Eggplant Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy, Healthy, and Delicious

The Eggplant Air Fryer Recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. To start, slice the eggplant into even rounds or cubes, then sprinkle with salt and let them rest for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before tossing the eggplant pieces in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the eggplant pieces in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the eggplant is golden brown and tender. This recipe creates a crispy exterior with a soft, creamy interior, perfect as a side dish, snack, or addition to salads and pasta. It’s a simple, guilt-free way to enjoy eggplant with minimal oil and maximum flavor.

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Eggplant Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy, Healthy, and Delicious

Eggplant, also known as aubergine in many parts of the world, is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into a variety of dishes. One of the healthiest and easiest ways to prepare eggplant is by cooking it in an air fryer. This method results in a crispy texture with less oil than traditional frying, making it a lighter option while still packing a punch in flavor. Whether you’re making a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course, this Eggplant Air Fryer Recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Eggplant has a subtle, earthy flavor and a spongy texture that easily absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it is paired with. When cooked in an air fryer, the vegetable turns golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. This cooking method allows you to enjoy the rich taste of eggplant without the heavy oils typically used in traditional frying.

This eggplant air fryer recipe is not only quick and easy but also a healthier alternative to deep frying. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based dishes to their diet while keeping the calorie count low. Air frying eggplant ensures that you can enjoy all the crispy goodness of fried eggplant with a fraction of the oil, making it a guilt-free snack or side dish.

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Nutrition

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the nutritional benefits of eggplant. Eggplants are low in calories, rich in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Here is a breakdown of the approximate nutrition for one serving (about 1 cup) of air-fried eggplant:

• Calories: 130
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Vitamin C: 10% of the daily value
• Calcium: 2% of the daily value

Eggplant is also a great source of antioxidants, particularly nasunin, a potent compound found in the skin that helps protect cells from damage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Resting Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Cuisines: Mediterranean, Vegetarian

Course: Side Dish, Snack, Appetizer

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 130 calories

Equipment

• Air Fryer: A kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture with minimal oil.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the eggplant into slices or cubes.
• Cutting Board: A safe surface to slice the eggplant.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the seasoning and eggplant.
• Tongs or Spatula: To handle the eggplant while flipping during air frying.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb), sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds or cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Fresh herbs (optional) – Parsley or basil for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – For topping after air frying, adds a savory flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant:
   • Start by washing the eggplant thoroughly. Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds or cut into cubes. The slices should be uniform to ensure even cooking.
   • If you prefer, you can salt the eggplant slices for 30 minutes before cooking to draw out excess moisture. This step helps reduce bitterness, but it’s optional.
2. Season the Eggplant:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
   • Toss the eggplant slices in the bowl to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. The olive oil will help the eggplant crisp up in the air fryer.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the eggplant cooks evenly from the start.
4. Arrange the Eggplant in the Air Fryer:
   • Place the seasoned eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you’re using cubes, make sure to leave space between them to allow air circulation.
   • You may need to cook the eggplant in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Cook the Eggplant:
   • Air fry the eggplant for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your slices and the model of your air fryer. The eggplant should be golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender inside when done.
6. Optional: Add Toppings:
   • Once the eggplant is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
7. Serve:
   • Serve your crispy air-fried eggplant as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, tzatziki, or a spicy aioli.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Eggplant:

• Slice Evenly: Make sure the eggplant slices are uniform in thickness to ensure they cook at the same rate. Thin slices tend to become crispier, while thicker slices may stay more tender inside.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: Allow space between the slices or cubes to ensure the air circulates properly, which helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasoning. You can add a little heat with cayenne pepper or try different herbs like thyme or oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• No Need for Excessive Oil: The beauty of cooking with an air fryer is that it requires much less oil than traditional frying. Just a light coating of oil will be enough to achieve crispy eggplant.

Conclusion

Air fryer eggplant is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of whether you’re following a plant-based diet or simply looking to cut back on fried foods. With minimal preparation and just a few ingredients, you can make a dish that’s both crispy and tender with less oil, fewer calories, and plenty of nutrients.

Enjoy your air-fried eggplant on its own or as a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re using it in salads, pasta, or as a simple snack, it’s a recipe worth adding to your regular cooking rotation.

Give it a try today, and experience the crispy, golden-brown goodness that an air fryer can bring to your kitchen!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.