How To Make Aubergine Chips

You can make aubergine chips at home with just a few simple ingredients, and they turn out crispy, flavorful, and totally addictive.
 
The best part about making aubergine chips is that you don’t need a deep fryer or any fancy equipment to get them right.
 
Whether you call them eggplant chips or aubergine chips, this vegetable makes a fantastic snack when sliced and baked or air-fried properly.
 
If you’ve been searching for a healthy alternative to potato chips, learning how to make aubergine chips is a smart move.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make aubergine chips step by step, plus tips for getting them crispy every single time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Should Make Aubergine Chips

Aubergine chips are worth making for several reasons, and once you try them, you’ll understand the hype.
 
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation:
 

1. They’re a Healthier Snack Option

When you make aubergine chips at home, you control exactly what goes into them.
 
Unlike store-bought chips that are loaded with preservatives and unhealthy oils, homemade aubergine chips use fresh ingredients you can trust.
 
Aubergines are naturally low in calories and rich in fiber, which means your aubergine chips won’t leave you feeling heavy.
 
Plus, they contain antioxidants that support overall health, making them a snack you can feel good about eating.
 

2. They’re Versatile and Customizable

One of the best things about aubergine chips is how adaptable they are to different flavors.
 
You can season your aubergine chips with smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
 
If you like spicy food, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your aubergine chips for an extra kick.
 
The neutral flavor of aubergine means it takes on whatever seasonings you throw at it.
 

3. They’re Budget-Friendly

Aubergines are inexpensive, especially when they’re in season.
 
Making aubergine chips at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a bag of gourmet vegetable chips at the store.
 
With just one aubergine, you can make a generous batch of aubergine chips that serves two to three people.
 

How to Make Aubergine Chips Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of how to make aubergine chips.
 
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have crispy aubergine chips in no time.
 

1. Choose the Right Aubergine

Start by picking a firm, glossy aubergine with smooth skin and no soft spots.
 
A fresh aubergine will give you the best results when you make aubergine chips.
 
Smaller aubergines tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds, which makes them ideal for chips.
 

2. Slice Your Aubergine Evenly

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice your aubergine into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
 
Consistency is key here, because uneven slices mean some aubergine chips will burn while others stay soggy.
 
If you want extra crispy aubergine chips, slice them even thinner.
 

3. Salt and Rest the Slices

Lay your aubergine slices on a paper towel and sprinkle them with salt.
 
Let them sit for about 20 minutes, then pat them dry.
 
This step draws out excess moisture, which is crucial for making crispy aubergine chips.
 
Skipping this step often results in limp aubergine chips that never quite crisp up.
 

4. Season and Coat Lightly

Brush your aubergine slices with a little olive oil or spray them with cooking spray.
 
Then sprinkle on your favorite seasonings.
 
For classic aubergine chips, sea salt and black pepper work beautifully.
 
For something more exciting, try smoked paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of cumin on your aubergine chips.
 

5. Bake or Air Fry

If you’re baking your aubergine chips, preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the slices in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
 
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the aubergine chips are golden and crispy.
 
If you’re using an air fryer, cook your aubergine chips at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
 
Keep an eye on them toward the end because aubergine chips can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly.
 

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Aubergine Chips

Getting your aubergine chips to turn out crispy takes a little practice, but these tips will help.
 

1. Don’t Skip the Drying Step

Moisture is the enemy of crispy aubergine chips.
 
After salting and resting your slices, pat them thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning them.
 
The drier your aubergine slices are before cooking, the crispier your aubergine chips will be.
 

2. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan

If you pile too many aubergine slices together, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
 
Arrange your aubergine chips in a single layer with a little space between each one.
 
You may need to cook them in batches, but the effort is worth it for crispy aubergine chips.
 

3. Use the Right Oil

Olive oil adds great flavor, but it has a lower smoke point.
 
For high-heat cooking, consider using avocado oil or a light cooking spray on your aubergine chips.
 
Whatever oil you choose, use it sparingly so your aubergine chips don’t turn out greasy.
 

4. Season After Cooking

If you want bold flavor on your aubergine chips, add delicate seasonings like garlic powder or fresh herbs after they come out of the oven.
 
This prevents those seasonings from burning during cooking while still giving your aubergine chips plenty of taste.
 

So, How Do You Make Aubergine Chips?

You make aubergine chips by slicing aubergines thinly, salting and drying them, seasoning lightly, and baking or air-frying until golden and crispy.
 
It’s a simple process that transforms a humble vegetable into a snack you’ll want to make again and again.
 
With the tips above, your aubergine chips will come out perfectly crisp every time.
 
Hope this guide on how to make aubergine chips helps you enjoy this tasty, healthy snack at home.