Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook breaded eggplant, with a crunchy exterior and a soft and tender interior. The breaded eggplant is cooked in the air fryer for around 15 minutes at 400ºF, though this may vary depending on the size of the eggplant pieces and the temperature setting used. The breaded eggplant is usually cooked until it turns golden brown and crispy, which takes around 17-20 minutes. The eggplant slices should be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking, and the eggplant should be flipped halfway through the cooking time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Timing | 8-20 minutes |
| Preparation | Slice the eggplant evenly, pat dry, season, and coat with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs |
| Serving | Top with cheese, sauce, or fresh herbs |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days or freeze for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to bread eggplant for air frying
To bread eggplant for air frying, start by choosing a firm eggplant with little to no bruising. Larger eggplants are preferable, as they cook more evenly than smaller ones. Next, wash the eggplant and cut it into uniform slices or cubes. The size and shape of the cuts will depend on your preference and the specific recipe you are following.
Once the eggplant is prepared, you will need to bread it. This process typically involves coating the eggplant pieces in a wet ingredient, such as a beaten egg or egg wash, and then dipping them into a dry mixture. The dry mixture typically includes breadcrumbs, such as panko, and can also include flour, cheese, and seasonings. For a basic breading procedure, dip each eggplant piece into the wet ingredient, letting any excess drip off, and then coat it with the dry mixture. Be sure to get it nicely coated on all sides. You can gently press the coating onto the eggplant to ensure complete coverage.
If you are using a recipe that does not call for eggs, you can try dipping the eggplant directly into a mixture of dry ingredients, such as breadcrumbs and seasonings. Alternatively, you can brush the eggplant slices with oil or another liquid before coating them with the dry mixture.
After breading, the eggplant is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350-400°F (177-204°C). Place the breaded eggplant slices or cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking breaded eggplant in an air fryer depend on the type of air fryer you have and the size of the eggplant pieces. It's important to note that different recipes suggest different temperatures and cooking times.
For an oven-style air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 18 minutes. If you have a basket-style air fryer, you may need to toss or shake the eggplant halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
Some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 350°F for 14 minutes, while others recommend cooking at 370°F for 17 to 20 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through.
If you're cooking eggplant cubes, you might prefer to set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes, then toss the cubes and cook for another 7 minutes. This method should give you golden and crispy eggplant with a tender inside.
It's worth noting that the size of the eggplant pieces will affect the cooking time. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger pieces may take longer. It's important to keep an eye on the eggplant to avoid burning.
When reheating cooked eggplant, you can place it in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to crisp it up again.
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Oil and seasoning
When it comes to oil and seasoning, there are a few things to consider when cooking breaded eggplant in an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point due to the high temperatures of the air fryer. Avocado oil is a good option, favoured by dietitians for its health benefits, but you can also use olive oil, sunflower oil, or any other neutral-flavoured oil of your choice. Extra virgin olive oil, however, is not recommended as it may burn.
The amount of oil used should be enough to keep the eggplant moist and prevent burning without making it greasy. The eggplant will shrink during cooking, so it may look dry at first, but it is important not to add too much oil. You can always add more oil during cooking if needed.
As for seasoning, salt and pepper are the most commonly used seasonings for breaded eggplant. You can use kosher salt, or any other type of salt you have, adjusting the amount according to the type of salt used. For 1 pound of eggplant, 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of salt is recommended. Black pepper can be added to taste, along with other seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, or dried or fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, basil, oregano, or thyme. If you want to keep it simple, you can just use salt and pepper to let the eggplant's flavour shine through.
Additionally, you can add cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish. Grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta cheese can be sprinkled on top of the hot eggplant for an extra boost of flavour.
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Serving suggestions
Breaded eggplant cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish or appetizer, or it can be the main event. It pairs well with veggie burgers, pasta, or a cooked protein of your choice.
For a simple side dish, serve the breaded eggplant with a substantial salad for a light, yet satisfying meal. You can also serve it with goat cheese-stuffed chicken, chicken fricassee, or spaghetti bolognese.
If you want to make the eggplant the star of the show, try serving it over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. You can also make an eggplant Parmesan by topping the cooked and breaded eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Air fry until the cheese melts, then serve with fresh basil.
Breaded eggplant also makes a great appetizer, especially when served with a dip or sauce on the side. Try dipping the eggplant cubes into Greek yogurt drizzled with oil, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy tahini dip. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top of the hot eggplant.
You can also serve the breaded eggplant as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread, alongside other small bites like olives, roasted peppers, and breadsticks.
When it comes to seasoning the eggplant, keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with different spices. Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and cayenne are all great options to pair with eggplant.
And don't forget, breaded eggplant is best served fresh and hot out of the air fryer!
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Storing and reheating
For longer storage, you can freeze your cooked eggplant. First, let the eggplant reach room temperature, then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer bag. Breaded eggplant can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen eggplant, there's no need to thaw it. Simply place the frozen slices in a preheated air fryer at 350-375°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the air fryer at 375°F for 1-2 minutes.
Breaded eggplant is best served hot and crispy, so be sure to reheat until warmed through and slightly crisp. Enjoy your delicious and crispy breaded eggplant as a tasty snack or side dish!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook breaded eggplant in an air fryer for 14-20 minutes at 350-400°F.
Before cooking, wash the eggplant and slice it into uniform pieces. Pat the slices dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Then, dip each slice into a mixture of flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Drizzle them with olive oil and cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the slices and cook for another 4-10 minutes, or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved.
Allow the leftover eggplant to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place the eggplant back in the air fryer at 375°F for 1-2 minutes, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds.
