Marianne Martinez
Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook aubergine, with the bonus of less oil and less clean-up. Aubergine is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to dips and main courses. When cooking aubergine in an air fryer, it's important to cut the vegetable into even pieces to ensure consistent cooking. The air fryer temperature should be set between 375°F and 400°F, and the aubergine should be cooked in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the aubergine slices and the desired level of crispness, but on average, it should take around 10-20 minutes.
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare an aubergine for air frying
Preparing an aubergine for air frying is simple and can be done in a few steps. Firstly, choose a fresh, firm aubergine with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid soft or bruised aubergines. Rinse the aubergine under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Next, cut the aubergine into your desired shape. You can cut it into cubes, slices, or wedges, but make sure the pieces are of uniform size to ensure even cooking. If you want to make 'chips', cut the aubergine into long, thin slices. Alternatively, cut the aubergine in half lengthways and slice it into fries, or chop it into cubes for a quicker cooking time.
Sprinkle salt generously over the cut aubergine and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This will help to draw out excess moisture, resulting in crispier aubergine. After salting, pat the aubergine dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
Now, it's time to season the aubergine. Place the aubergine pieces in a large bowl and drizzle over olive oil, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as garlic, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well so that all the aubergine pieces are coated in the oil and seasoning.
Finally, arrange the aubergine pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Brush or spray the basket with a light layer of oil beforehand to prevent sticking. Now, your aubergine is ready to be air-fried!
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How to season aubergine
Aubergine is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can be cooked in many ways. It is particularly well-suited for air frying, which gives it a crispy texture without the need for much oil.
To season aubergine, the first step is to cut the vegetable into your desired shape. You can cut the aubergine into long "chip" shapes, sticks, cubes, or rounds. If you want to get creative, you can even shape the aubergine into rolls. Regardless of the shape you choose, it is important to ensure that the pieces are of uniform size to promote even cooking.
Once you have cut the aubergine, the next step is to season it. Place the aubergine pieces in a large bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or sesame oil, depending on the flavour profile you want to achieve. Make sure to coat all the pieces well.
Now comes the fun part—adding your choice of herbs and spices! You can go for a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic, onion, oregano, paprika, cayenne, chilli powder, or Italian seasoning. If you want to add a crunchy texture, you can include sesame seeds or panko breadcrumbs. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey before serving.
After seasoning, arrange the aubergine pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Now, you are ready to air fry your delicious, seasoned aubergine!
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Air fryer temperature and cooking time
If you are making an aubergine parmigiana, preheat the air fryer to 200°C and cook the aubergine slices in batches for 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Then, assemble the parmigiana in an ovenproof dish, reducing the temperature to 180°C, and cook for another 12-15 minutes.
The cooking time may also depend on the size and thickness of your aubergine pieces, the size of your air fryer, and the style of your air fryer. Thicker cuts may need more time to cook, while thinner pieces will cook faster. It is important to ensure that the aubergine pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, so they cook evenly.
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How to serve air-fried aubergine
Air-fried aubergine is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It can be paired with a variety of dips, proteins, and other dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve air-fried aubergine:
As a Side Dish
Air-fried aubergine makes a delicious and healthy side dish. It can be served alongside a variety of main courses, such as:
- Indian curries like chicken korma or butter chicken
- Light fish dishes like panko-crusted cod or baked salmon with mayonnaise
- Rich Italian pasta dishes like Penne Alfredo or Spaghetti with Meatballs
- Hearty stews
- Air fryer menu items like turkey burgers or tuna steak
- Homemade curry
- Creamy dill salmon
- Chicken breast
- Steak
As an Appetizer
Air-fried aubergine also works well as a simple appetizer. Try serving it with dips such as:
- Greek yogurt drizzled with oil
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Creamy tahini dip
As a Main Course
To make it a more substantial meal, serve air-fried aubergine as a main course by pairing it with:
- Homemade tomato pasta sauce and spaghetti
- Salad: You can serve it warm or cold on a salad.
- Honey: Drizzle a little honey over the aubergine before serving to add a sticky sweetness.
As a Platter
Serve air-fried aubergine as part of a Mediterranean-inspired platter with:
- Olives
- Roasted peppers
- Breadsticks
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Health benefits of aubergine
To cook aubergine in an air fryer, start by selecting a fresh, firm aubergine and rinsing it under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat the aubergine dry with a paper towel. You can either slice the aubergine into rounds or cut it into cubes or sticks, depending on your recipe or preference. Make sure the pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.
Next, put the sliced aubergine into a bowl and drizzle over some olive oil. Add your choice of spices and seasoning. You can try garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, black pepper, kosher salt, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes for a spicy flavour. Mix well to ensure that all the aubergine pieces are coated in the oil and seasoning.
Arrange the aubergine pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 182°C to 190°C (360°F to 375°F). Air fry for 10 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the aubergine is golden brown and tender with crispy edges.
Now, let's look at the health benefits of aubergine:
Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a nutrient-rich vegetable with numerous health benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent source of antioxidants, specifically a type of anthocyanin antioxidant called nasunin. Nasunin helps protect the brain and skin cells from damage caused by free radicals. Aubergine also contains other phytonutrients, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which offer additional antioxidant protection.
Secondly, aubergine is high in fibre, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and lowering cholesterol. The high fibre content also contributes to blood sugar maintenance and improved heart health.
Thirdly, aubergine is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, B6, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, folic acid, and potassium. These vitamins and minerals promote skin repair and regeneration, improve mental health by increasing blood flow to the brain, and support bone health by providing iron and calcium.
Additionally, aubergine is low in calories, with only around 20 to 35 calories per 100 grams or per cup, making it a great addition to guilt-free recipes and a healthy snack option.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 10-20 minutes to cook aubergine in an air fryer. The time depends on the size and thickness of the aubergine pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
First, wash the aubergine and dry it with a clean kitchen towel. Then, cut the aubergine into your desired shape. You can cut it into cubes, slices, or wedges.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) to 400°F (200°C). The temperature may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer.
Aubergine easily absorbs flavour, so try experimenting with different herbs, spices, and sauces. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped parsley on top of the cooked aubergine for extra flavour and texture.
Air-fried aubergine is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. You can serve it in a salad, as a snack with a dipping sauce, or as a vegetarian main course with pasta, rice, or halloumi.
