Emilie Meyer
Chinese eggplant is a tasty, tender, and vegan dish that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The dish is easy to make and can be paired with other air fryer recipes, such as chicken, salmon, or tofu. The eggplant is sliced and tossed with oil and starch before being cooked in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The sauce is a key component of the dish, with variations including garlic soy dressing, sweet garlic balsamic sauce, and spicy garlic sauce. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the air fryer and the thickness of the eggplant slices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 12-20 minutes |
| Temperature | 380-400°F (200-204°C) |
| Ingredients | Chinese eggplant, salt, pepper, peanut oil, avocado oil, garlic, Thai red chili, green onion, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, Thai basil, cilantro, Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce |
| Garnishes | Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, golden salt and pepper tofu, air-fried bok choy |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer at 375-380°F for 4-5 minutes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to cut Chinese eggplant for the air fryer
To cut Chinese eggplant for the air fryer, start by washing and patting the eggplants dry. Next, trim the two ends and cut the eggplant into three sections. Cut each section in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into 2 or 3 sticks, depending on the thickness of the eggplant. You can also cut the eggplant into uniform cubes, about 1/2-inch in size, to ensure even cooking. If you're working with a wobbly, round eggplant, try stabilising it by slicing a thin piece off one side and placing the flat side on the cutting board before cutting the rest.
It's important to note that Chinese eggplants are typically long and skinny with thinner skin and sweeter, more tender flesh than regular eggplants. They are less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for air frying.
Metal Skewers in Air Fryers: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The best oil to use for Chinese eggplant in the air fryer
When it comes to choosing the best oil for your Chinese eggplant, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, due to the high temperatures of air fryers, it is important to select an oil with a high smoke point to avoid burning. Here are some recommended oils for Chinese eggplant in an air fryer:
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is a popular choice for stir-frying and deep-frying in Chinese cuisine due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour. Its mild taste allows the flavours of the eggplant and accompanying spices to shine through.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is praised by dietitians for its health benefits. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying, and it adds a subtle, nutty flavour to the dish.
Garlic Oil
While garlic oil is not necessarily the primary cooking oil, it is an essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine. A drizzle of garlic oil enhances the flavour of the dish and adds a punch of garlicky goodness.
Olive Oil Spray
If you prefer to use olive oil, opt for a spray rather than extra virgin olive oil, which has a lower smoke point and may burn. Olive oil spray provides the benefits of olive oil without the risk of scorching.
Other Options
Other oils with high smoke points that can be used include grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
Remember, when cooking Chinese eggplant in an air fryer, it is essential to use just enough oil to coat the eggplant lightly. Too much oil will result in a greasy dish.
Reheating Chicken Parm: Air Fryer Time and Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How long to cook Chinese eggplant in the air fryer
Chinese eggplant is a fantastic option for air frying as it has thinner skin and sweeter, more tender flesh than regular eggplant. It's less bitter and has fewer seeds, making it a great choice for those who want a delicate, tender, and lightly crispy texture.
The cooking time for Chinese eggplant in an air fryer will depend on the amount of eggplant you are cooking, the power of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispness. As a general guideline, it is recommended that you set your air fryer to around 400°F (200-204°C). Cut the eggplant into long sticks or cubes, toss them in oil, and then place them in the air fryer in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The cooking time can vary from 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the factors mentioned above. Be sure to toss the eggplant halfway through to ensure even cooking.
For a simple and delicious sauce to pair with your air-fried Chinese eggplant, you can make a garlic soy dressing by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. You can also add chopped scallions, cilantro, or Thai basil for a fresh herb flavour. If you're feeling spicy, add some Korean chili flakes or chili oil to your dressing.
With just a few minutes of preparation and around 10-15 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy, and satisfying side dish that is full of flavour and has a wonderful crispy texture.
Air Frying with House Autry: What You Should Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to make a sauce for Chinese eggplant
To make a sauce for Chinese eggplant, you can use a variety of ingredients, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some options for a delicious sauce:
Spicy Garlic Sauce:
For a spicy kick, combine garlic oil, Thai red chilli, green onion, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. You can also add some minced garlic with chilli oil for an extra spicy punch.
Sweet Garlic Balsamic Sauce:
For a sweeter option, brush the eggplant with a balsamic garlic sauce. This sauce is a great way to add a sticky, sweet glaze to the eggplant.
Savory Garlic Sauce:
For a more classic option, grill the eggplant until crispy and then cook it in a rich, savory garlic sauce. This sauce is made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. You can also add red pepper flakes to taste for a spicier version.
Light Garlic Sauce:
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can simply toss the eggplant in a light garlic sauce. This sauce is typically made with garlic, green onion, Chinkiang vinegar or rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. You can also add Thai chilli peppers for an extra kick.
Chinese Black Vinegar Sauce:
For a tangy twist, add Chinese black vinegar to any of the above sauces. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to enhance the sweetness and create a unique flavour profile.
These sauce options will perfectly complement the tender, crispy Chinese eggplant cooked in your air fryer. Remember to prepare the sauce while the eggplant is air-frying to save time and create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home.
Big Easy Turkey Fryer: Safe for Indoor Use?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to reheat Chinese eggplant cooked in the air fryer
To reheat Chinese eggplant cooked in an air fryer, you can follow these simple steps:
Firstly, it is important to note that you should store leftover eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge. It is recommended to consume it within 3 days for the best quality and taste.
When you are ready to reheat, simply place the leftover eggplant in the air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 375-380°F (193°C). Reheat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the eggplant is heated through and crispy again.
You can also reheat frozen eggplant directly in the air fryer. Place the frozen eggplant in the air fryer basket and follow the same instructions as above, adjusting the time as needed.
It is important to note that the specific reheating time may vary depending on the amount of eggplant and the model of your air fryer. Always ensure that your eggplant is thoroughly heated before consuming it.
Air-Fried Salmon: Perfect Timing for Delicious Results
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10-12 minutes to cook Chinese eggplant in an air fryer. The time may vary depending on the amount of eggplant and the type of air fryer being used.
Set your air fryer to 380-400°F.
Wash and pat dry the eggplants. Trim the two ends and cut them into long sticks or cubes. Lightly toss the eggplant with oil and starch before placing them in the air fryer.
A sweet and savory garlic sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. You can also add green onion, Thai basil, or cilantro for extra flavor.
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and dice the garnishes ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply dice, season, and air fry the eggplant.
