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Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe – Crispy, Healthy & Delicious!

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Air Fryer Eggplant 🍆 is a game-changer when it comes to making this delicious vegetable crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with minimal oil. The air fryer method allows you to cook eggplant slices or cubes quickly, achieving that golden, crispy texture you crave without the excess fat of deep frying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, side dish, or even a topping for pasta, this air fryer eggplant recipe is simple, quick, and oh-so-tasty. Let’s get started!

Recipe Preparation Equipment:

  • Air fryer 🍳
  • Knife 🔪
  • Chopping board 🧑‍🍳
  • Shallow bowl 🥣

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant 🍆
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 🍞 (for a crunchy coating)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • 1 egg 🥚 (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒

How to make Easy Air Fryer Eggplant:

Step 1:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) 🍳. This ensures it’s hot and ready for the eggplant to cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.

Step 2:

Slice the eggplant 🍆 into 1/4-inch thick rounds or cubes, depending on your preference. Lay the slices or cubes on a cutting board and sprinkle with salt 🧂. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This helps the eggplant become crispier when cooking.

Step 3:

In a shallow bowl 🥣, whisk the egg 🥚. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs 🍞, Parmesan cheese 🧀, garlic powder 🧄, onion powder 🧅, paprika 🌶️, salt 🧂, and pepper 🌶️ until well combined.

Step 4:

Dip each eggplant slice or cube into the egg wash, coating both sides, and then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

Step 5:

Place the coated eggplant slices or cubes into the preheated air fryer basket 🍳 in a single layer. Spray lightly with olive oil 🫒 to help them crisp up.

Step 6:

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The eggplant should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.

Step 7:

Remove the eggplant from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.

Variations:

  • Spicy Air Fryer Eggplant 🌶️: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Vegan Air Fryer Eggplant 🌱: Skip the Parmesan cheese 🧀 and use nutritional yeast or leave it out entirely for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Eggplant Parmesan 🍝: Layer the cooked eggplant slices with marinara sauce 🍅 and mozzarella cheese 🧀, then air fry for an extra 5 minutes to melt the cheese for a healthier version of eggplant Parmesan.

Cooking Note:

If you want to make this recipe in larger batches, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket 🍳. Cooking in batches will ensure the eggplant cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats 🍗 or pasta 🍝.
  • Pair with a tahini sauce or yogurt dip 🥄 for a delicious snack.
  • Use the crispy eggplant as a topping for salads 🥗 or sandwiches 🥪 for extra flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips:

  • Salt the eggplant: Salting the eggplant helps to reduce its bitterness and excess moisture, resulting in a crispier finish.
  • Experiment with breadcrumbs: You can use panko breadcrumbs 🍞 for a lighter and airier crunch or whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier alternative.
  • Serve fresh: Air fried eggplant tastes best when served right out of the fryer 🍳 while it’s crispy and warm.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Eggplant:

  • Choose the right eggplant 🍆: Select a firm, smooth-skinned eggplant for the best texture. Overripe eggplants can become mushy when cooked.
  • Use olive oil spray 🫒: A light mist of olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without adding too much fat.
  • Don’t skip the egg wash 🥚: The egg wash helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the eggplant, ensuring a crispy coating.

Prep Time:

10 minutes ⏰

Cooking Time:

10-12 minutes 🕒

Total Time:

20 minutes ⏳

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 6g 💪
Sodium: 400mg 🧂
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 8g 🧈

FAQs:

Can I use frozen eggplant for this recipe?
Fresh eggplant is preferred for this recipe 🍆, but if you’re using frozen eggplant, make sure it’s fully thawed and excess moisture is removed before breading and air frying.

Can I make air fryer eggplant without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs for a lighter version. Simply coat the eggplant with a little olive oil 🫒 and your choice of spices, and air fry as usual.

How do I store leftover air fryer eggplant?
Store leftover eggplant in an airtight container 🧑‍🍳 in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture.

Conclusion:

Air Fryer Eggplant 🍆 is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy and crispy snack or side dish without all the extra oil. Using the air fryer 🍳 makes cooking eggplant quick, easy, and delicious, with just the right amount of crunch and tenderness. Whether you serve it with a dip, as part of a main dish, or on top of your favorite salad, this air fryer eggplant recipe will soon become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a crispy, guilt-free snack that everyone will love!

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