Air-Frying Eggplant: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, but can you cook it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air-frying eggplant is a simple and quick way to cook this veggie, which can be a delicious addition to many meals. It can be a great side dish, a tasty snack, or even a full meal when served with pasta, dips, or cooked grains. The best part about cooking eggplant in an air fryer is that it requires minimal clean-up and the results are perfectly roasted, tender, and crispy eggplant slices or cubes.

How to cut eggplant for air frying

To cut eggplants for air frying, start with a good eggplant. Choose one that is firm to the touch, with smooth and glossy skin. If you're using a large eggplant, cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into slabs, and stack these slabs before cutting them into long strips. Then cut the strips crosswise into cubes. If you're using small to medium eggplants, you can cut them into 1/2-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the slices or cubes uniform so that they cook evenly.

If you want to remove the peel, do so roughly, leaving a bit of the purple skin intact to create texture after air frying. If you don't want to peel it, that's fine too, as the skin is edible.

To remove the moisture, which is important to ensure the eggplant doesn't become mushy, sprinkle salt on the slices or cubes and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels or a kitchen cloth to absorb the moisture.

The importance of removing moisture

Eggplant has a reputation for being a tricky vegetable to cook. It can turn out bitter, dry, or mushy, especially when cooked without enough oil. One of the most important steps in preparing eggplant for air frying is removing the moisture. This is because the air fryer's high airflow and intense heat can lead to perfectly roasted results without the need for salting beforehand. However, salting the eggplant draws out excess moisture and some of the bitterness, improving the overall flavor and texture of the final dish. This is especially important if you want a crispy outer crust on your eggplant.

To remove the moisture, start by slicing the eggplant into your desired shape. You can cut it into 1/2-inch slices or 1-inch cubes, depending on your preference. Then, sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices or cubes. It is recommended to use around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of eggplant, but you can adjust the amount depending on your taste preferences. After salting, let the eggplant sit for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the salt to draw out the moisture.

Once the eggplant has rested, use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat it dry and remove any remaining excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the eggplant doesn't become mushy during cooking and helps to create a crispy texture. It also helps to reduce the bitterness of the eggplant, making it more palatable.

After removing the moisture, you can proceed with the next steps of the recipe, such as brushing the eggplant with oil, seasoning it, and placing it in the air fryer. By taking the time to remove the moisture from the eggplant, you'll be rewarded with a delicious, crispy, and well-cooked dish that can be enjoyed as a side or incorporated into various meals.

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an essential ingredient when cooking eggplant in an air fryer. It is recommended to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or olive oil. The oil helps to create a tender texture and a caramelized roasted exterior. When brushing the eggplant with oil, it is important to use just enough to ensure that the eggplant doesn't become greasy.

Before adding the oil, it is important to remove the moisture from the eggplant by sprinkling salt on each half and letting it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This process helps to draw out the moisture and any bitterness from the eggplant, resulting in a better flavour and texture. After the eggplant has rested, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before brushing on the oil.

When it comes to seasoning, there are a variety of options to choose from. A simple option is to season the eggplant with salt and pepper, ensuring that both sides of the eggplant are coated evenly. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the eggplant before cooking for a crispy coating. Other popular seasonings include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. These seasonings can be mixed and matched according to your preference.

Air fryer settings

The ideal air fryer settings for cooking eggplant include the temperature and the duration for which it is cooked. The temperature and time settings depend on the type of eggplant and the size of the pieces. For instance, a 1/2-inch thick slice of eggplant will take less time to cook than a whole eggplant. Similarly, a large, firm, globe eggplant will cook more evenly than smaller eggplants.

Most recipes recommend a temperature setting between 370°F and 400°F. This temperature range is high enough to ensure that the eggplant gets crispy and well-browned without burning. The duration for which the eggplant is cooked varies between 9 and 25 minutes. It is recommended to cook the eggplant for 9 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking the eggplant for 12 minutes at 400°F or for 20-25 minutes at 375°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the eggplant slices. It is recommended to keep an eye on the eggplant to ensure it does not become overcooked or undercooked. Additionally, it is important to arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried eggplant is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried eggplant can be an excellent side dish to accompany a variety of main courses. It pairs well with proteins such as chicken, pork, or fish. For instance, you can serve it alongside lemon pepper chicken breast, pan-seared pork loin steaks, or panko-crusted cod. It can also be a tasty side to a hearty pasta dish like penne Alfredo or spaghetti with meatballs. If you're looking for a lighter option, it goes well with salads, such as an olive salad with feta.

As an Appetizer

Air-fried eggplant also makes a great appetizer or snack. Serve it with a dipping sauce like marinara, tzatziki, or your favourite dip. You can also sprinkle it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a burst of flavour.

As Part of a Mediterranean Spread

Air-fried eggplant is a perfect addition to a Mediterranean-inspired meal or party spread. Serve it alongside dishes like Greek yogurt chicken, Mediterranean lemon chicken, or olive salad. It can also be a tasty complement to other Mediterranean appetizers, such as olives, roasted peppers, and breadsticks.

As a Main Course

While air-fried eggplant is often served as a side, it can also be the star of the show. For a more substantial dish, layer the cooked eggplant slices with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Top it off with fresh basil for a flavourful, satisfying meal.

With Grains

Air-fried eggplant is a tasty addition to your favourite grains. Try mixing it into quinoa salad, bulgur, or pasta dishes. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover air-fried eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3- 5 days, depending on the recipe. You can serve it cold, or reheat it in the microwave or air fryer. For longer storage, freeze the eggplant in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen.

Frequently asked questions