Emilie Meyer
Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, and one of the most popular vegetables to cook in an air fryer is eggplant. It's a simple, speedy, and delicious way to eat your veggies, and with minimal clean-up required, it's a convenient option for any meal. The air fryer's speed and efficiency ensure the eggplant doesn't become mushy, and the skin gets pleasantly crisp. But how long does it take to cook eggplant in an air fryer? Well, that depends on the size and type of eggplant, as well as your desired texture and the temperature of your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking eggplant in an air fryer for around 9 to 20 minutes, but some suggest as little as 8 minutes for crispy results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-20 minutes |
| Temperature | 370-400°F |
| Oil | Avocado oil, olive oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika |
| Toppings | Parsley, lemon juice |
| Eggplant type | Dark purple globe eggplant, baby eggplants, long skinny lighter-colored eggplants |
| Eggplant preparation | Cut into slices or cubes, pat dry, remove moisture |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut eggplant for air fryer
To cut an eggplant for an air fryer, you should first select a good eggplant. Choose one that is firm to the touch, with smooth and glossy skin. Then, to safely cut a wobbly, round eggplant, take a thin slice off one side and place the flat side on a cutting board to stabilize it before cutting the rest.
You can then cut the eggplant into your desired shape, either 1/2-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. If you want to salt the eggplant before cooking, sprinkle the slices or cubes with 1/2 a teaspoon of salt, ensuring all sides are covered. Let the salted eggplant rest for 15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to absorb the moisture.
If you want to cook the eggplant without oil, you can simply season the slices or cubes with your chosen spices and place them in the air fryer. However, if you want to add oil, brush or drizzle both sides of the slices or cubes with your chosen oil and ensure each piece is well coated. Place the eggplant in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring the basket is not overcrowded, and cook for around 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping the pieces halfway through.
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How long to cook eggplant in air fryer at 400ºF
To cook eggplant in an air fryer at 400ºF, it is recommended that you cut the eggplant into either half-inch slices or one-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. You can also cut the eggplant into uniform cubes of around half an inch. If you are using smaller eggplants, you may need to lower the temperature and cooking time.
You should then toss the eggplant pieces in a large bowl with oil, salt, and any desired flavourings such as black pepper, chilli flakes, or thyme. It is recommended that you use a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, when cooking eggplant in an air fryer.
Once the eggplant has been prepared and seasoned, spread the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they do not overlap or overcrowd the basket. If needed, cook the eggplant in batches.
For cooking at 400ºF, it is recommended that you air fry the eggplant for around 15 minutes, tossing the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking. You should continue air frying until the eggplant is golden and crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside.
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How long to cook eggplant in air fryer at 375ºF
To cook eggplant in an air fryer at 375ºF, you should first prepare the eggplant by slicing it into 0.5-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. If you want to salt the eggplant before cooking, sprinkle it with 0.5-1 teaspoon of salt, let it rest for 15 minutes, and then pat it dry with a paper towel. If your eggplant is not of the highest quality, you may want to remove excess bitterness by salting it for 20 minutes, then rinsing and drying it.
Next, brush or toss the eggplant slices or cubes with oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes at 375ºF, flipping the eggplant halfway through. If you want your eggplant to be softer, you can soak it in water for 30 minutes before air frying, but be sure to pat it dry before adding seasonings.
If you are cooking multiple batches of eggplant, you can keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200ºF while you cook the rest. You can also freeze any leftovers by letting them cool, then storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, cook the frozen eggplant in the air fryer at 375ºF for a few minutes until crispy.
Note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on your eggplant to avoid overcooking.
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How long to cook eggplant in air fryer at 370ºF
Air fryers are a great way to cook eggplant, and the process is simple. The first step is to cut the eggplant into either 1-inch cubes or 0.5-inch slices. The key is to ensure that the pieces are of equal size so that they cook evenly. Next, you'll want to decide whether to salt the eggplant. This step is optional but can help remove excess bitterness and moisture. If you choose to salt, sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and place them in a colander to drain for 15 to 20 minutes. After salting, be sure to pat the eggplant dry.
Now it's time to season the eggplant. You can brush the slices with oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Alternatively, you can dip the slices in egg and then into a mixture of panko, almond flour, pecorino, salt, and pepper. Either way, the eggplant should be seasoned generously.
Once the eggplant is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overlap the slices, as this will prevent them from crisping up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Cook the eggplant for 17 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The eggplant is done when it is crispy and golden brown.
With an air fryer, you can enjoy tender, crispy eggplant without the mess of oil or the lengthy cooking time of traditional frying. The high heat and airflow of the air fryer produce perfectly roasted results. And the best part? You can serve this delicious side dish with just about anything, from veggie burgers to pasta to a substantial salad. Enjoy!
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How long to reheat cooked eggplant in air fryer
To reheat cooked eggplant in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to 320–375°F for a few minutes. The exact time will depend on the quantity and thickness of the eggplant slices, so it is important to keep an eye on them to ensure they do not burn.
When reheating eggplant in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the slices are not overlapping or overcrowded in the basket. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the eggplant from becoming mushy. It is also important to remove any excess moisture from the eggplant before reheating, as this can also lead to a mushy texture.
To remove excess moisture, place the slices on a sheet pan lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let the eggplant sit for 15–30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
When reheating, it is a good idea to drizzle the slices with a small amount of oil, such as high smoke-point oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, to keep them moist and prevent burning. However, be careful not to use too much oil, as this can make the eggplant greasy.
Depending on the thickness of your slices, the reheating process should only take a few minutes. For thinner slices, check on them after 2–3 minutes to ensure they are not burning. For thicker slices, it may take up to 7–9 minutes to reheat thoroughly.
It is important to note that different air fryers may cook at different intensities, so it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your eggplant while reheating to prevent overcooking or burning.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8 to 20 minutes to cook eggplant in an air fryer, depending on the recipe and the size of the eggplant slices.
Wash and dry the eggplant, then cut it into slices or cubes. If you want to remove excess bitterness, sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing and drying them.
Set your air fryer to 370°F to 400°F. If you are reheating cooked eggplant, set the temperature to 320°F to 375°F.
The eggplant is done when it is soft and golden brown. You can also insert a paring knife into the eggplant to check for doneness. If the knife goes in and comes out easily, the eggplant is ready.
