Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this Air Fryer Eggplant is a healthy, flavorful side dish or snack that’s irresistibly good. Lightly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection without deep frying, these air-fried eggplant slices (or cubes!) are perfect on their own, dipped in sauce, or tossed into salads, pasta, or grain bowls.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without the Grease – All the crunch you love, made with a fraction of the oil.
Fast & Easy – Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile – Great as a side, in sandwiches, or as a healthy snack.
Naturally Vegan – Simple, plant-based, and full of flavor.
Customizable – Add spices, cheese, or breadcrumbs to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Eggplant:
1 medium eggplant
1½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional for added flavor and crispiness)

Optional Add-Ons:
Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (for garnish)
Lemon wedges or marinara for serving
Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Eggplant

1. Wash and trim the ends of the eggplant.
2. Slice into ½-inch rounds or cubes—your choice!
3. Optional: Sprinkle with a little salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the Eggplant

1. In a bowl, toss eggplant slices or cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add Parmesan or breadcrumbs if using, and toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Eggplant

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Arrange eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd.
3. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or Parmesan if desired.
2. Dip in marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli—or drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Eggplant
Cut Evenly – Uniform pieces cook more evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches if needed for maximum crisp.
Use Salt to Sweat – Helps reduce bitterness and moisture.
Check Often – Cooking times may vary depending on air fryer model.
Add a Crunchy Coating – Panko + Parmesan takes it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
Add to grain bowls with quinoa, hummus, and roasted veggies.
Layer into sandwiches or wraps with tzatziki or pesto.
Toss into pasta with olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes.
Top with mozzarella and bake for mini eggplant Parmesan bites.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back crispiness.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Quick but may soften texture—best for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to peel the eggplant?
   Nope! The skin becomes tender when cooked and adds texture, but you can peel if you prefer.
2. Can I bread the eggplant?
   Yes—dredge in egg and coat in seasoned panko before air frying for a crunchier version.
3. Is this recipe vegan?
   It can be! Just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
4. What’s the best eggplant for this recipe?
   Globe eggplant works well, but you can also use Italian or Japanese eggplants—just adjust slice size accordingly.
5. Can I freeze air-fried eggplant?
   It’s best fresh, but you can freeze after cooking. Reheat in the air fryer to revive the texture.

Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Eggplant recipe is the perfect way to enjoy this underrated veggie. Whether you serve it as a crispy appetizer, a tasty side, or a healthy snack, it delivers on both flavor and texture without the need for deep frying. Easy, quick, and endlessly customizable—it’s bound to become a favorite in your air fryer rotation.

Try it out and share your favorite ways to serve it—I’d love to see your crispy creations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–18 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 320mg

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