Frying Eggplant In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can fry eggplant in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook eggplant, resulting in a crispy outside and a soft, tender inside. This method also requires minimal clean-up and is versatile, allowing for customisation with different seasonings, sauces, and breading.

How to prepare the eggplant

First, choose your eggplant. You can use a dark purple globe eggplant, baby eggplants (like Thai or Indian eggplants), or long, skinny, lighter-colored eggplants. It's important to select an eggplant that is firm to the touch and has smooth, glossy skin.

Next, cut the eggplant into your desired shape. You can cut it into 1-inch or ½-inch cubes, or into ¼-inch or 2-inch-thick slices. If you are cutting the eggplant into slices, you can leave the skin on. However, if you are cutting it into cubes, you may want to peel the skin off.

Now, it's time to season the eggplant. Sprinkle salt on all sides of the eggplant and let it rest for 15-30 minutes to draw out the moisture. This step is optional but will help to improve the texture of the cooked eggplant. After salting, pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel.

Brush or drizzle both sides of the eggplant slices or cubes with olive oil or avocado oil. Then, season the eggplant with your desired spices and herbs. You can use salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, thyme, or a combination of these.

Finally, place the eggplant in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Set the air fryer to 370-400°F and cook the eggplant for 12-20 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. The eggplant is done when it is crispy and golden brown on the outside, and tender on the inside.

You can serve air fryer eggplant as a simple side dish or appetizer, or use it in salads, pasta dishes, or dips like baba ghanoush.

What temperature to cook at

The optimal temperature for cooking eggplant in an air fryer is around 370°F to 400°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking at 375°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This is a good temperature to ensure the eggplant is cooked through and has a crispy texture.

Other recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through. This higher temperature will give a crispier texture and a silkier, melting middle.

One recipe suggests cooking at 370°F for 9-10 minutes, again flipping halfway through. This is a good option if you like your eggplant with a softer middle, as this is a slightly lower temperature.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size of your eggplant pieces and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to keep an eye on your eggplant after the 10-minute mark to ensure it doesn't overcook or undercook.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for eggplant in an air fryer depends on the size of the eggplant pieces and the temperature setting you use. For example, one source recommends cooking eggplant in the air fryer at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through. Another source recommends cooking at 375°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you are cooking eggplant slices, these will take around 8-9 minutes to cook at 375°F. If you cut thick slices, the cooking time will increase, but if you slice them thinner, it will take less time.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, so it is recommended to keep an eye on your eggplant to ensure it does not come out over- or undercooked.

How to serve the eggplant

There are many ways to serve eggplant cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried eggplant can be served as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. Its crispy texture and rich flavour make it a tasty addition to any meal. Serve it alongside protein-packed dishes like Mediterranean lemon chicken, or balance it with a hearty main like classic pot roast. It also goes well with veggie burgers, pasta, or a cooked protein of your choice.

In a Salad

Air fryer eggplant is a great way to take your salads to the next level. Try adding it to a summer orzo pasta salad, a lemon arugula salad, or a Mediterranean bean salad. It can also be used in place of grilled eggplant in a Mediterranean eggplant salad.

In a Dip

Air fryer eggplant is perfect for making dips like baba ghanoush. Simply scoop out the flesh of the cooked eggplant and mix it with ingredients like tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Serve it with vegetables and pita bread for a delicious and healthy snack.

In Pasta Dishes

Air fryer eggplant can be added to pasta dishes, where its slightly crispy texture will be a tasty surprise. Try it in a ratatouille papperdelle or spicy sausage pasta. For an extra indulgent treat, make eggplant parmigiana by topping the eggplant rounds with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

As an Appetizer

Air fryer eggplant cubes make a yummy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve them with dips like Greek yogurt, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy tahini dip. Top them with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for an extra flavour boost.

In a Main Course

Air fryer eggplant can be the star of the show in a main course. For a light yet satisfying meal, serve it over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs, and top it with marinara sauce and cashew cream. It also pairs well with other air fryer menu items, like turkey burgers or tuna steak.

With Other Vegetables

Air fryer eggplant can be served with other vegetables to create a tasty and nutritious side dish. Try it with roasted peppers, olives, and breadsticks for a Mediterranean-inspired spread, or add it to a summer salad with vegetables and chickpeas.

As a Snack

Air fryer eggplant is a delicious and healthy snack option. Season it simply with salt and chili flakes, or add some black pepper and thyme for extra flavour.

In a Casserole

Air fryer eggplant can be added to casseroles, stews, and other one-pot meals. It provides a nice crispy texture and a burst of flavour.

With Meat

Air fryer eggplant can be served as a side dish with meat, such as chicken korma, butter chicken, or panko-crusted cod. It also goes well with rich Italian pasta dishes like penne alfredo or spaghetti with meatballs.

Breading Options

For a crispy and flavourful variation, coat the eggplant slices in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, almond flour, and Parmesan cheese before air frying. This adds a nutty flavour and a delicious crunchy texture.

Spices and Seasonings

When serving air fryer eggplant, enhance its flavour with various spices and seasonings. Some great options include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, sumac, za'atar, cayenne red pepper, and crushed red pepper.

Temperature and Timing

When cooking air fryer eggplant, it's important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the size of the eggplant pieces and the model of the air fryer. The ideal temperature is around 375-400°F, and the cooking time is typically between 12-20 minutes, depending on the size of the eggplant pieces.

There you have it! Plenty of ways to serve air fryer eggplant to elevate your meals and impress your guests.

How to store the eggplant

Eggplants are sensitive to temperature and ethylene, a gas that causes certain foods to ripen and spoil quickly. Therefore, it is best to store them in a cool, dark spot, away from direct sunlight, and use them as soon as possible. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store eggplants:

Storing Eggplant at Room Temperature:

• Store eggplant in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight.
• Place the eggplant on a plate or in a colander to allow air circulation and help keep it fresh.
• The ideal room temperature for storing eggplant is between 50°F and 54°F.
• At room temperature, eggplant will last for about two days.

Storing Eggplant in the Refrigerator:

• Eggplant is highly sensitive to temperature, and the cold air in the fridge can affect its texture and taste.
• To store whole eggplant in the refrigerator, loosely wrap each individual eggplant with plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped eggplants on a shelf in a single layer, preferably on the upper shelf, as it is one of the warmest spots in the fridge.
• Another option is to store it in the vegetable crisper drawer, which has the highest humidity.
• Whole eggplant will last up to a week in the refrigerator.
• If storing cut eggplant, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and drizzle with lemon juice to slow down oxidation and browning.
• Use cut eggplant within three to four days.

Storing Cooked Eggplant:

• Cooked eggplant should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy cooked eggplant within three to four days.

Freezing Eggplant:

• For long-term storage, you can freeze eggplant, but it is recommended to blanch it first to protect its quality and flavor.
• Wash the eggplant and remove the skin using a vegetable peeler.
• Cut the eggplant into 1/3-inch thick slices.
• Blanch the eggplant slices in boiling water with lemon juice or ascorbic acid for 4 minutes.
• Place the blanched eggplant in an ice bath for 4 minutes, then drain and place in a freezer-safe container with freezer paper between slices.
• Frozen eggplant will stay fresh for 9 to 12 months.

Tips for Making Eggplant Last Longer:

• Pick fresh eggplant that is firm, deep purple, and shiny, with a bright green top.
• Wash your hands before handling produce to prevent the spread of harmful germs.
• Avoid cutting eggplant before storing, as exposure to oxygen accelerates spoilage.
• Keep eggplant away from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, avocados, tomatoes, and peaches.

Frequently asked questions