Cody Casey
Air fryers are a great way to cook breaded eggplant, yielding a crispy texture without the oil used in traditional frying methods. The process is simple: cut the eggplant into evenly sized pieces, dip them in an egg wash, coat them with breadcrumbs, and then cook them in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes. The result is a tasty and healthy dish that can be served as a side or an appetizer, paired with dips, cheese, or sauces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eggplant type | Dark purple globe eggplant, baby eggplants (e.g. Thai or Indian eggplants), or long, skinny, lighter-colored eggplants |
| Eggplant preparation | Cut into even slices or cubes, approximately 1/2-inch thick |
| Breading | Dip in egg wash, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and almond flour (or gluten-free flour) |
| Oil | Avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or another neutral-flavored oil |
| Salt | 3/4-1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound, or to taste |
| Additional seasonings | Black pepper, chili flakes, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, or cayenne |
| Air fryer temperature | 350-400°F |
| Air fryer preparation | Place eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding |
| Cooking time | 8-20 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Serving suggestions | Top with grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, or marinara sauce; serve with dips such as Greek yogurt, garlic aioli, or tahini |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days; freeze by placing slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right eggplant
First, consider the variety of eggplant. You can choose from dark purple globe eggplants, which are large and round, baby eggplants such as Thai or Indian eggplants, which are smaller and more delicate, or long, skinny, lighter-coloured eggplants. Each variety will offer a slightly different flavour and texture, so choose one that suits your preference.
When selecting an eggplant, look for one that feels firm to the touch and is heavy for its size. This indicates that it is fresh and has a high water content, which will help it cook well in the air fryer. Avoid eggplants that feel too soft or have shrivelled skin, as these may be past their prime.
The skin of the eggplant should be smooth and shiny, with a vibrant colour. Look for eggplants with bright, purple skin that is free from bruises, blemishes, or discolouration. The skin should also be taut and not wrinkled, which could indicate that the eggplant is old.
Size matters when it comes to air-frying eggplants. Choose eggplants that are uniform in size, especially if you plan to cut them into cubes or slices. This will ensure even cooking and help you achieve the desired crispy texture. Aim for eggplants that are roughly the same size as the other ingredients in your dish to ensure a balanced meal.
Finally, always wash the eggplant before cooking, especially if you plan to eat the skin. This will remove any dirt or pesticides, ensuring a safe and delicious final product.
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Preparing the dredging station
Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients and materials. This includes a mixing bowl, a sharp knife, tongs or a spatula, and of course, the eggplant itself. Choose a firm eggplant with little to no bruising, and consider using a larger eggplant as they tend to cook more evenly.
Next, prepare your dredging station by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. You can also use almond flour, which is a great gluten-free alternative. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, which act as a binding agent for the bread crumbs. You can prepare the egg wash by mixing eggs with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are well combined. Finally, the third bowl should contain the bread crumb mixture. This mixture typically includes panko bread crumbs, which give the eggplant its crispy texture, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and nutty flavour. You can also add Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to taste.
Before dredging the eggplant, it is important to slice it evenly. Cut the eggplant into uniform slices or cubes, approximately 1/2-inch thick. This ensures that the eggplant cooks evenly and gives it a nice presentation. Once your dredging station is set up and the eggplant is sliced, you are ready to start the breading process.
Pat the eggplant slices dry with a kitchen or paper towel. Then, take each slice and dip it first into the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Next, dip the floured eggplant into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the eggplant with the bread crumb mixture, gently pressing the breadcrumbs into the slice to ensure an even and complete coating.
Repeat this process until all your eggplant slices are breaded. It is important to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your dredging station. Once all the slices are breaded, they are ready to be arranged in the air fryer basket and cooked to crispy perfection!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for breaded eggplant in an air fryer depend on the size of the eggplant pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is important to ensure proper air circulation by avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket and cooking in batches if necessary.
For an oven-style air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and air fry for about 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For a basket-style air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 370°F and cook for about 14 to 20 minutes. For the basket model, it is recommended to flip or shake the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time.
When reheating, place the cooked eggplant in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place back in the air fryer at 375°F for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
For freezing, let the eggplant reach room temperature and place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat frozen eggplant, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your leftover breaded eggplant slices is easy. First, let them reach room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. The breaded eggplant slices will stay fresh for up to 2 days, although they may lose their crispiness during storage. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Let the slices cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they're frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your breaded eggplant again, simply reheat it! If you're reheating from frozen, there's no need to thaw. Place the frozen slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until they're warmed through. If you're reheating from fresh, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes on each side, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
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Serving suggestions
Breaded eggplant cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, side dish, or main course. It can be served hot or warm and is best served immediately after cooking.
As a snack or appetiser
Breaded eggplant can be served as a snack or appetiser, either on its own or with a dip. For a Mediterranean-inspired platter, serve the eggplant with other small bites like olives, roasted peppers, and breadsticks. For a more indulgent option, serve the eggplant with a creamy dip like Greek yoghurt drizzled with oil, garlic aioli, or tahini.
As a side dish
Breaded eggplant is a tasty side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It goes particularly well with veggie burgers, pasta, or a cooked protein of your choice. For a lighter meal, serve it with a substantial salad.
As a main course
To make breaded eggplant the main event, serve it as an entree over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Top with marinara or fresh tomato sauce and a creamy dairy-based or vegan alternative, such as cashew cream.
Customisations and variations
The beauty of breaded eggplant is that it can be customised to your taste preferences. For a cheesy finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking. To enhance the crispiness of the eggplant, gently press the breadcrumb mixture into the slices before placing them in the air fryer, or lightly coat them with an olive oil or avocado oil spray. Seasonings like black pepper, chili flakes, thyme, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can also be added to the breadcrumb mixture to enhance the flavour.
For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. To make the dish vegan, use vegan Parmesan cheese and an egg substitute in the breading process.
When serving breaded eggplant, consider the size of the eggplant pieces, the temperature setting of your air fryer, and the cooking time to ensure even cooking and the desired level of crispiness.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 14-20 minutes to cook breaded eggplant in an air fryer, depending on the size of the eggplant pieces and the temperature setting.
Set your air fryer to around 350-400°F when cooking breaded eggplant.
Before breading the eggplant, pat it dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Then, dip each slice into an egg wash, followed by a bread crumb mixture.
