Air-Fryer Eggplant: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook eggplant, yielding a pleasant crisp on the outside and a soft, tender texture on the inside. The high heat and airflow of an air fryer make it possible to cook eggplant without salting it first, though salting can help draw out excess moisture and bitterness. To cook eggplant in an air fryer, simply cut the eggplant into evenly-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper (or other seasonings), and air fry for 9 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a tasty, versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Choosing the right eggplant

When choosing the right eggplant, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, look for a shiny and smooth skin that has an even consistency throughout the vegetable. A dull or wrinkled skin may indicate poor storage, bad quality, or that the eggplant is old. The skin should also be free of any cuts, bruises, or blemishes, as these may indicate that the eggplant has started to rot inside.

Secondly, pay attention to the size and firmness of the eggplant. Small to medium-sized eggplants are often preferred, as larger ones can be more bitter and have more seeds. The eggplant should be slightly firm but not hard. It should have a little give when you squeeze it, but it should not be mushy or too soft. If the eggplant is very soft or you can puncture the skin with your finger, it is likely too ripe.

Another factor to consider is the colour of the eggplant. The most common colour is dark purple, but there are also lighter purple, striped, yellow, or white varieties. Regardless of the colour, make sure that the eggplant is uniformly coloured, with no green spots, as green indicates unripeness. Additionally, check the stem end of the eggplant; it should be green, which is an indicator of freshness.

Finally, when choosing an eggplant, you may also consider the number of seeds. Male eggplants typically have fewer seeds than female eggplants, so if you prefer a less seedy eggplant, look for one with a smooth "belly button" or an oblong shape.

Pre-salting the eggplant

Salting the eggplant before air frying is a common practice, but it is not necessary for this recipe. However, if you are using eggplants that are out of season and not of the highest quality, pre-salting can help remove excess bitterness and moisture. This step is especially useful if you want to avoid soggy eggplant and achieve a crispier texture.

To pre-salt the eggplant, start by sprinkling salt on both sides of the eggplant slices. Place the salted eggplant slices in a colander and let them stand for about 20 to 30 minutes. This process draws out the excess moisture, resulting in a drier surface that is ideal for air frying. After the allotted time, rinse the eggplant slices to remove the excess salt and moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next step in your recipe.

It is important to note that while pre-salting can enhance the flavor and texture of the eggplant, it is not a mandatory step. Air frying at high temperatures with adequate airflow can also achieve a crispy exterior without the need for pre-salting. Additionally, if you prefer a softer eggplant, you can soak the slices in water for 30 minutes before air frying, remembering to pat them dry before adding any seasonings or coatings.

When preparing eggplant for air frying, it is recommended to cut the eggplant into uniform slices or cubes to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent undercooked or unevenly cooked eggplant. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches to allow for proper airflow and circulation.

By following these instructions for pre-salting and preparing your eggplant, you can create delicious and crispy air-fried eggplant dishes.

Choosing the right oil

While it is possible to cook eggplant in an air fryer without oil, it is important to use oil for flavor and to carry the fat-soluble vitamins in vegetables. When choosing an oil to cook eggplant in an air fryer, it is important to select one with a high smoke point due to the high temperatures of the appliance. Avocado oil is recommended by a dietitian for its health profile, but you can also use olive oil or your favorite cooking oil.

It is important to note that using too much oil can make the eggplant greasy, so a small amount is recommended. For example, one source recommends 4 tablespoons of avocado oil for 1 pound of eggplant. Another source suggests using a cooking spray with avocado or olive oil, but cautions against using extra virgin olive oil as it will burn.

When selecting an eggplant for air frying, it is important to choose one that is firm and tender on the outside, not soft in the middle. The eggplant can be a dark purple globe eggplant, baby eggplants (such as Thai or Indian eggplants), or long, skinny, lighter-colored eggplants. It is important to cut the eggplant into evenly sized pieces, typically about 1/2-inch thick, to ensure even cooking.

Before cooking, it is recommended to salt the eggplant to improve the flavor and remove any excess moisture. However, this step is not necessary if the eggplant is in peak season (from May to September). After salting, let the eggplant stand for a while before patting it dry and placing it in the air fryer.

Seasoning and toppings

If you want to keep it simple, a little salt and pepper can go a long way. However, if you're looking for something more complex, consider using dried or fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, or thyme. Adding grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking can also add a creamy, cheesy finish to your dish.

For a more robust and savoury flavour profile, create a mixture of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Alternatively, make your own spice blend by combining equal parts dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried basil. Fresh lemon juice and parsley can also be added for a tangy and colourful finish.

If you're feeling adventurous, try an Asian-inspired sauce by mixing garlic oil, Thai red chilli, green onion, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. After air-frying the eggplant, cut it open, flatten it, and drizzle on the sauce. Garnish with more green onion and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavour and texture.

When it comes to serving, air-fried eggplant is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or incorporated into a main course. Pair it with dips such as marinara or tzatziki, or serve it alongside Mediterranean dishes like Greek yogurt chicken or lemon chicken. For a heartier meal, add it to cooked grains like quinoa or bulgur, or toss it with pasta and top with Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper.

Reheating and storing

To store your air-fried eggplant, let the veggies reach room temperature. Then, transfer the pieces to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. To freeze cooked eggplant for longer storage, freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer bag or an airtight container and store them for up to two to three months.

When reheating, thaw frozen eggplant slices or cubes overnight. Reheat in the air fryer at 375ºF for a few minutes or at 400 degrees F for two minutes, or until heated thoroughly. You can also reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes.

Frequently asked questions