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 its nutrients, turns out with crispy texture on the outside while keeping the insides soft and tender.
Course Air Fryer Recipes, Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 8pieces
Calories 77kcal
Ingredients
1EggplantMedium eggplant
2TablespoonsOilOil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, avocado oil or sesame oil work great for this recipe.
1TablespoonSeasoningI 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.
1teaspoonSaltto taste
1/2teaspoonPepperto taste
Garlic Parmesan Butter
2TablespoonsButtersoftened
1cloveGarlicminced
1TablespoonParmesan cheesefreshly grated
1TablespoonFresh Parsleyfinely 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.
Notes
Variations
Eggplant Parmesan: Layer your air-fried eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the air fryer oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 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.
Is Eggplant Keto-friendly?
A medium eggplant has only six grams of net carbs, making it a great option if you're following a ketogenic diet. Eggplant is also high in fiber and antioxidants, and it's a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. One of the best ways to cook eggplant is in an air fryer. This cooking method helps to preserve the eggplant's nutrients while giving it a crispy texture.
Leftovers
To store eggplant, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When it comes to reheating 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 eggplant dishes just as tasty as the day you made them.