This Air Fryer Eggplant recipe is a quick and easy way to make a healthy and delicious vegetable. With no breading involved, I love how air-fried eggplant slices retain their nutrients and turn out with a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the insides soft and tender.
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I’m always looking for delicious ways to incorporate vegetables into my meals. That’s why I recently discovered my obsession with eggplant in air fryer. I love how eggplant soaks up the flavors and gets the crispy texture with caramelized edges. It makes a delicious addition to any dish. And it’s so easy to make! Just slice the eggplant, season it to your liking, and pop it in the air fryer.
Cooking with an air fryer has been a game-changer for my vegetable game. I’ve expanded my horizons and tried out a variety of other veggies in the air fryer. The results have been amazing. Zucchini Slices come out perfectly crispy and golden brown, Broccoli Florets get a nice roasted flavor without being overcooked, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a guilt-free indulgence. The air fryer is the best tool to help you get your daily dose of veggies in a delicious new way.
How to Make Eggplant in the Air Fryer
Tip: Store eggplants away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, preferably in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. This is because eggplants are prone to oxidation. I recommend that you cook your eggplant within 3-5 days. So you can enjoy its nutritional benefits, including high levels of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
Wash and Slice. Rinse your eggplant under cold water to remove any dirt. Slice the eggplant into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Half-inch slices work well for air frying.
Salt your eggplant slices before cooking. This helps remove any bitterness and excess moisture. Sprinkle Kosher or table salt on both sides of the slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse and pat them dry afterward.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I highlight the best ingredients for my appetizing eggplant dish and choices. Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for precise quantities and nutrition information.
- Eggplant. Look for eggplants (also known as aubergine or brinjal) with smooth, shiny skin and a firm texture. Avoid any with blemishes, wrinkles, or soft spots, as these are signs of overripe or aging produce.
- Oil with a high smoke point. Olive oil, Avocado oil, or Sesame oil work great for this recipe. You can also use flavored oil, such as garlic-infused olive oil or chili oil. They can give your eggplant dish an extra kick of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A tablespoon of seasoning. I like to use Italian seasoning, which includes a mixture of herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary. You could also combine garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a rich and smoky taste. If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over your eggplant before cooking or drizzle with hot sauce just before serving.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplant into half-inch rounds.
- Lightly brush or spray both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and desired seasonings and spices.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry: Cook for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplants are golden brown and crispy.
Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter: While the eggplant is cooking, prepare the garlic parmesan butter. I love how rich and savory flavors of the butter, made from fresh garlic and grated parmesan cheese complement perfectly the crispy texture of air-fried eggplant. In a medium bowl, mix 2 oz of soft butter with 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped, a tablespoon of freshly grated parmesan, and a tablespoon of chopped parsley.
Creative Variations
Eggplant Parmesan: Layer your air-fried eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Eggplant Fries. Cut the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks instead of rounds. Follow the same air frying process and serve with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or Homemade Chipotle Mayo.
Spicy Eggplant Bites. Add some heat by seasoning your eggplant slices with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes before air frying. These spicy bites make a perfect appetizer or snack.
Leftovers
To store eggplant, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, preheat your air fryer to 375°F, and place your eggplant slices inside for 5-7 minutes. It’s that easy! Now you can enjoy your air fryer eggplant just as tasty as the day you made them. However, I recommend enjoying this dish immediately after cooking, for the best taste and texture.
Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Breaded Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Roasted Peppers
- Green Beans or Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin
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Air Fryer Roasted Eggplant Slices
Ingredients
- 1 Eggplant Medium eggplant
- 2 Tablespoons Oil Oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, avocado oil or sesame oil work great for this recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon Seasoning I used Italian seasoning, which includes a mixture of herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary. You could also combine garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a rich and smoky taste.
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper to taste
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Butter softened
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse your eggplant under cold water to remove any dirt. Slice the eggplant into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Half-inch slices work well for air frying.
- Lightly brush or spray both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and desired seasonings and spices.Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry: Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplants are golden brown and crispy.
Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter
- In a medium bowl, mix 2 oz of soft butter with 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped, a tablespoon of freshly grated parmesan, and a tablespoon of chopped parsley.
- Using kitchen tongs or spatula, transfer eggplant from air fryer basket onto the plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, if desired, or brush each eggplant steak with your freshly made garlic parmesan butter.
- Serve your air-fried eggplant as a side dish, or use it as a base for Eggplant Parmesan, sandwiches, or salads.
These air fryer eggplant steaks are crispy outside and nicely done inside. No breading, no flour. Seasoned with a bit of salt and veggie blend, then brushed with garlic Parmesan butter.
Wow! What a delicious recipe! The only thing I added was some spicy smoked paprika and it came out addictive. I’ve shared this recipe and everyone agrees its one heck of a great eggplant recipe. Thanks!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Adding a spicy smoked paprika is giving it a nice kick! Yum!
Wow, these were amazing! I seasoned with olive garden herb blend & topped them with feta cheese & tomatoes. They turned out amazing, thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it and great toppings! Yum!
delicious ! Can you please post the nutritional info with your recipes. That would really help us track our foods.
Hi Jocelyn. Posted ✅️. Please kindly check. The nutrition information is for one half inch eggplant slice
Thank you that really helps me in tracking calories and carbs, BTW making it again today and adding Zucchini rounds. My garden is exploding with them !
Oh yum. I wish I had one from your garden 😋 . They must be gorgeous! Enjoy