This delicious recipe for Air Fryer Eggplant is a healthy and easy way to cook eggplant. With just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder and onion powder, this eggplant cooks up perfectly crispy and tender in just a few short minutes.
About the Recipe
Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables. On our recent trip to Italy, it was on menus everywhere, and I want to make a healthy version of eggplant at home. This is delicious on it's own, in pasta dishes, or in batched prepared meals.
Air frying the eggplant uses less oil and the hot air to cook this versatile vegetable.
Make this recipe as a side dish to a variety of main course meals like chicken, steak or fish. Since it is cooked in the air fryer, there is minimal oil required, making this a very healthy side to nearly any dinner! You will love how simple and delicious this eggplant is to make!
If you are looking for more side dish recipes, check out our: Pesto Orzo, Ribollita or Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Healthy - Using the air fryer means you can get crispy veggies without having to fry them in a lot of oil. Eggplant is perfect to add to your meal because of the health benefits and because it tastes so good! It might be low carb, but there's tons of flavor!
Flavorful - Before air frying the eggplant, you will brush the pieces with a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It provides the most perfect flavor to the eggplant and allowing the pieces to get crispy edges in the air fryer adds even more delicious flavor!
Simple - This recipe is simple to make and only takes about 15 minutes. You will love that you can prepare the eggplant, pop it in the air fryer and prepare the rest of dinner.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this air fryer recipe:
- Eggplant: One sliced eggplant. You can choose to cut widthwise into rounds or lengthwise to make longer pieces.
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt & black pepper
Directions
Let's make this easy recipe together!
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2: Slice the eggplant and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Brush the olive oil mixture on both sides of the eggplant and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 5: Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until eggplant is golden brown. Cook time will vary depending on your model of air fryer.
Step 6: Using tongs or a fork, transfer eggplant pieces to a serving platter. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this delicious air fryer eggplant recipe:
Flip the eggplant: You may find that you will get crispier pieces of eggplant if you flip them over with a fork halfway through cooking.
Preheat air fryer: To preheat the air fryer, typically you will set the temperature and allow it to heat for 5 minutes before adding the food. See your manufacturer instructions for your specific air fryer.
Batch it: Depending on the size of your eggplant and the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pieces in batches. You want to be sure you aren’t overcrowding the air fryer basket because that will not allow the eggplant to get crisp.
Air fryer eggplant parmesan: Take this recipe one step further and dip eggplant in a breadcrumb mixture, then top with marinara and mozzarella cheese.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this eggplant recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Air fryer - This Ninja Foodi air fryer is super popular, and for good reason! It's super versatile and has multiple settings to make your favorite foods.
Tongs - These tongs are my favorite. I have three pairs of them in my kitchen! Tongs are one of the most versatile kitchen tools, and make removing things from the air fryer super easy.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for these air fried eggplant slices.
Seasonings: Feel free to be creative with the seasonings you use. You can try adding paprika, crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
Additions: Add a little parmesan cheese to the olive oil mixture you brush onto the eggplant for an added flavor and texture!
Dip it: Try dipping crispy eggplant slices in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of sea salt or lemon zest.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this crispy air fryer eggplant recipe:
Tuscan Chicken Pasta - This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner! This recipe is delicious year round and great for the whole family.
Easy Baked Salmon Steaks - These Easy Baked Salmon Steaks are an easy weeknight meal that's done in just 20 minutes!
Pan Fried Sea Bass - You'll love this easy Pan Fried Sea Bass! This easy fish recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is a healthy option for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no need to peel the eggplant. The skin is edible but can sometimes be a little tough on larger eggplants. If you prefer, you could peel it and prepare this recipe in the same exact way.
Yes. You can use the oven to roast eggplant instead. I would double the cooking time and flip the pieces halfway through.
Air fry the eggplant until it is golden brown and starting to look a bit crispy.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this eggplant recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating: You can reheat these in the air fryer, in the microwave or with a little olive oil in a frying pan.
Other Recipes to Try
Air Fryer Eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400F.
- Slice the eggplant widthwise or lengthwise, depending on preference. Pat dry.
- Combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Brush mixture on both sides of the eggplant.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Leave a Reply