If you're a fan of eggplant, then you're in for a real treat! I recently discovered this amazing air fryer eggplant recipe that has quickly become one of my favorite dishes.
This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers the most amazing flavor you could ask for. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the eggplant slices create a perfect combination. I especially love this recipe because of the added flavor of the Parmesan cheese and seasoning mix.
What makes this recipe unique is the cooking method. Although you could use the oven or skillet to cook eggplant, the air fryer provides a perfectly crispy texture in a fraction of the time. Additionally, the air fryer uses much less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option.
If you're searching for a mouthwatering and simple dish that delivers a flavorful punch, then this air fryer eggplant recipe is the ideal choice.
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Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant or 2 medium eggplants
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- vegetable oil spray for the air fryer basket
Kitchen Tools And Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (I’m using the Air Fryer Instant Vortex Plus XL)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Two bowls for eggplant dipping and breading
- Vegetable oil spray
- Serving dish or plate
- Whisk
- Hot plate trivet
- Cooking tongs
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1.5–2 cm thick.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
In another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and salt.
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it's fully coated.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the eggplant slices evenly in the basket.
Air fry the eggplant for 12 minutes, flipping the slices every 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. After the second turn, you can spray more oil for a crispier crust.
Serve the eggplant hot, topped with more Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired.
Serving Recommendations
These eggplant slices are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas on how to serve your dish:
- Serve them as an appetizer or snack: These crispy slices are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or garlic aioli.
- Add it to a sandwich: The crispy texture of the eggplant makes it a great addition to a sandwich. Try pairing it with roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, and some pesto for a delicious sandwich.
- Make it a main dish: This eggplant recipe can also be a satisfying main dish. Serve it with a side of pasta, quinoa, or rice.
- Pair it with a salad: If you're looking for a lighter meal, serve the eggplant slices on a bed of mixed greens with some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and balsamic vinaigrette.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this air fryer eggplant is a versatile dish that pairs well with many different foods. Feel free to experiment with different serving options until you find your favorite way to enjoy it!
Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe Variations
If you're looking to switch things up with your air fryer eggplant recipe, here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy: Add spices and toss the eggplant slices in cayenne pepper or chili powder before air frying.
- Mediterranean: Use a blend of Mediterranean spices, such as dried marjoram and thyme, for a different flavor profile. You can also top the eggplant with some crumbled feta cheese.
- Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead.
- Japanese: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs and add some Japanese seasoning, like furikake or togarashi.
Substitutions
If you don't have all the ingredients on hand or want to try something different, here are some ideas to try:
- Breadcrumbs: If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use alternatives like almond flour, crushed crackers, or cornmeal for a crunchy coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: Swap Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a similar savory flavor.
- Seasonings: If you don't have specific dried herbs like basil or oregano, feel free to experiment with your preferred seasoning blend or herbs, like thyme or rosemary.
By making these swaps, you can still create a delicious and unique air fryer eggplant dish with the ingredients you have on hand.
​​What To Do With Leftovers?
Leftover eggplant is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat it:
Storage
To store leftover eggplant, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat leftover eggplant, there are a few different methods you can use.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the eggplant in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Air fryer: Place the eggplant in an air fryer basket and cook at 350ºF (175ºC) for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing
If you don't think you'll be able to eat your leftover eggplant within 3 days, you can freeze it. To do this, place the eggplant in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to reheat frozen eggplant, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave for a few minutes. Then, reheat it using one of the methods above.
Enjoy your leftover eggplant!
Top Tips for Success
Air Fryer
I highly recommend this simple and delicious air fryer eggplant recipe, which offers a range of health benefits as well. However, if you're using an air fryer to cook eggplant, it's important to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your specific air fryer model and personal preferences.
For instance, if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Additionally, different air fryer models may require adjustments to the cooking time or temperature in order to achieve the desired texture.
To ensure even cooking and crispy results, I recommend checking and flipping the eggplant slices every 4 minutes, regardless of the model you're using.
For those who prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes or lower the temperature by 25°F (14°C). Conversely, if you prefer a crunchier texture, you can increase the cooking time or temperature slightly.
Seasoning
Let your seasoning creativity shine! Eggplant slices can handle an abundance of flavors, so don't hold back. Sprinkle your spices and herbs generously to elevate the taste of your dish and create an irresistibly delicious outcome.
Checking the Doneness
Keep a close eye on those eggplant slices. Cooking times can differ based on slice thickness and air fryer models, so it's crucial to keep a watchful eye to prevent overcooking. Personally, I prefer them "al dente"—slightly undercooked for that perfect texture.
With these awesome tips and a sprinkle of your creativity, get ready to whip up a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have everyone begging for seconds. Don't be afraid to explore recipe variations and make it your own.
Possible Issues and How to Fix Them
When air frying eggplants, there are a few potential problems that may arise. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to fix them.
Bitter taste
Certain varieties of eggplant can have a slightly bitter taste. To reduce bitterness, after slicing, sprinkle salt on the eggplant and let it sit for a while (20-30 minutes). Rinse off the salt and pat dry before air frying. This method can help remove some of the bitterness.
Soggy or undercooked eggplant
This can occur if the eggplant releases too much moisture during cooking. To prevent this, sprinkle salt on sliced eggplant and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before air frying.
Uneven browning
If your eggplant is not browning evenly, it may be due to overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding and arrange the slices in a single layer. If needed, cook in multiple batches to ensure even browning.
Sticking to the air fryer basket
Eggplant can sometimes stick to the air fryer basket, making it difficult to remove without damage. To avoid this, lightly spray or brush the basket with oil before placing the eggplant slices. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Overly dry eggplant
Air frying can sometimes result in dry eggplant if cooked too long or at a very high temperature. To prevent dryness, monitor the cooking time closely and adjust accordingly based on the size and thickness of the eggplant slices. Consider reducing the cooking time or temperature if needed.
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