Air Fried Eggplant
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Crispy, delightful, and perfectly seasoned, this easy-to-make Air Fried Eggplant side will win over everyone’s taste buds and complement any main course.
By cubing the eggplant and seasoning it with just a few pantry spices and a touch of olive oil, it undergoes a remarkable transformation in the air fryer. If you are an eggplant fan but get sick of the same old breaded parmesan versions, this eggplant recipe is for you!
Why you will love eggplant as a side.
In just 18 minutes, the air fryer eggplant emerges victorious, boasting an incredible texture and seriously enticing taste. It’s time to give this often underestimated vegetable the recognition it deserves!
Eggplants are summer vegetables and are harvested and available from late spring to early October in summer.
Ingredients
- Eggplant – implement below our recommendation for air fryer cutting.
- extra virgin olive oil
Recommended Seasonings
- dried rosemary
- dried thyme
- Hungarian paprika (a slightly deeper and smoky flavor that we also use in charred corn)
- kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- fresh parsley
Preparing Eggplant for Air Fryer
- Begin by selecting a medium-sized eggplant with smooth and unblemished skin. Rinse it thoroughly with water and pat it dry using a paper towel.
- Trim off the ends of the eggplant, providing a stable base for slicing and holding it securely.
- Using a large chef’s knife, cut the eggplant slices lengthwise into thin, uniform slices about 1/2 inch thick. Apply gentle pressure to ensure the eggplant remains intact during the cutting process.
- After completing the slicing step, use a paring knife to peel the skin off the eggplant. Stack the peeled slices and cut them into approximately 1/2-inch cubes, doing your best to keep them even for the best cooking.
How to Make Air Fried Eggplant
Should you preheat Air Fryer before Cooking Eggplant Cubes? No.
- Place a paper towel on a large baking sheet and place eggplant onto the paper towel in a single layer. Generously salt. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Blot the top of the eggplant with another paper towel to soak up moisture.
- Discard paper towels.
- Add eggplant to a mixing bowl and stir in olive oil. Mix well.
- Top with spices and mix well to coat evenly.
- WE USE THE NINJA FOODI. THIS FUNCTION MAY VARY ON YOUR AIR FRYER BRAND. Using the Air Crisp function, set the Air Fryer to 400 degrees.
- Add eggplant to the basket and heat for 18 minutes, shaking halfway through cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately, topped with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
How to Store Leftovers
- Allow the cooked eggplant to cool completely at room temperature. Place the leftovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Seal the container tightly to prevent air exposure.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. Consume the leftover eggplant within 2-3 days for the best quality and taste.
Reheating the refrigerated leftovers in the air fryer or oven can help regain some crispiness before serving.
More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
Air Fried Eggplant (without Parmesan)
Equipment
- air fryer We use a Ninja Foodi All in One 6 quart for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant please see below how to cut into 1/2inch cubes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp Hungarian paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Important Air Fryer Note
- All air fryers operate a little differently; therefore, timing may be altered depending on the brand and size of the fryer basket. This recipe uses a Ninja Foodi all-in-one 6-quart air fryer and pressure cooker in one. If this is the first time you are making this recipe, please check your air fryer manual for eggplant suggestions or watch for timing so you do not burn.
Prepping Eggplant to be Air Fried
- Trim off the ends of the eggplant, providing a stable base for slicing and holding it securely.
- Using a large chef’s knife, cut the eggplant slices lengthwise into thin, uniform slices about 1/2 inch thick.
- After completing the slicing step, use a paring knife to peel the skin off of the eggplant.
- Stack the peeled slices and cut them into approximately 1/2-inch cubes, doing your best to keep them even for the best cooking.
How to Air Fry Eggplant
- Place a paper towel onto a large baking sheet and place eggplant onto the paper towel in a single layer. Generously salt.
- Let stand for 15 minutes. Using another piece of paper towel, blot the top of the eggplant to soak up moisture. Discard paper towels.
- Add peeled and cubed eggplant to a mixing bowl and stir in olive oil. Mix well. Top with spices and mix well to coat evenly.
- Using the Air Crisp function, set the Air Fryer to 400 degrees.
- Add eggplant to the air fryer/air crisp basket and heat for 18 minutes, shaking halfway through cooking.
- Remove from air fryer and serve immediately topped with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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