Air-Fried Eggplant: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air-fried eggplant is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The basic steps involve cutting the eggplant into slices or cubes, seasoning it, and then cooking it in the air fryer for around 10-20 minutes, depending on the recipe. The result is a crispy, tender, and juicy dish that can be served as a side or main course.

How to cut eggplant for air fryer

The first step in making air fryer eggplant is to prepare the eggplant by slicing it. The best way to do this is to cut the eggplant into uniform slices or cubes, as this will ensure even cooking.

For slices, cut the eggplant crosswise to make circles with a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. You can also slice the eggplant lengthwise first and then cut it into rounds. If you are making a breaded eggplant dish, you may want to slice the eggplant into slightly thicker rounds, about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick.

For cubes, cut the eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut each half into halves or quarters horizontally. Make thin slices lengthwise down each section, and then cut perpendicular to those slices to create cubes. The cubes should be about 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch in size.

It is not necessary to peel the eggplant before cutting and cooking, as the skin adds texture and contains fibre. However, you may want to roughly peel the eggplant, leaving some of the purple skin intact, for a combination of textures.

Once you have cut your eggplant, you can proceed to season and cook it in your air fryer.

How to season eggplant for air fryer

There are several ways to season eggplant for the air fryer, and it's a simple process.

Firstly, you'll want to cut your eggplant into slices or cubes. If you're slicing, you'll want them to be about 1/4-inch thick. If you're cubing, go for 1-inch cubes.

Next, sprinkle the eggplant with salt and let it sit for 10-30 minutes. This will help to draw out the moisture, which is the secret to crispy eggplant. After this, pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel.

Now you're ready to season! You can brush the eggplant with olive oil or avocado oil, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add dried herbs such as Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, basil, or garlic powder. Alternatively, you can dip the eggplant slices in flour, egg, and then a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Finally, arrange the eggplant in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and cook at 350-400°F for 10-20 minutes, until crispy and golden.

How long to cook eggplant in air fryer

How long to cook eggplant in an air fryer

The length of time you cook eggplant in an air fryer depends on the size of the eggplant slices or cubes, the temperature of the air fryer, and the desired texture.

Slices

If you are cooking eggplant slices, it is important to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have too many slices to fit in one layer, you will need to cook them in batches.

For slices that are about 1/4-inch thick, cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. For slightly thicker slices (about 1/2-inch thick), cook for 10-12 minutes, or until soft and golden brown. For even thicker slices (about 1/4-inch thick), cook for 17-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Cubes

If you are cooking eggplant cubes, it is important to use a high heat and ensure that the cubes are evenly sized so that they cook at a similar rate. Cubes that are about 3/4-inch thick will take around 10-11 minutes to cook. For slightly larger cubes (about 1-inch thick), cook for around 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

How to make crispy eggplant in air fryer

How to Make Crispy Eggplant in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, plus more for salting eggplant
• 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the eggplant: Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices or 3/4-inch cubes. Place the eggplant slices or cubes in a colander or on a flat surface and sprinkle with kosher salt. Let the eggplant sit for 15-30 minutes to draw out the moisture. Pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel.
• Season the eggplant: Brush or toss the eggplant with olive oil or avocado oil. Sprinkle or toss the eggplant with salt and pepper, to taste. For extra flavour, you can also add grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
• Air fry the eggplant: Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the eggplant in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is crispy and golden brown.
• Serve: Enjoy your crispy eggplant as a side dish or appetizer. It goes well with marinara sauce, pesto, or a balsamic glaze for dipping. You can also add it to bowls, salads, or pasta dishes.

How to serve air-fried eggplant

Air-fried eggplant is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course and pairs well with various proteins and sauces. Here are some ideas on how to serve air-fried eggplant:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried eggplant can be a delicious and healthy side dish to complement your main course. Its crispy texture and golden colour make it a perfect addition to your plate. You can season it simply with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other spices. It goes well with almost any main course, such as air fryer chicken wings, juicy air-fried chicken breast, or air fryer salmon. You can also serve it with a substantial salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

As an Appetizer

The crispy and cheesy air-fried eggplant also works great as an appetizer. Dip it in marinara sauce, pesto, or a balsamic glaze for an irresistible treat. You can also pair it with your favourite dip or sauce.

As a Main Course

To make air-fried eggplant the star of your meal, serve it over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Add a dollop of marinara or fresh tomato sauce and top it off with cashew cream for a creamy, indulgent touch. This dish is a great way to make eggplant the centrepiece of your meal while still enjoying its crispy texture and flavour.

In a "Bowl" Meal

Air-fried eggplant is an excellent addition to any "bowl" meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it with brown rice and chickpeas, and drizzle your favourite dressing or tahini on top. You can also add it to Buddha bowls or any other bowl creation you prefer.

With Different Seasonings and Sauces

Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create unique flavour profiles for your air-fried eggplant. Try an Asian-style twist with soy sauce and Sriracha, or go for an Italian-style flavour with mozzarella, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. For a garlic and herb variation, toss in some crushed garlic and herbs before air frying. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice, tahini, and fresh parsley for a Greek-inspired dish.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless! Air-fried eggplant is a versatile dish that can be customised to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions