Air-Frying Eggplant: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can fry eggplant in an air fryer! This cooking method is not only quick and easy but also delivers a tasty, tender, and crispy result.

There are a variety of recipes for air-fried eggplant, including those with and without breading. Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as Parmesan cheese, almond flour, and various seasonings.

The key to achieving the perfect air-fried eggplant is to cut the eggplant into evenly sized pieces, remove excess moisture by salting beforehand, and ensure there is adequate airflow by not overcrowding the air fryer basket.

How to cut and prepare eggplant for the air fryer

Preparing eggplant for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

First, cut the eggplant into your desired shape. Many recipes suggest cutting the eggplant into 1/2-inch slices or 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. If you are using a wobbly, round eggplant, try stabilising it by cutting a thin slice off one side and placing the flat side on a cutting board. From there, you can cut the eggplant into lengthwise slabs, then cut those slabs into long strips, and then crosswise into cubes.

Next, sprinkle salt on each piece of the eggplant and let it sit for around 30 minutes to draw out the moisture. This step is not always necessary, especially if your eggplant is in season, but it can help to improve the flavour and texture of the eggplant. After 30 minutes, pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.

Finally, brush or toss the eggplant pieces with oil and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, or thyme.

Once you have cut and prepared your eggplant, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer!

The best oil to use for frying eggplant in an air fryer

Frying eggplant in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. You can use a variety of oils to fry eggplant, but some are better than others.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is recommended by a dietitian for its health profile. It also has a high smoke point, which is important when using an air fryer because of the high temperatures. Avocado oil helps to give the eggplant a crispy texture on the outside and a silky texture in the middle.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another oil with a high smoke point that can be used for frying eggplant in an air fryer. It is a good alternative if you don't have avocado oil, but be careful not to use extra virgin olive oil as it will burn.

Other Oils

Other oils that can be used for frying eggplant include grapeseed oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil. When choosing an oil, it is important to consider the smoke point and how it will affect the taste of the eggplant. Oils with lower smoke points may not perform well in an air fryer due to the high temperatures.

Tips for Frying Eggplant in an Air Fryer

• Cut the eggplant into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the eggplant halfway through cooking for a crisp-tender texture and golden brown exterior.
• Watch the eggplant closely after the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• Pat the eggplant dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
• Season the eggplant with salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika for added flavor.

By following these tips and using the best oil for frying eggplant in an air fryer, you can achieve delicious and crispy results.

How long to cook eggplant in an air fryer

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, if you cut your eggplant into 1-inch cubes, you will need to air fry them for around 15 minutes at 400°F. If you are cooking eggplant slices, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, around 10-12 minutes at 375°F. It is important to keep an eye on your eggplant while it is cooking and adjust the time as needed, as you want to avoid overcooking it, which can make it dry and tough.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Eggplant in an Air Fryer:

Prepare the Eggplant:

Before cooking, wash and dry the eggplants. You can cut the eggplant into halves, cubes, or slices, depending on your preference and what you plan to use it for. If you are making a dip or adding it to a salad, you may want to peel the eggplant and cut it into cubes before cooking. For a side dish or pasta, you can cut the eggplant into rounds or slices.

Remove Moisture (Optional):

To ensure your eggplant doesn't become mushy, you can remove the moisture by sprinkling salt on the cut eggplant and letting it sit for around 30 minutes. Use paper towels to pat the eggplant dry and remove any excess moisture.

Season the Eggplant:

Brush the eggplant with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, and your favorite spices or spice blends. Some popular choices include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, or thyme.

Air Fry the Eggplant:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned eggplant in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches. Air fry for around 10-20 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through the cooking time. The eggplant is done when it is soft, golden, and slightly crispy on the outside.

Serve:

You can serve air fryer eggplant as a simple side dish or appetizer, or use it in salads, pasta dishes, dips, or as a low-carb option. It goes well with a variety of main dishes, especially Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

How to store leftover air-fried eggplant

Storing leftover air-fried eggplant is simple. First, let the eggplant reach room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to three days.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for two minutes at 400°F or in the oven for 5-8 minutes at 300°F. It is recommended to drain any excess liquid before serving, as the eggplant pieces will likely become watery during storage.

Freezing is also an option. Place the room-temperature pieces in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating each layer with wax paper to prevent fusing. Once sealed, the eggplant will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.

To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight, then remove the wax paper and reheat in the air fryer or oven as instructed above.

What to serve with air-fried eggplant

There are many ways to serve air-fried eggplant. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried eggplant slices can be served as a vegetable side dish with a dip, such as marinara sauce, basil tomato sauce, or tzatziki. They can also be served alongside Mediterranean dishes like Greek yogurt chicken or Mediterranean lemon chicken, or balanced with a hearty main like a classic pot roast.

Incorporated into Grains

Air-fried eggplant can be added to cooked grains like quinoa salad, bulgur, or pasta recipes like eggplant pomodoro pasta. Top with parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley.

As an Appetizer

Air-fried eggplant cubes can be served as a yummy, crowd-pleasing appetizer with dips like Greek yogurt drizzled with oil, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy tahini dip. They can also be topped with grated parmesan or crumbled feta cheese, or served alongside other small bites like olives, roasted peppers, and breadsticks for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

As a Main Course

Air-fried eggplant can be served as a main course by arranging it over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs, and then topping it with marinara sauce and cashew cream.

Frequently asked questions