Air Fryer Eggplant: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy Recipes

Let's talk about eggplant, a vegetable that's often overlooked but can be transformed into something truly spectacular with a little help from an air fryer. I used to think of eggplant as a bit of a culinary challenge, but since discovering the magic of air frying, I've completely changed my tune. It's like a whole new world of crispy, flavourful eggplant has opened up, and I'm here to share all the secrets with you!

Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, I'm going to guide you through some of my favourite air fryer eggplant recipes. We'll delve into everything from basic preparations that anyone can master to more adventurous dishes that will impress your dinner guests. Get ready for a culinary journey that's going to make you rethink eggplant altogether!

(Part 1) The Magic of Air fried eggplant

Why Air Fry Eggplant?

I've tried my fair share of eggplant recipes over the years: roasted, grilled, sautéed… you name it. But nothing comes close to the crispy, golden-brown perfection that you get from air frying. It's simply a game-changer!

Here's why I'm such a huge fan:

• crispy texture: The air fryer's hot air circulation creates a wonderfully crispy outer layer that's both satisfying and delicious. It's that perfect balance of crunchy and tender that you just can't get enough of.
• Less Oil: Unlike deep frying, which can be a bit heavy on the grease, air frying requires very little oil. This makes it a healthier option that allows you to enjoy all the flavour without the guilt!
• Easy Cleanup: The air fryer basket is usually dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. No more greasy pots and pans to soak – that's a definite win in my book!
• Fast Cooking: Air fryers cook food much faster than traditional ovens, which is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Preparing Eggplant for Air Frying

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about prepping the eggplant. This is a crucial step to ensure that your air-fried eggplant turns out perfect every time.

• Slicing: Cut the eggplant into slices about 1/2 inch thick. If you're making smaller bites, you can cut them into cubes.
• Salting: This is a key step that's often overlooked, but it's essential for drawing out excess moisture and preventing the eggplant from becoming soggy. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel. You'll be surprised at how much moisture is drawn out!
• Coating: There are a few ways to coat the eggplant before air frying, and it all comes down to personal preference. You can use flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, or even a simple egg wash. Experiment to find the coating that creates the perfect crispy texture for you!

(Part 2) Basic Air Fryer Eggplant Recipes

Let's start with the basics. These recipes are super simple and perfect for beginners. You only need a few ingredients, and they're ready in no time.

Simple Air Fried Eggplant

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, perfect for anyone who's new to air frying eggplant. It's all about highlighting the natural flavour of the eggplant with a touch of crispiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry and brush both sides with olive oil.
4. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Air Fried Eggplant with Garlic and Herbs

This recipe takes the basic air-fried eggplant and adds a burst of flavour that's simply irresistible. The garlic and herbs create a delicious aroma that will have everyone in the house coming to the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (like basil, oregano, or parsley)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it's well combined.
4. Brush the eggplant slices with the garlic herb mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
5. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.

(Part 3) More Adventurous Air Fryer Eggplant Recipes

Now, let's get into some more exciting recipes that will showcase the versatility of air-fried eggplant. These dishes are a bit more elaborate, but they're still relatively easy to make, and the results are definitely worth the effort.

Air Fryer eggplant parmesan

Air fryer eggplant parmesan is a classic dish with a healthy twist. You can enjoy the same flavour and texture of a traditional eggplant parmesan, but without all the grease and calories. It's a win-win situation!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Mix them well to create a flavorful breadcrumb mixture.
4. In another shallow dish, whisk the egg until it's light and frothy. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the eggplant.
5. Dip each eggplant slice in the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to cover all sides.
6. Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
7. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy.
8. Top each eggplant slice with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own, but I recommend using a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavour.
9. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook the cheese, as it can become rubbery.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Air Fryer Eggplant with Spicy Tomato Sauce

If you like things hot, this recipe is for you! The combination of spicy tomato sauce and crispy eggplant is a match made in culinary heaven. It's a perfect balance of heat and flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup spicy tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry and brush with olive oil.
4. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.
6. While the eggplant is cooking, combine the tomato sauce, red onion, and cilantro in a small bowl. You can use store-bought spicy tomato sauce or make your own, but make sure it has a good kick! Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the air-fried eggplant topped with the spicy tomato sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a bit of creamy tang.

(Part 4) Delicious Air Fryer Eggplant Sides

Air-fried eggplant isn't just for main dishes! It also makes fantastic sides that can add a touch of excitement to any meal. These side dishes are perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight dinner.

Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

These fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional potato fries. They're crispy, flavourful, and perfect for dipping in your favourite sauce. You can even use them as a base for a fun and unique eggplant poutine!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, cut into fries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggplant fries, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss them all together until the fries are evenly coated.
3. Place the eggplant fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
4. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork and have a slight crunch.
5. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce. Some of my favourites include ketchup, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Air Fryer eggplant salad

This refreshing salad is a perfect summer meal or side dish. The air-fried eggplant adds a smoky, crispy element that complements the other flavours and textures beautifully. It's a light and satisfying salad that's perfect for warmer weather.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry and brush with olive oil.
4. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.
6. While the eggplant is cooking, combine the red onion, parsley, feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss them all together until they're well combined. If you want a more tangy salad, you can add a bit more lemon juice.
7. Once the eggplant is cooked, add it to the bowl and toss to combine. You can serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

(Part 5) Exploring Different Flavours

Air-fried eggplant can be so much more than just a crispy side dish. It can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with the right flavours and techniques. These recipes explore different flavour profiles, taking air-fried eggplant to a whole new level.

