Tillie Doyle
Air-fried eggplant is a tasty, versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. It's also a great base for countless other breaded eggplant recipes. Air-frying is a healthier and quicker way to cook eggplant, and it's less messy than sautéing. Plus, you use way less oil than you would if you were frying the eggplant. The high-airflow and intense heat of an air fryer mean you can skip the step of salting the eggplant to draw out moisture, but some recipes recommend salting to improve the flavour and texture. You can cut the eggplant into slices or cubes, brush or toss with oil, season, and air-fry for around 9 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe.
How to Cook Eggplant in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Eggplant, oil, salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese |
| Oil Type | Avocado oil, olive oil, or another neutral-flavored oil |
| Seasonings | Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, basil, black vinegar, chili flakes, honey, sesame seeds |
| Temperature | 190C/370F-400F |
| Timing | 9-20 minutes |
| Pre-Cooking Steps | Cut the eggplant into slices or cubes, salt the eggplant (optional), pat dry, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs |
| Post-Cooking Steps | Serve with pasta, tomato sauce, cashew cream, basil, red pepper flakes, or as part of a Mediterranean spread |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right eggplant
Variety:
There are several varieties of eggplant to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. The most common type is the dark purple globe eggplant. However, you can also find baby eggplants, such as Thai or Indian eggplants, which are smaller and more delicate. Another option is the long, skinny, lighter-coloured eggplant, which can be ideal for slicing.
Firmness and Bruising:
When selecting an eggplant, choose one that is firm with little to no bruising. Firmer eggplants tend to cook more evenly and have a better texture after air frying. Avoid eggplants that are too soft, as they may become mushy during the cooking process.
Size:
While smaller eggplants are adorable, larger eggplants are preferable for air frying. This is because they cook more evenly, reducing the risk of undercooked or overcooked spots. If you opt for a larger eggplant, be mindful of the size of your air fryer basket to ensure it fits properly.
Colour:
The colour of an eggplant can vary from dark purple to light purple or even white. While the colour doesn't necessarily affect the flavour, it can be an indicator of ripeness. Look for eggplants with a vibrant, uniform colour, avoiding those with discoloured or bruised spots.
Freshness:
Opt for fresh, in-season eggplants whenever possible. Fresh eggplants tend to have a better texture and flavour after air frying. Out-of-season eggplants may be less juicy and more bitter, requiring additional seasoning or preparation techniques like salting to enhance their taste.
By selecting the right eggplant, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and perfectly cooked air-fried eggplant dishes.
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Salting the eggplant
To salt the eggplant, start by lining a sheet pan with paper towels. Layer the sliced eggplant on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring no slices overlap. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt, using around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of eggplant. You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste and use any type of salt you have available.
Let the salted eggplant rest for 15 to 30 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more moisture will be drawn out, resulting in a crispier texture. After resting, pat the eggplant dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Try to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
If you are short on time or using high-quality, in-season eggplant, you may choose to skip this step. However, keep in mind that salting can improve the flavour and texture of your final dish.
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Preparing the coating
Firstly, choose a suitable oil. A high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, is recommended due to the high temperatures of the air fryer. You want to use enough oil to ensure your eggplant doesn't burn, but not so much that it becomes greasy.
Next, consider seasoning. While salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings, you can also experiment with spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, or chilli flakes. If you want to go the extra mile, you can make your own Italian seasoning by mixing dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried basil.
Now, it's time to assemble your coating. Place your eggplant slices or cubes in a mixing bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil. Add your seasonings, tossing the eggplant to ensure each piece is evenly coated. If you're using an egg wash or milk wash, this is the step where you'll want to dip your eggplant pieces before coating them with breadcrumbs or panko.
Finally, if you're using breadcrumbs, this will be the last step before transferring your coated eggplant to the air fryer. Add the breadcrumbs to the mixing bowl and toss until each piece is well-coated. If you're not using breadcrumbs, you can finish this step by placing your oiled and seasoned eggplant in the air fryer.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for air fryer eggplant depend on the size and style of your eggplant slices or cubes. For example, thinner slices or cubes will cook faster than thicker ones. Similarly, the cooking time will vary depending on whether you want a crispier or softer eggplant.
If you are cooking eggplant slices, it is recommended to cook them in the air fryer at 370°F for 17 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will result in crispy and golden-brown eggplant slices. However, if you prefer your eggplant slices to be softer, you can soak them in water for 30 minutes before air frying, and then cook them for a shorter time, about 10 to 12 minutes at 370°F.
For eggplant cubes, a higher temperature of 400°F is recommended. Spread the cubes in a single layer and air fry for a total of 15 minutes, tossing them after the first 8 minutes to ensure even cooking. The eggplant cubes will be golden and crispy on the outside, but still tender on the inside.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature slightly based on your own air fryer's performance. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of eggplant, you may need to work in batches to ensure even cooking.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer eggplants are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish
Air fryer eggplants make a great side dish. They can be paired with a variety of main courses, such as veggie burgers, pasta, or a cooked protein of your choice. They also go well with a substantial salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
Mediterranean-inspired Meals
Air fryer eggplants are a great addition to Mediterranean-inspired spreads, especially for parties or dinners with friends. Serve them alongside other Mediterranean-style dishes, like green beans or carrot fries, for a flavourful and veggie-filled meal.
Appetizers or Snacks
Air fryer eggplants can be served as an appetizer or snack. They pair well with dipping sauces like marinara or tzatziki. For an extra cheesy treat, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking.
Full Meal
To make a hearty and satisfying meal, serve air fryer eggplants with pasta, scoops of tomato sauce, dollops of cashew cream, basil, red pepper flakes, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. This combination creates a creamy, flavourful, and textural contrast to the crispy eggplants.
Chinese-inspired Dish
For an Asian twist, try the Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant recipe. This dish involves stuffing the eggplants with a savoury sauce made from garlic oil, Thai red chilli, green onion, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. It's a quick and easy way to bring Chinese BBQ flavours to your kitchen.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 9 to 20 minutes to cook eggplant in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the size of the slices and the temperature of the air fryer.
The best temperature to cook eggplant in an air fryer is between 190°C/370°F and 400°F.
Cut the eggplant into either 1/2-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. If you want to remove excess bitterness, sprinkle salt on the slices and let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, pat the eggplant slices dry and drizzle them with olive oil.
You can season eggplant with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, or chili flakes.
Air fryer eggplant can be served as a side dish or appetizer. It goes well with pasta, veggie burgers, cooked protein, salad, marinara sauce, or tzatziki.
