Roasting Aubergine In An Air Fryer: How And Why?

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook food, and they're perfect for roasting aubergine. Aubergine, also known as eggplant, can be a tricky vegetable to cook, but with an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly tender and caramelised results in under 30 minutes. This guide will show you how to get delicious results every time and explore some creative ways to serve this versatile dish.

How to prepare aubergine for air frying

Preparing aubergine for air frying is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a guide to help you get started:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare your aubergine:

• Aubergine (also known as eggplant)
• Olive oil or another high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil
• Salt
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning)
• Optional: fresh parsley, lemon juice, or other toppings

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Aubergine

Begin by washing and drying the aubergine. Then, cut off the top and slice the aubergine into your desired shape. You can cut it into long "chip" shapes, 1-inch cubes, or ½-inch slices. There is no need to peel the aubergine as the skin is edible.

Step 2: Remove Moisture (Optional)

This step is optional but can help improve the texture of your aubergine. Generously sprinkle salt on the aubergine slices or cubes and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the moisture. Use paper towels to pat the aubergine dry and remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Season the Aubergine

For sliced aubergine, brush both sides of the slices with oil, then sprinkle with your chosen spices/seasonings. For cubed aubergine, place the pieces in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss until well combined. Then, sprinkle with your chosen spices/seasonings.

Step 4: Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375-400°F. Place the seasoned aubergine in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap or overcrowd the basket. Cook for around 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your aubergine slices or cubes, and the temperature of your air fryer. Flip the aubergine pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Once the aubergine is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve. You can enjoy air-fried aubergine as a side dish, appetizer, or incorporate it into salads, pasta dishes, or other recipes. For a delicious flavour boost, sprinkle with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

How to season aubergine for air frying

Aubergine, or eggplant, can be seasoned in a variety of ways for air frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and season aubergine for air frying, with some seasoning suggestions.

Step 1: Cut the Aubergine

Firstly, decide what shape you would like your aubergine to be. You can cut the aubergine into 1-inch cubes, 1-inch "chip" shapes, or 0.5-inch slices. If you are making aubergine fries, you may want to cut the aubergine into long "chip" shapes.

Step 2: Salt the Aubergine (Optional)

Salting the aubergine before cooking can help to remove excess liquid and create a crispier texture. Sprinkle salt on all sides of the aubergine and leave for 15-30 minutes. After this, pat the aubergine dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.

Step 3: Add Oil and Seasonings

Brush or drizzle oil onto the aubergine. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or sesame oil.

Next, add your choice of seasonings. You can use a pre-made seasoning mix, or a combination of individual spices. Some popular seasoning options include:

• Za'atar
• Sumac
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne/crushed red pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Brown sugar

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the seasoned aubergine in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded or overlapping. Set the air fryer to between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your aubergine pieces and your desired crispiness. Shake or flip the aubergine halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Air-fried aubergine can be served hot or cold. It can be enjoyed as a side dish, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce such as marinara or tzatziki.

You can also add air-fried aubergine to salads, pasta dishes, curries, or grain bowls.

How long to air fry aubergine

Air-frying aubergine is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious and versatile vegetable. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the aubergine slices or cubes, the specific model of the air fryer, and your desired texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how long to air fry aubergine to achieve the perfect results.

Preparing the Aubergine:

Before air frying, wash the aubergine and cut off the stem. You can cut the aubergine into rounds, strips, or cubes, depending on your preferred shape and recipe. It's important to ensure that the pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.

Salting the Aubergine (Optional):

Aubergines have a slightly bitter taste due to their unique texture. To reduce bitterness and draw out excess moisture, you can sprinkle salt over the cut pieces and let them sit for about 30 minutes. After salting, rinse and pat the pieces dry to remove any residual salt.

Seasoning the Aubergine:

In a large bowl, combine the aubergine pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add various spices and seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour. Toss the aubergine until all pieces are well-coated.

Air Frying the Aubergine:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned aubergine pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap to allow for even cooking.

The cooking time for aubergine in an air fryer can range from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pieces and your desired level of doneness. For thinner slices or cubes, check for doneness at around 10 to 12 minutes by piercing with a knife or fork. The aubergine should be tender and slightly crispy.

It is recommended to shake or stir the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness. If your aubergine needs more time, cook in additional 1-2 minute increments until it reaches your desired texture.

Serving and Storing:

Serve the air-fried aubergine immediately to enjoy the crispy texture. It pairs well with various main dishes and can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. To reheat, use the air fryer again at a lower temperature to restore crispiness.

What to serve air-fried aubergine with

Air-fried aubergine is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried aubergine can be a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany various main courses. It pairs well with fish, chicken, or meat. You can also serve it with curries, such as a cod, paneer, or beef curry. For a vegetarian option, serve it with polenta roast potatoes or curried couscous salad.

In Salads

Air-fried aubergine is an excellent addition to summer salads, providing a slightly crispy texture. Try it in a Mediterranean Bean Salad or a Mediterranean Eggplant Salad. You can also add it to pasta salads, like a Summer Orzo Pasta Salad.

In Wraps and Sandwiches

Air-fried aubergine is a tasty filling for wraps and sandwiches. It can be used in pita breads, tortillas, or even as a pizza topping.

As a Main Course

You can also make air-fried aubergine the star of the show by serving it as a main course. Layer it with fresh tomato slices and mozzarella cheese for a caprese-style dish, or turn it into a hearty eggplant parmigiana by adding a breadcrumb mixture and mozzarella cheese. For a vegan option, serve it with garlic butter noodles and parmesan.

With Dips

Air-fried aubergine goes well with various dips, such as marinara sauce, tzatziki, or spicy aioli. You can also use it to make your own dips, like baba ganoush, by blending it with ingredients like tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.

In Pasta

Air-fried aubergine is a tasty addition to pasta dishes, providing a slightly crispy texture. Try it in an eggplant pomodoro pasta or ratatouille papperdelle.

With Grains

This dish also pairs well with cooked grains like quinoa or bulgur.

As a Snack

Finally, air-fried aubergine can be a healthy and delicious snack on its own or with dips like hummus or guacamole.

How to store leftover air-fried aubergine

Storing leftover air-fried aubergine is simple. First, allow the aubergine to cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Your leftover aubergine will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. To prevent the aubergine from becoming soggy, it's best to store it in a single layer if possible.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispy texture. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for around 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can serve the leftovers cold on a salad.

It's worth noting that reheating in the microwave is not recommended, as it can lead to a rubbery texture.

Frequently asked questions