Air Fryer Eggplant with Sweet and Sour Sauce

This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of a sweet and sour sauce. It's a flavour combination that's surprisingly delicious and unexpected.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry and brush with sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavour that complements the sweet and sour sauce beautifully.
4. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.
6. While the eggplant is cooking, combine the pineapple chunks, sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, honey, and salt and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This will create a sauce that's both flavorful and slightly sticky, perfect for coating the eggplant.
7. Serve the air-fried eggplant topped with the sweet and sour sauce. This dish is perfect on its own or served over rice or noodles.

Air Fryer Eggplant with Curry Sauce

This recipe takes inspiration from Indian cuisine. The creamy curry sauce complements the crispy eggplant perfectly, creating a dish that's both satisfying and flavorful. It's a perfect way to add a touch of exotic flavour to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1/2 cup curry sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry and brush with olive oil.
4. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.
6. While the eggplant is cooking, combine the curry sauce, red onion, and cilantro in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can use store-bought curry sauce or make your own, but choose a curry sauce that has a good balance of flavour and heat.
7. Serve the air-fried eggplant topped with the curry sauce. This dish is great served with basmati rice or naan bread.

(Part 6) Air Fryer Eggplant in Main Dishes

Air-fried eggplant can be a star ingredient in main dishes, adding a unique texture and flavour to traditional recipes. These recipes will show you how to use air-fried eggplant to create delicious and satisfying meals.

Air Fryer Eggplant Lasagna

This is a lighter version of the classic lasagna, using air-fried eggplant as the base. It's still packed with flavour, but with fewer calories and fat. It's a healthier and more satisfying version of a classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry and brush with olive oil.
4. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.
6. While the eggplant is cooking, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together until it's smooth and creamy.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavour. Top with a layer of air-fried eggplant slices, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, and another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese. You can add an extra layer of marinara sauce on top of the mozzarella for extra flavour.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook the lasagna, as it can become dry.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the lasagna to set and prevent it from falling apart when you cut into it.

Air Fryer Eggplant and Sausage Pizza

This pizza is a delicious and easy meal that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The air-fried eggplant adds a unique texture and flavour to the traditional toppings, making it a truly special pizza.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1 (12-inch) pizza crust
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Pat the eggplant dry and brush with olive oil.
4. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded together.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and tender. You'll know they're ready when they're easily pierced with a fork.
6. While the eggplant is cooking, spread the marinara sauce over the pizza crust. Top with the cooked Italian sausage, air-fried eggplant slices, and mozzarella cheese. You can add any other toppings you like, such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook the pizza, as the crust can become dry and hard.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

(Part 7) Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks that I've learned over the years of air frying eggplant. These tips will help you achieve perfect results every time.

• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to cook the eggplant slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. If you have a lot of eggplant, cook it in batches. Overcrowding the basket will steam the eggplant instead of crisping it up.
• Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the eggplant halfway through the cooking time ensures that both sides get crispy and golden brown. This will also help to prevent the eggplant from sticking to the basket.
• Don't Overcook: Eggplant can easily become dry and rubbery if overcooked. It's best to check it regularly and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it's tender and golden brown. You'll know it's ready when it's easily pierced with a fork and has a slight bounce.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your eggplant slices and the air fryer model you're using. Start with the recommended time and adjust as needed. If you're using thicker slices, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and flavours to create your own signature air-fried eggplant recipes. You can add herbs, spices, garlic, onions, or even a bit of citrus for a unique flavour twist.

(Part 8) Storage and Leftovers

Let's face it, sometimes we make too much of a good thing, and end up with leftover air-fried eggplant. Here's how to store and use it so you can enjoy it again later.

• Storage: Let the air-fried eggplant cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes, or in a microwave until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.
• Leftover Ideas: Air-fried eggplant can be used in many ways. Add it to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or even use it as a topping for pasta. You can also crumble it up and add it to soups or stews for a boost of flavour and texture.

(Part 9) FAQs

I know you might have some questions about air frying eggplant. Let's address some of the most frequently asked ones.

1. What kind of air fryer should I use?

Any air fryer will work for air frying eggplant, but a larger air fryer with a basket that allows for single-layer cooking will help ensure even cooking and crispier results. If you're going to be air frying eggplant frequently, a larger air fryer is a good investment.

2. Can I use frozen eggplant?

It's not recommended to use frozen eggplant for air frying. The eggplant may become soggy and not achieve the desired crispy texture. It's best to use fresh eggplant for the best results.

3. What if my eggplant is too soggy?

If your eggplant is too soggy, you can try pressing it between paper towels to remove excess moisture before air frying. You can also increase the air frying time slightly to help it crisp up. The key is to make sure the eggplant is dry before you air fry it.

4. Can I use other vegetables in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers are fantastic for cooking a variety of vegetables. Try air frying broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. You can even air fry fruits, like apples or bananas, for a delicious and healthy snack.

5. Can I air fry eggplant with the skin on?

Yes, you can air fry eggplant with the skin on, but it might be a bit tougher. If you prefer a softer texture, you can peel the skin before air frying. It's a matter of personal preference, so try it both ways and see what you like best.

Well, there you have it! I hope you've learned a lot about air frying eggplant and are inspired to try some of these recipes. It's a fantastic way to make this versatile vegetable truly shine. Happy air frying!