Air Fryer Eggplant is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried eggplant. With its crispy texture and savory flavor, this dish can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Using an air fryer makes it easy to create a satisfying meal without a lot of oil, keeping the eggplant lighter and more nutritious.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Air Fryer Eggplant is a great way to bring out the natural flavor of the eggplant while achieving a crispy texture. It’s simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. You can easily customize the seasoning to suit your taste, which makes it a versatile dish for everyone.
How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with ½ teaspoon Kosher salt on both sides. Place them on a paper towel for 20 minutes to absorb any liquid. Make sure to flip the slices halfway through so both sides are salted.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese.
- Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Next, coat the egg-coated slices in the panko mixture and place them on a plate.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant with olive oil spray.
- Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until the eggplant slices are golden brown. Flip them halfway through the cooking time. Work in batches if necessary.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping!
How to Serve Air Fryer Eggplant
Air Fryer Eggplant can be served hot right out of the air fryer. It pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping, but you can also enjoy it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or your favorite sauce. Serve it as a snack, an appetizer, or even as a side dish alongside pasta or grilled meats.
How to Store Air Fryer Eggplant
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place the eggplant in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to regain some crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Eggplant
- Make sure to salt the eggplant and let it sit for 20 minutes. This helps to draw out moisture and bitterness.
- Use a good quality panko breadcrumb for extra crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Experiment with different seasonings to match your taste preferences.
Variation
You can try different types of cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, such as mozzarella or cheddar. Additionally, you can change the seasoning to include spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of eggplant?
Yes, you can use other varieties of eggplant, but ensure they are similar in size to maintain cooking time.
2. Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
While panko breadcrumbs provide a great crunch, you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
3. Can I freeze Air Fryer Eggplant?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked eggplant. Make sure to cool it completely before placing it in an airtight container. Reheat as needed in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Air Fryer Eggplant
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds Choose a firm fresh eggplant.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 large egg This helps the coating stick.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs For a crispy texture.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning Add more if desired.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with ½ teaspoon Kosher salt on both sides. Place them on a paper towel for 20 minutes to absorb any liquid and flip halfway through.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese.
Coating
- Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Coat the egg-coated slices in the panko mixture and place them on a plate.
Cooking
- Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides with olive oil spray.
- Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through. Work in batches if needed.
Serving
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
