Ella Walter
Air-fried eggplant is a tasty, savoury side dish that is healthier and quicker to make than other methods. It can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 9 minutes, and the crispy exterior can be achieved without the use of breadcrumbs. The eggplant can be seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a mixture of dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, and basil. The high temperatures of an air fryer require the use of a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil.
How to Cook Whole Eggplant in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360-400°F (180-200°C) |
| Timing | 8-20 minutes |
| Oil | Avocado oil, olive oil, or another high smoke point oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley, lemon juice |
| Serving | Best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right eggplant
Variety
When it comes to variety, you have a few options to choose from. You can go for the standard dark purple globe eggplant, which is widely available in supermarkets. Alternatively, you could opt for baby eggplants, such as Thai or Indian eggplants, which are smaller and more delicate. If you prefer, you can also choose long, skinny, lighter-colored eggplants, which have a milder flavour.
Size
The size of the eggplant will depend on the type of air fryer you have. If you have a basket-style air fryer, it's best to choose a smaller eggplant or cut a larger one into smaller pieces. This is because the basket has limited space, and you want to ensure that the eggplant has enough room to cook evenly and get crispy. On the other hand, if you have an oven-style air fryer with trays, you may have more room to fit larger eggplants or multiple smaller ones.
Freshness
Always choose fresh, firm eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that have bruises, soft spots, or wrinkled skin, as these may be past their prime. Fresh eggplants will have a brighter, more vibrant colour, while older ones may appear dull or faded.
Weight and Feel
A good eggplant should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it is ripe and full of flavour. Avoid eggplants that feel light or spongy, as they may be dry or lacking in taste.
Stems and Calyxes
Take a look at the stems and calyxes (the green caps at the blossom end) of the eggplants. They should be bright green and fresh-looking, not dry or wilted. This is a good indicator that the eggplant was recently harvested and is likely to be fresh and full of flavour.
By considering these factors when choosing your eggplant, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy air-fried eggplant dishes.
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Seasoning and prep
Salting:
Salting the eggplant is optional but can enhance its flavour and texture. If you decide to salt, sprinkle kosher salt or sea salt on the eggplant slices and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse and pat the eggplant dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next step. Salting helps remove excess bitterness and moisture, resulting in a richer flavour and smoother texture.
Seasonings:
For a savoury and robust flavour profile, create a seasoning mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Alternatively, make your own blend by combining dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried basil. You can also experiment with other seasonings like black pepper, chilli flakes, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, or honey.
Oil:
Coating the eggplant slices with oil is essential to achieving a crispy exterior. Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil. Use a mixing bowl to combine the eggplant slices with the chosen oil and seasonings. Toss them together to ensure an even coating.
Breadcrumbs:
For an extra crunchy texture, dip the eggplant slices in an egg wash (or a vegan alternative like nut milk and ground flaxseed) and then coat them with breadcrumbs, such as panko breadcrumbs. This step is optional but adds a delightful crispness to the dish.
Slicing:
Cutting the eggplant into uniform slices, sticks, or cubes is important for even cooking. You can cut the eggplant into lengthwise slabs and then into long strips before cubing them. Try to keep the pieces the same size or thickness to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Air Fryer Settings:
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature setting. Most recipes recommend temperatures between 360°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). If your air fryer has multiple settings, select the "air crisp" or "bake" option if available.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for whole eggplant in an air fryer depend on the size of the eggplant and the model of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking eggplant in an air fryer at a temperature between 360°F and 400°F.
For example, if you have a basket-style air fryer, you can cook eggplant cubes at 400°F for about 18 minutes. If you are using a tray-style air fryer, you may not need to toss or shake the eggplant halfway through cooking. However, if you have a basket model, you may need to shake or toss the eggplant once or twice to ensure even cooking.
For those who prefer softer eggplant, it is recommended to soak it in water for 30 minutes before air frying. Additionally, salting the eggplant for 20 minutes before rinsing and drying it can help remove excess moisture and bitterness.
Some sources suggest cooking the eggplant at a lower temperature of 360°F or 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the eggplant. This shorter cooking time helps prevent overcooking and ensures the eggplant is perfectly cooked with crispy edges.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer eggplants are best served hot and immediately after cooking. You can serve them as a side dish with your favourite main course, such as lemon pepper chicken breast, pan-seared pork loin steaks, or olive salad. They also go well with veggie burgers, pasta, or cooked protein of your choice.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. You can serve them cold or reheat them in a microwave or air fryer. You can also add the leftover eggplant pieces to salads, curries, or stews.
For a vegan option, replace the egg with 1/4 cup nut milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. You can also sprinkle grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.
To reheat, place the leftovers in an air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until crisp. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven. If you want to freeze cooked eggplant, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for up to 3 months. Transfer the frozen eggplant to a freezer bag for longer storage. Reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.
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Storing and reheating
To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven or microwave to reheat the eggplant.
If you want to keep your leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. First, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the eggplant to a freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 400ºF. If your air fryer doesn't have a temperature setting, preheat it to 360 °F / 180 °C.
Air fry the eggplant for about 18 minutes until golden brown around the edges and crispy. If you prefer softer eggplant, soak it in water for 30 minutes before air frying.
Choose a firm eggplant with little to no bruising. Cut the eggplant into equal-sized pieces so they cook evenly. You can cut them into sticks or cubes.
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