Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—this Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant is the perfect guilt-free side dish or snack. Using minimal oil and simple ingredients, you can transform fresh eggplant into golden, savory bites that pair perfectly with dipping sauces, salads, or pasta. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a fast and healthy way to enjoy this versatile veggie!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light & Crispy – All the crunch, none of the deep-fry guilt.
Low-Calorie – Minimal oil and simple seasonings keep it healthy.
Quick Cooking – Done in under 20 minutes using your air fryer.
Versatile – Great as a side dish, snack, or base for eggplant Parmesan.
Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – Easy to adapt for most dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Air Fryer Eggplant:

• 1 medium eggplant
• 1 tbsp olive oil or olive oil spray
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional for savory flavor)

Optional for Serving:

• Fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
• Marinara sauce or Greek yogurt dip
• Lemon wedges
• Red pepper flakes for heat

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Eggplant
Wash and dry the eggplant.
Cut into ½-inch thick rounds or half-moon slices (depending on size).
Lightly salt both sides and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out bitterness.
Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Season the Eggplant
In a bowl, toss eggplant slices with olive oil (or spray evenly with oil).
Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add Parmesan if using and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overlapping.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 4: Serve Immediately
Transfer to a plate and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy as-is.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Eggplant
Salt & Pat Dry – Helps remove excess moisture and bitterness.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches for best crispiness.
Adjust Thickness – Thicker slices will be softer; thinner slices crisp up more.
Add a Coating – For breaded style, dip slices in egg and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying.
Serve Right Away – Best texture when fresh out of the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions
As a Snack – Serve with marinara or hummus.
Side Dish – Pair with grilled chicken or fish.
On a Salad – Chop and toss into a Mediterranean-style salad.
With Pasta – Layer into lasagna or over spaghetti.
Mini Eggplant Parm – Top with sauce and mozzarella, then air fry for 2 more minutes.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing—texture may become mushy.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Re-crisp at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Use only for quick reheats—eggplant will be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it without oil?
Yes! Use cooking spray or skip entirely for a super low-fat version (though less crispy).

2. Is eggplant good in the air fryer?
Absolutely. It becomes beautifully tender and caramelized with a slightly crisp edge.

3. What kind of eggplant works best?
Globe or Italian eggplant are best for slicing and air frying.

4. Can I make it spicy?
Yes—add chili powder or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

5. Can I bread the eggplant?
Totally! Use egg wash and seasoned breadcrumbs for a classic crispy crust.

Final Thoughts
Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a healthy, veggie-packed dish with little effort. Whether you eat it as a snack, side, or main, this recipe delivers big flavor and satisfying texture with fewer calories and more crunch. Perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or whenever you’re craving something light and tasty.

Try it tonight and fall in love with this crispy, golden eggplant delight!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 85 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 220mg

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