Air-Fryer Eggplants: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook eggplants, as they produce perfectly roasted results without the need to salt the eggplant first to draw out moisture. You can cook eggplant in an air fryer in a few simple steps: cut the eggplant into slices or cubes, season and coat with olive oil, and then place in the air fryer in a single layer. Set the air fryer to a high temperature, between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for around 20 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through. The eggplant is done when it is golden and crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside.

How to get crispy eggplant

To get crispy eggplant, set your air fryer to 370-400ºF. Spread the eggplant slices or cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd the basket. If you have too many slices to arrange in a single layer, work in batches. Drizzle the eggplant with olive oil and, if you like, dip the slices in egg and then in a panko mixture. Air fry for 12-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is golden and crispy outside, but tender inside. Check for doneness by inserting a paring knife into a cube or slice; if the knife goes in and out easily, the eggplant is done. Serve immediately for the best texture.

How to season eggplant

To cook eggplant in an air fryer, you should first cut the eggplant into slices or cubes. Then, pat the slices dry, dip them into egg, and then into a panko mixture. Place the eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket, drizzle with olive oil, and cook for 17-20 minutes at 370-400°F, flipping halfway through.

To season eggplant, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. Salt and pepper are the most common seasonings, but you can also use garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, marjoram or oregano, ground thyme, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme or parsley. You can also use olive oil to help the seasonings stick to the eggplant.

If you want to remove excess moisture from your eggplant slices, you can let them sit in a coating of salt for 30-60 minutes before cooking. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour of the eggplant.

When seasoning eggplant, make sure to coat both sides of the slices evenly. You can also season the eggplant after cooking by sprinkling on additional spices or herbs.

How to serve eggplant

To serve eggplant, you can either serve it as a side dish or as part of a main course. If you're serving it as a side, simply follow the cooking instructions and serve it with your chosen main. If you want to serve it as a main, you can serve it with pasta, scoops of tomato sauce, dollops of cashew cream, basil, red pepper flakes, and drizzles of olive oil.

To cook eggplant in an air fryer, set your air fryer to 375-400ºF. Spread the eggplant cubes or slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd the basket. If you have too many slices to arrange in a single layer, work in batches. Drizzle the eggplant with olive oil and cook for 17-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the eggplant is golden and crispy outside, but tender inside.

Check for doneness by inserting a paring knife into one cube or slice. Remove the eggplant if the knife easily enters and exits its flesh. If there is resistance on the blade, continue to air fry the pieces in one-minute increments until tender. Serve immediately for the best texture.

How to cook eggplant without breadcrumbs

Set your air fryer to 375°F-400°F. Spread the eggplant slices or cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd the basket. If you have too many slices to arrange in a single layer, work in batches.

Drizzle the eggplant with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic, or toss until the pieces are coated with olive oil and spices.

Air fry for 12-20 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through. Check for doneness by inserting a paring knife into a cube or slice. If the knife easily enters and exits the flesh, the eggplant is done. If there is resistance on the blade, continue to air fry in one-minute increments until tender.

Serve immediately while warm for the best texture.

How to cook eggplant with breadcrumbs

Set your air fryer to 400ºF. Spread the eggplant cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Pat the eggplant slices dry, dip them into the egg, and then into the panko mixture. Place on a plate as you work and then drizzle the slices with olive oil. Air fry for 17 to 20 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown, flipping halfway through cooking. Work in batches if necessary.

Check for doneness by inserting a paring knife into one cube/slice. Remove the eggplant if the knife easily enters and exits its flesh. However, if there is resistance on the blade, continue to air fry the pieces in one-minute increments until tender. Serve immediately for the best texture.

You can make the eggplant a full meal by serving it with pasta, scoops of tomato sauce, dollops of cashew cream, basil, red pepper flakes, and drizzles of olive oil.

Frequently asked questions