Cody Casey
Air fryer eggplants are a delicious, savory side dish that can be cooked in under 20 minutes. The air fryer's high heat and airflow create the perfect crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside soft and tender. The cooking time depends on the size of the eggplant pieces and the temperature setting, but generally, it takes around 8-18 minutes to cook eggplant in an air fryer. This paragraph will discuss the steps to make the perfect air fryer eggplant, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 370°F-400°F |
| Timing | 8-20 minutes |
| Oil | Avocado oil, olive oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, chili flakes |
| Breadcrumbs | Panko |
| Egg | Beaten egg |
| Cheese | Parmesan, mozzarella |
| Other ingredients | Marinara sauce, cashew cream, basil, red pepper flakes |
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What You'll Learn
Salting the eggplant
Some recipes suggest that you then dip the eggplant slices in egg and coat them in a breadcrumb mixture before placing them in the air fryer. However, this is not necessary, and you can simply brush the eggplant with olive oil and season with herbs and spices before placing them in the air fryer.
If you are making a breaded eggplant, you can sprinkle grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Oil and seasoning
The amount of oil used is also important. Too much oil will result in greasy eggplant, while too little may cause it to dry out. A light drizzle or brushing of oil is usually sufficient, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Additionally, the oil can be complemented by an egg, which helps bind the bread crumb mixture to the eggplant slices.
Seasoning the eggplant is a matter of personal preference, but some common options include salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and cumin. Salt is particularly noteworthy as it not only enhances flavour but also serves a functional purpose. Salting the eggplant before cooking helps remove excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a richer flavour and smoother texture. However, this step is optional and may add some time to the preparation process. If you choose to salt, sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices, let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes, and then pat them dry before proceeding with oil and seasoning.
When seasoning, place the eggplant in a mixing bowl and toss it with the oil and spices until evenly coated. For sliced eggplant, brush both sides with oil and then sprinkle on the seasonings. For cubed eggplant, drizzling the oil and tossing the pieces in a large bowl before seasoning ensures an even coating.
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Breaded eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
Start by washing the eggplant and slicing it into 1/2-inch cubes or rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture, but some recipes skip this when using an air fryer due to its high heat and airflow. Next, pat the slices dry with a paper towel. Prepare the dredging station by whisking the eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure all sides of the eggplant are coated well. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Drizzle olive oil over the slices.
Air fry the eggplant for a total of 14 to 20 minutes, depending on your preference for doneness. For a softer texture, cook for 14 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a crispier texture, cook for 17 to 20 minutes, again flipping halfway. If you like your eggplant slices extra crispy, cook for closer to 18 minutes.
Your breaded eggplant is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a snack and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Tips and Variations
- For a vegan version, replace the eggs with aquafaba or a mixture of nut milk and ground flaxseed.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- To make eggplant parmesan, top the cooked and breaded eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Air fry until the cheese melts and serve with fresh basil.
- To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
- To freeze, let the cooked eggplant reach room temperature, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat frozen eggplant in the air fryer at 350-375°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for eggplants in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size of the eggplant pieces, the temperature setting, and the desired texture. For example, thinner slices will take less time to cook, while thicker slices may require a longer cooking time.
Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. At 400°F, it is recommended to cook the eggplant for about 15 minutes, or 8 minutes per side. At 370°F, the cooking time is slightly longer, ranging from 17 to 20 minutes, or 10 to 12 minutes per side. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, with basket-style air fryers requiring tossing or shaking halfway through the cooking process.
For a breaded eggplant, a lower temperature of 370°F is suggested, and the cooking time is around 17 to 20 minutes. This allows the eggplant to become crispy and well-browned without drying out. It is recommended to flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
To achieve a crispy texture, it is essential to coat the eggplant slices or cubes in a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to create a tender texture and a caramelized roasted exterior. Additionally, salting the eggplant before cooking can enhance its flavour and texture by removing excess moisture and bitterness. However, this step is not mandatory and may add extra time to the preparation process.
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Reheating and serving
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for 20–30 seconds or place the eggplant back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and tender.
You can also freeze cooked eggplant for longer storage. To do this, freeze the cooked eggplant in a single layer on a baking sheet. When you're ready to eat, reheat the frozen eggplant directly in the air fryer.
Eggplant cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish or an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. For a full meal, serve it with pasta, scoops of tomato sauce, dollops of cashew cream, basil, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 8-20 minutes to cook eggplant in an air fryer, depending on the size of the pieces and the temperature setting.
To get crispy eggplant, it is recommended to cut the eggplant into thin slices or cubes. You can also coat the eggplant in a beaten egg mixture and then a mix of breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese before air frying.
Set your air fryer to between 360-400°F for cooking eggplant.
Before air frying, wash the eggplant and cut it into uniform pieces. You can also salt the eggplant before cooking to remove excess moisture and bitterness, but this step is optional.
Yes, you can reheat eggplant in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 375°F.
