Air-Fried Eggplant: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer eggplant is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into salads, casseroles, stews, and more. With just a handful of simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly dish that is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

The key to making perfect air fryer eggplant is to cut uniform slices, typically around 1/2-inch thick, and to brush or drizzle them with oil to ensure even cooking. Salting the eggplant before cooking is optional but can help remove excess liquid and create a crispier texture.

You can also bread the eggplant slices by coating them in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, almond flour, and Parmesan cheese for an extra crispy and nutty flavour.

How to choose the right eggplant

Choosing the right eggplant is essential for ensuring your air-fried eggplant dish turns out well. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect eggplant for your culinary creation:

• Look for a firm eggplant: The ideal eggplant should be slightly firm to the touch, with a little give when you press your finger against it. Avoid eggplants that feel very soft or puncture easily, as these are likely overripe.
• Opt for smooth and shiny skin: Dull, garish skin can indicate poor storage or low quality. Instead, choose an eggplant with taut, vibrant, and glossy skin.
• Check the stem: The stem of the eggplant should be green and free from any mould or decay. This is a sign of freshness, so look for vibrant purple or bright white colours on the majority of the plant, depending on the variety.
• Be wary of large eggplants: Larger eggplants tend to be more bitter and have more seeds, as they were given more time to mature. Go for small to medium-sized eggplants to reduce the chances of bitterness.
• Feel the weight: A good eggplant should feel heavy for its size, indicating that the flesh is fresh and in good condition.
• Inspect for bruising: Avoid eggplants with signs of bruising or discolouration, as this could indicate damaged flesh beneath the skin.
• Go for a slightly smaller size: While not a hard-and-fast rule, smaller, immature eggplants are often preferred as they are less likely to be bitter and have a softer texture.
• Check for hollow sounds: Knock on the eggplant with your knuckles. If you hear a hollow sound, it may be an indication that the eggplant is dry inside, so it's best to avoid it.

How to prepare the eggplant for cooking

Preparing the eggplant for cooking in an air fryer is simple and requires only a few steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select a fresh, firm eggplant, preferably a small to medium-sized one as they are less bitter and not as seedy. You can use a globe eggplant, which is the most common type found in grocery stores, or opt for Japanese or Chinese eggplant.

Next, cut the eggplant into uniform slices or cubes. The recommended thickness for slices is about 1/2 inch, while cubes should be around 1 inch. This ensures even cooking and a good balance of coating and tender texture inside.

After cutting, place the eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides of the slices with salt, which helps to remove excess liquid and any bitterness. Let the salted eggplant rest for about 15-30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to absorb any remaining moisture.

Now it's time to season the eggplant. Brush both sides of the slices with olive oil or avocado oil, making sure to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle your desired seasonings on the eggplant. You can use a variety of seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like sumac or za'atar.

Once your eggplant is prepared, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches.

Finally, air fry the eggplant for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them, as the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices and the model of your air fryer.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy air-fried eggplant as a side dish or incorporated into your favorite recipes!

How to season the eggplant

Seasoning the eggplant is a crucial step in this recipe, enhancing its flavour and texture. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your eggplant:

Firstly, brush both sides of the eggplant slices with oil. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil. This step ensures that the seasonings adhere well to the eggplant and helps to achieve a crispy texture.

Next, it's time to sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the eggplant. You can be creative and experiment with different combinations, but some recommended options include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat each slice evenly so that every bite is packed with flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding other spices like rosemary, thyme, or cayenne pepper to give your eggplant an extra kick. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect blend!

For a more complex flavour profile, you can also try using grated Parmesan cheese as a seasoning. This adds a crispy, cheesy coating to your eggplant. Just make sure the Parmesan is finely grated so that it forms a crispy crumb exterior.

Finally, if you're making breaded eggplant, you can dip the slices in an egg wash and then coat them with your favourite breadcrumbs or a panko mixture. This step will give your eggplant an extra crispy texture and a nutty flavour.

Remember to season the eggplant generously and evenly, and feel free to adjust the amounts of each seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious, seasoned eggplant!

How to cook the eggplant in the air fryer

Ingredients

Depending on your recipe, you will need:

• 1 large or 2 small eggplants
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.)
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, almond flour, breadcrumbs, an egg

Method

• Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. You can peel the eggplant first, but this is not necessary as the skin is edible.
• (Optional) Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them rest for 15-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step will help to remove bitterness and improve the texture, but it will add extra time. Pat the eggplant dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Brush or drizzle both sides of the slices with oil and season with your chosen seasonings.
• (Optional) For a crispy coating, dip the slices in egg, then in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and/or almond flour.
• Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or crowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry at 375-400°F for 9-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The eggplant is done when it is soft and golden brown.
• Serve immediately.

Storage

Leftover air-fried eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

How to serve the air-fried eggplant

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

As a Side Dish

• Serve the eggplant as a vegetable side dish with a dip like marinara sauce, basil tomato sauce, or tzatziki.
• Pair it with a protein-packed main course, such as Mediterranean dishes like Greek yogurt chicken or Mediterranean lemon chicken. It also goes well with heartier mains like classic pot roast.
• Add it to cooked grains like quinoa salad or cooked bulgur, or even pasta recipes like eggplant pomodoro pasta. Top with parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley.

As a Main Course

• Serve the eggplant over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Add a dollop of marinara or fresh tomato sauce and top with cashew cream.
• Make it the star of a Mediterranean spread, pairing it with dishes like Greek chickpea salad, musabaha (whole chickpea hummus), or falafel pitas.

In a Salad

• Toss the air-fried eggplant into a summer salad with other vegetables and chickpeas.
• Try it in a Mediterranean bean salad or a lemon arugula salad.

As a Dip

Use the air-fried eggplant to make baba ghanoush, a Lebanese dip served with vegetables and pita bread.

As a Snack

Cut the eggplant into fries for a low-carb, crispy snack.

Frequently asked questions