Air-Fryer Eggplant: How Long To Cook It Perfectly?

Air fryers are a great way to cook eggplant, resulting in a crispy texture and a nutty flavour. The cooking time depends on the type of air fryer and the size of the eggplant pieces. For instance, one source recommends cooking eggplant in an air fryer for about 15 minutes at 400ºF, while another suggests 18 minutes at 400°F. However, it's important to keep an eye on the eggplant to ensure it doesn't get overcooked or undercooked.

How to prepare eggplant for the air fryer

Preparing eggplant for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few steps.

First, roughly peel the eggplant. You don't need to remove all of the purple skin, as leaving a little intact adds texture. Next, slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, and then cut each half in half again horizontally. Now, cut thin slices lengthwise down each half, and then chop into cubes by cutting perpendicular to these slices. Aim for cubes of around 1", but don't worry about making them all completely uniform.

Place the chopped eggplant in a mesh strainer or colander over a bowl, or spread it out on a large flat surface. Sprinkle the eggplant with kosher salt and toss to ensure all pieces are coated. Leave the salted eggplant for 15-30 minutes to allow it to "sweat out" its moisture. This step is important to ensure the eggplant crisps up in the air fryer, so don't be tempted to skip it!

Once the eggplant has rested, pat it dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth, and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil or another high smoke point oil of your choice, and toss to coat. Add your choice of spices and stir to ensure the eggplant is evenly coated. Suggested spices include rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, but you can use any combination you like.

Now your eggplant is ready for the air fryer!

How to air fry eggplant

Air-fried eggplant is a tasty, savoury side dish that is easy to make and can be prepared in a number of ways. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to cook eggplant in an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• Oil (avocado, olive, or extra-virgin olive oil)
• Salt (preferably Kosher salt)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, red chilli flakes, fresh thyme)

Preparation

First, cut the eggplant into either 0.5-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. You can peel the eggplant if you prefer, but it is not necessary as the skin is edible.

Next, sprinkle the eggplant with salt on all sides and let it rest for 15-30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess liquid and gives the eggplant a crisp texture. After this, pat the eggplant dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Now it's time to season the eggplant. For sliced eggplant, brush both sides of the slices with oil, then sprinkle each slice with your chosen seasonings. For cubed eggplant, place the cubes in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss until well combined. Then, sprinkle with your chosen seasonings.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Place the eggplant in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not overlap. You may need to cook the eggplant in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the eggplant for 12-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the eggplant—it should go in and out easily. If there is resistance, continue cooking in one-minute increments until tender.

Serving

Transfer the air-fried eggplant to a plate and serve while still warm. You can sprinkle it with fresh herbs like parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Storage

To store leftovers, let the eggplant come to room temperature, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For best results, use cold eggplant straight from the fridge. This helps to get a crispy outside before the eggplant softens.
• Don't skip the salting step, as this helps to remove moisture and ensures a crispy texture.
• You can bread your eggplant before air frying for an extra crispy texture. Try coating the slices in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, almond flour, and Parmesan cheese.
• Get creative with your seasonings to suit your taste preferences!

How to serve air-fried eggplant

There are many ways to serve air-fried eggplant. It can be a side dish, an appetiser, or even the main event. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried eggplant can be served as a side to a range of dishes, including:

• Veggie burgers
• Pasta
• A cooked protein of your choice
• Substantial salads
• Indian recipes like chicken korma
• Fish dinners like panko-crusted cod
• Crockpot lazy lasagna
• Mediterranean dishes like Greek yoghurt chicken and Mediterranean lemon chicken
• Hearty mains like classic pot roast

As an Appetiser

Air-fried eggplant also works well as an appetiser or starter. Try serving it with:

• A dip like marinara sauce, basil tomato sauce, or tzatziki
• Greek yoghurt seasoned with salt and drizzled with olive oil

As a Main Course

To make air-fried eggplant the star of the show, try serving it over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Add a dollop of marinara or fresh tomato sauce and top it off with cashew cream. You can also incorporate it into cooked grains like quinoa salad or pasta recipes like eggplant pomodoro pasta, topped with parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley.

How to store, reheat, and freeze air-fried eggplant

Once you've cooked your eggplant in the air fryer, you might be wondering how to store and reheat any leftovers, or even freeze them for later. Here's a guide to help you out:

Storing Air-Fried Eggplant:

• Let the eggplant reach room temperature.
• Transfer the eggplant to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Reheating Air-Fried Eggplant:

• You can reheat the eggplant in an air fryer or a conventional oven.
• For the air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and reheat for about 2 minutes.
• For the oven, set the temperature to 300°F and reheat for 5-8 minutes.
• Drain any excess liquid before serving, as the eggplant may release water during storage.

Freezing Air-Fried Eggplant:

• Let the eggplant come to room temperature after cooking.
• Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer for about 2 hours to freeze the pieces individually.
• Transfer the frozen eggplant to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Use wax paper to separate each layer and prevent the pieces from fusing during storage.
• The eggplant will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Thawing and Reheating Frozen Eggplant:

• Thaw the frozen eggplant by placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
• Remove the wax paper between the slices before reheating.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for about 2 minutes, or in the oven at 300°F for 5-8 minutes.

Tips for the best air-fried eggplant

Air-fried eggplant is a delicious, savory side dish that can be cooked to tender perfection in minutes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Select Good Eggplants:

Choose eggplants that are firm to the touch and have smooth, glossy skin. Riper eggplants tend to have fewer seeds, a sweeter taste, and less bitter flavor.

Cut Evenly:

Cut your eggplants into evenly sized pieces, either slices or cubes. This ensures that they cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Salting (Optional):

Salting the eggplant before cooking is optional but can help remove excess liquid and improve the texture. If you're using eggplant during its peak season (May through September), you may not need to salt it. However, if you're using out-of-season eggplant or prefer to reduce bitterness, salting can be beneficial. Sprinkle the slices with salt, let them rest for about 15 minutes, and then pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket:

When placing the eggplant in the air fryer, be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Leave some space between the slices to allow for better air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches.

Flip Halfway Through:

For the best results, flip your eggplant halfway through the cooking process. This will help ensure a crisp-tender texture and golden brown exterior.

Watch Closely:

Keep an eye on your eggplant after the 10-minute mark, as the cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer, the thickness of your slices, and how densely you pack the basket. Insert a knife into the eggplant to check for doneness—it should slide in and out easily when the eggplant is ready.

Use High Smoke Point Oil:

When cooking eggplant in an air fryer, choose a high smoke point oil such as avocado oil or olive oil. This will prevent the oil from smoking and potentially setting off your smoke alarm!

Season to Taste:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations. You can use a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, or try more complex blends like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Don't forget to preheat your air fryer before adding the eggplant. This will help ensure even cooking and the best results.

Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices and your specific air fryer. Poke the eggplant with a knife to check for doneness—it should be very soft. If it's still firm but the outside is already golden, lower the temperature and continue cooking until it's soft.

Serve Warm:

Air-fried eggplant is best served warm. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.

Frequently asked questions