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air fryer eggplant recipe
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5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Eggplant

Indulge in a guilt-free delight with our crispy air fryer eggplant recipe. Elevate your cooking game and enjoy a scrumptious and healthy meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 3
Calories: 133kcal
Author: Val

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • 2 Bowls (for eggplant dipping and breading)
  • Vegetable oil spray
  • Serving dish or plate
  • Whisk
  • Hot plate trivet
  • Cooking tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant (1 large or 2 medium)
  • 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

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.

Video

Notes

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 12 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes.

Taste & Texture

Crispy and golden outside with soft, creamy eggplant inside and lots of savory flavor.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
NOTE: 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.

Serving Recommendations

I love serving this as a healthy appetizer with marinara, but it’s also wonderful layered into sandwiches with mozzarella and roasted peppers.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • 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. You can also skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
  • 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. Season with smoked paprika or chili flakes for a warmer version.

Proper Storage Tips

  • Let the slices cool completely before storing.
  • Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

Pro Tips

  • Salt the eggplant first if it tastes bitter.
  • Cook in a single layer.
  • Finish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 624mg | Potassium: 417mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 1mg