Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy, tender, and full of flavor, this Air Fryer Eggplant recipe is the perfect way to enjoy this versatile veggie without deep frying. Lightly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, these eggplant slices are a healthy and satisfying snack, appetizer, or side dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Healthy – All the crunch of fried eggplant with far less oil.
Quick & Easy – Ready in about 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
Naturally Vegan – Made without dairy or eggs.
Great Texture – Crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside.
Versatile – Serve as a side, snack, or layer in pasta dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian style)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or plant-based alternative)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tbsp flour + ¼ cup milk or plant-based milk for breading

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Tongs or fork
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons
Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Wash the eggplant and slice into ½-inch thick rounds or sticks.
2. Lay slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness.
3. Pat dry with clean paper towels.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

1. In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. In a second bowl, add flour.
3. In a third bowl, pour milk or plant-based milk.

Step 3: Bread the Eggplant Slices

1. Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then milk, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Air Fry the Eggplant

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
3. Place eggplant slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
4. Spray the tops with oil.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the eggplant to a plate and serve warm.
2. Enjoy with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Eggplant
Salt First – This removes excess water and improves texture.
Use Panko – For an extra crispy crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd – Air flow is key for even browning.
Customize the Seasoning – Add chili flakes, cumin, or lemon zest to switch up the flavor.
Eat Fresh – Best enjoyed immediately for peak crispiness.

Serving Suggestions
Serve as a side with pasta, grilled chicken, or rice bowls.
Layer in eggplant Parmesan for a lighter version of the classic dish.
Add to wraps, sandwiches, or veggie burgers.
Serve with tzatziki or hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired plate.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let eggplant cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy again.
• Oven: Warm at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended—softens the crispy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to peel the eggplant?
   Not at all! The skin softens during cooking and adds texture, but peel it if you prefer a milder bite.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
3. Can I skip the breading?
   You can, but breading gives the best crispy texture. For a lighter version, just season and air fry the slices.
4. Can I freeze air-fried eggplant?
   It’s best fresh, but you can freeze breaded, uncooked slices and air fry straight from frozen.

Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Eggplant is a total win—crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re new to eggplant or already a fan, this quick-cooking method will become your go-to way to enjoy this versatile veggie. Try it as a snack, a side, or even a light main dish and fall in love with eggplant all over again.

Give it a go tonight—you’ll be surprised how good crispy can be without deep frying!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mediterranean

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 300mg

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