Roasting Eggplant In An Air Fryer: A Healthy Treat!

Air fryer eggplants are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook eggplants. They are a great side dish or appetizer and can be served with a dipping sauce like marinara, tzatziki, or garlic parmesan butter. The air fryer removes moisture from the eggplant, giving it a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the insides soft and tender. This method of cooking eggplants is also versatile, as it can be used in various dishes such as pasta, salads, dips, and main courses.

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.

Firstly, wash the eggplant under cold water to remove any dirt and dry it with a towel. You can also cut off a thin slice from one side of the eggplant to create a flat surface for stability when cutting.

Next, cut the eggplant into your desired shape. For even cooking, it is recommended to cut the eggplant into uniform pieces. You can cut it into 1/2-inch slices or 1-inch cubes, or even fry-shaped sticks. If you are using a round eggplant, it is best to first cut it into lengthwise slabs, then stack these slabs and cut them into long strips before cutting crosswise into cubes.

After cutting, sprinkle salt on all sides of the eggplant pieces and let them sit for about 15-30 minutes. This step helps to remove any bitterness and excess moisture. Then, use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat the eggplant dry.

Finally, brush or toss the eggplant pieces with oil and season them with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, basil, or oregano.

Once your eggplant is prepared, it is ready to be placed into the air fryer and cooked according to your desired level of crispiness!

How to season eggplant for the air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Wash the eggplant and cut it into your desired shape. You can cut it into half-inch slices or one-inch cubes. You can also cut it into fry-shaped sticks or rounds.

Step 2: Salt the Eggplant (Optional)

Line a sheet pan or baking tray with paper towels and place the eggplant on top. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices/cubes and let them sit for about 15-30 minutes. This step helps to remove any bitterness and excess moisture from the eggplant. After salting, rinse and pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Dry the Eggplant

Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat the surface of the eggplant dry, removing any excess moisture.

Step 4: Season the Eggplant

For sliced eggplant, brush both sides of the slices with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or any other high smoke point oil. Then, sprinkle each slice with your desired seasonings. Suggested seasonings include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

For cubed eggplant, place the cubes in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss until well combined. Then, sprinkle with your desired seasonings.

Step 5: Air Fry the Eggplant

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces don't touch each other. If needed, cook the eggplant in batches to ensure even cooking.

Air fry for 12-20 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the eggplant; it should go in and out easily. If it's not done, continue air frying in one-minute increments until tender.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the air-fried eggplant as a side dish, appetizer, or use it in salads, casseroles, or stews. You can also make eggplant parmesan by layering the air-fried slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and baking in the air fryer or oven.

Tips:

• Choose eggplants that are firm, with smooth and glossy skin.
• Evenly sized pieces will cook more evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, chill the eggplant in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Use enough oil and salt for the best flavor and texture.
• Continue cooking a few minutes beyond when you think it's done for extra crispy bits.

How long to cook eggplant in the air fryer

The cooking time for eggplants in an air fryer depends on the size of the eggplant pieces and the temperature setting used. For example, one source recommends cooking eggplant in an air fryer for about 15 minutes at 400°F. However, this may vary depending on the size of the eggplant pieces and the temperature setting.

• Cut the eggplant into uniform pieces, either slices or cubes, to ensure even cooking.
• Salting the eggplant before cooking can help remove bitterness and excess moisture. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
• Use a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, when cooking eggplant in an air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F and 400°F.
• Place the eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Cook the eggplant for 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is golden brown and crispy.
• Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the eggplant. If the knife goes in and out easily, the eggplant is done. If there is resistance, continue cooking in one-minute increments until tender.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can cook eggplant in an air fryer to your desired level of doneness.

How to store leftover eggplant

Eggplants are highly perishable, so it's important to store them properly to avoid spoilage. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover eggplant:

Storing Cooked Eggplant:

Cooked eggplant should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-5 days. To reheat, you can use an air fryer or an oven, following the instructions provided earlier.

Storing Cut Eggplant:

Although it is not recommended, if you have already cut the eggplant, wrap it in a paper towel or place it in a perforated plastic bag, or a reusable container, and store it in the refrigerator. You can also drizzle lemon juice over it to prevent enzymatic browning. Use it within 3-4 days.

Storing Whole Eggplant:

To store whole eggplants, place them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in plastic, and ensure they are not overcrowded. They will last for about a week in the fridge.

Freezing Eggplant:

If you want to freeze eggplant, it is recommended to cook or partially cook it first to remove some moisture, as raw eggplant does not freeze well due to its high water content. Slice and roast the eggplant, then let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container and freezing. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months.

What to serve with air fryer eggplant

Air fryer eggplant is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into salads, casseroles, stews, and more. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer eggplant:

As a Side Dish

• Dips: Serve the crispy eggplant slices with a dip such as marinara sauce, basil tomato sauce, or creamy tzatziki.
• Mediterranean dishes: Pair the eggplant with Mediterranean-inspired mains like Greek yogurt chicken or Mediterranean lemon chicken.
• Hearty mains: Balance out a hearty main dish like a classic pot roast with the light and healthy flavours of air fryer eggplant.

Incorporated into Other Dishes

• Cooked grains: Add air fryer eggplant to your favourite quinoa salad or other cooked grains like bulgur.
• Pasta: Toss air fryer eggplant with pasta, parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley. For an extra indulgent touch, top with marinara or tomato sauce and dollops of cashew cream.
• Salads: Include air fryer eggplant in a Mediterranean quinoa salad or Italian chopped salad.

As an Appetizer

• Dips: Serve the crispy eggplant cubes with dips such as Greek yogurt drizzled with oil, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy tahini dip.
• Toppings: Sprinkle grated parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top of the hot eggplant.
• Mediterranean platter: Serve the eggplant alongside other small bites like olives, roasted peppers, and breadsticks for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Frequently asked questions