as zucchini may crisp up faster than eggplant. Experimenting with thickness can also yield different textures, so cut a few slices thicker or thinner for a sampling of various crunch levels.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use any type of eggplant?
Yes, you can use different varieties of eggplant; however, some may have a different texture and flavor.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best when fresh.
→ Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
→ What dips pair well with these chips?
They go wonderfully with hummus, tzatziki, or even a yogurt-based dip for a refreshing combo.
Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips
I absolutely love snacking on these Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips! They have an amazing crunch that rivals traditional potato chips while delivering a unique and savory taste. Each slice is infused with garlic, making them the perfect accompaniment to dips or enjoyed on their own. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! Using just a few spices and a bit of olive oil, I can whip these up in no time. Trust me, once you try these chips, they'll quickly become your go-to snack for any occasion.
Created by: Marianne Hughes
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Crispy Eggplant Garlic Chips
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Arrange the slices on a paper towel and sprinkle with sea salt. Allow them to sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika. Add the eggplant slices and toss until they are evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding some chili powder to the seasoning mix. Additionally, make sure to slice the eggplant as evenly as possible for uniform cooking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 3g