This Air Fryer Eggplant is so simple and easy to make, but it's also packed with flavor. It's a healthy side dish that tastes fried, but with none of the greasiness.
If you have an air fryer, you know how awesome they can be. Fried foods are so bad for us, but using an air fryer guarantees that crisp exterior with none of the greasy, oily residue. I love this recipe for Air Fryer Eggplant because they come out slightly charred, crispy, and super delicious. The light seasoning is perfect.
This is a healthy side dish to add to main courses, act as a crunchy component to your favorite salad, or serve alongside a sandwich. It's versatile enough to be tweaked with different seasonings and preparations so it fits any meal you're serving. Let's take a look at the ingredients you'll be using to make this simple and easy Air Fryer Eggplant.
Video Tutorial
What you'll need
- Eggplant. Use firm, fresh eggplant for this dish.
- Spices. Paprika and salt.
- Oil. Grapeseed, avocado, or olive oil will work.
How to make it
1. Peel the eggplant and cut it into small cubes.
2. Place the eggplant cubes into a medium sized mixing bowl and add the paprika, salt, and oil. Mix well.
3. Spread the eggplant pieces evenly over the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes until the eggplant is fully cooked and slightly charred. Garnish with parsley. Serve.
Tips for the best Air Fryer Eggplant
- Cut the eggplant to a uniform size. To avoid some pieces being undercooked and others being burnt, cut the eggplant into similarly sized cubes.
- Use good quality eggplant. Since this is the main component of your dish, look for ripe and unblemished eggplant. They should be firm to the touch, but not hard, and certainly not squishy soft.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Quickly circulating hot air is the key to air frying, so make sure there is space for air flow by not overfilling the basket.
- Lay them out in one layer. Don't layer the eggplant cubes or the sides touching others won't cook. One layer allows all sides to get access to the heat and fry evenly.
Add-ins and Substitutes
- Substitute another vegetables. You can also make this recipe with other veggies, such as broccoli, zucchini, brussels sprouts, asparagus, or potatoes.
- Add breading. Try this recipe with extra crunch by covering the eggplant cubes with an egg mixture and then breadcrumbs or Panko before air frying.
- Substitute other seasonings. Besides paprika, this Air Fryer Eggplant would taste great with basil, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary.
- Marinate it. You can marinate the eggplant overnight to infuse delicious flavors into it. Try balsamic vinegar and garlic, or lemon juice and red chili flakes.
How to Store
Store any leftovers of these Air Fryer Eggplant in an airtight container once they've cooled. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven or put them back in the air fryer for a few minutes. Either way will help them get their crispy exterior back.
What to Serve with it
- Sauces. Dip these into a yummy sauce, such as marinara sauce, Vegan Tzatziki Sauce, Chermoula Sauce, Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce, or Creamy Zucchini Sauce.
- Main dishes. Serve it as a side dish to Black Bean Tacos, Roasted Cabbage Steaks, Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo, or Vegan Grilled Portobello Mushrooms.
- Salads. Add it on top of your favorite salads, including this Quinoa Veggie Salad, Chickpea Cucumber Salad, Vegan Greek Salad, or Refreshing Cucumber Salad.
- Sandwiches. Pair it with sandwiches and burgers, like this Vegan Black Bean Burger, Vegan Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Grilled Zucchini Wrap, or Vegan Gyro.
This Air Fryer Eggplant is thoroughly delicious and perfect with whatever you're serving. Because it's air fried, the texture makes this veggie even more inviting, which is a plus if you have some picky eaters in the house!
This healthy side dish recipe is a good one to have in your repertoire, both for family dinners and fancier occasions. It's quick, simple, and utterly scrumptious. You and your family will surely enjoy it time and again.
More tasty vegan eggplant recipes:
Air Fryer Eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb.)
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil or olive oil
Instructions
- Peel the eggplant and cut it into small cubes.
- Place the eggplant cubes into a medium sized mixing bowl and add the paprika, salt, and oil. Mix well.
- Spread the eggplant pieces evenly over the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes until the eggplant is fully cooked and slightly charred. Garnish with parsley. Serve.
Notes
Tips for the best Air Fryer Eggplant
- Cut the eggplant to a uniform size. To avoid some pieces being undercooked and others being burnt, cut the eggplant into similarly sized cubes.
- Use good quality eggplant. Since this is the main component of your dish, look for ripe and unblemished eggplant. They should be firm to the touch, but not hard, and certainly not squishy soft.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Quickly circulating hot air is the key to air frying, so make sure there is space for air flow by not overfilling the basket.
- Lay them out in one layer. Don't layer the eggplant cubes or the sides touching others won't cook. One layer allows all sides to get access to the heat and fry evenly.
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