Looking for a healthy yet insanely delicious way to enjoy eggplant? Look no further—this crispy Air Fryer Eggplant recipe is the perfect dish to cook up tonight! This simple recipe results in crispy, crunchy eggplant slices that make a great snack, side dish, or even the star of a full meal. Best of all, using an air fryer means the eggplant becomes perfectly golden and crunchy without the need for loads of oil.
Eggplant can often get a bad rap for being difficult to cook at home, but whether you’re new to cooking with it or just trying to incorporate it into your meal rotation, this recipe couldn’t be easier. Each bite of these air fryer eggplant slices is irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If you’re a fan of hearty, Italian-style flavors, you’re in for a real treat!
Ingredients List for Air Fryer Eggplant
Let’s dive into the simple, wholesome ingredients that make these air-fried eggplant rounds so scrumptious. You likely already have most of these staples in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large globe eggplant : Sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds.
- Sea salt : For sprinkling and drawing out excess moisture from the eggplant.
- 1 large egg : Helps bind the coating to the eggplant. For a vegan option, you can use a flax egg or plant-based milk.
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs : Adds that amazing golden, crunchy texture.
- ½ cup almond flour : Pairs perfectly with panko for a light, crispy coating with a touch of nutty flavor.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan, Pecorino cheese, or Vegan Parmesan : Add some richness and umami to the breading.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt : Enhances the flavors of the eggplant and breading.
- Freshly ground black pepper : To taste. Provides a slight kick.
- Extra-virgin olive oil : For drizzling the slices before air frying, helping them crisp up beautifully.
Optional Ingredients for Serving:
- Cooked pasta : Create a full Italian meal by serving the crispy eggplant with your favorite pasta.
- Tomato Sauce : A classic pairing for eggplant to turn it into an Eggplant Parmesan-style dish.
- Cashew Cream : A creamy and dairy-free topping option if you want that extra richness.
- Fresh basil leaves and fresh parsley : For garnish and bursts of fresh flavor.
- Red pepper flakes : For a bit of heat, if you love spicy food like me.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Eggplant
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have crispy, golden-brown eggplant in no time. Here’s how to perfect your air fryer eggplant:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First, set your air fryer to 370°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the eggplant. Preheating ensures an even cook and crisp texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Eggplant Slices
- Slice the eggplant into ¼-inch-thick rounds . Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.
- Drain the eggplant : Sprinkle each slice generously with sea salt on both sides and place them in a colander. Let them sit for 30 minutes . This draws out excess moisture, which helps the eggplant crisp up nicely. After 30 minutes, thoroughly pat dry the eggplant slices using a paper towel to remove moisture and salt.
Step 3: Bread the Eggplant
While the eggplant sits, you can prepare the breading:
- In a shallow bowl , whisk the egg . This will act as the binding agent for the breading to adhere to the eggplant.
- In a separate shallow bowl or rimmed plate , mix together panko bread crumbs, almond flour, grated Parmesan , sea salt , and black pepper .
Step 4: Coat the Eggplant
- Take each pat-dried eggplant slice , dip it into the whisked egg , then press it into the panko mixture . Make sure it’s fully coated on both sides. Give each piece a gentle shake to tap off any excess breading.
- Place the battered slices on a plate until they’re ready to go into the air fryer.
Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Air Fry
Once all slices are coated, drizzle each one lightly with extra virgin olive oil . This helps them develop that perfect crispy, golden finish.
- Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping—this ensures everything cooks evenly. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 17 to 20 minutes , flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden and crispy! Depending on your air fryer model, you might need to adjust the timing slightly.
Serving Suggestions and Final Touches
Now that your crispy air-fried eggplant is ready, it’s time to bring everything together! You can serve these delicious rounds as-is or go all out with some sides and toppings for a complete, satisfying meal.
Step 6: Serve the Crispy Eggplant
- For a simple serving, you can enjoy these crispy eggplant slices straight from the fryer. They’re perfect on their own or as part of a mezze plate with dips like hummus or marinara sauce.
- But if you’re like me and love pasta, make this crispy air-fryer eggplant the showstopper of a full meal! Here’s one of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Cook your favorite pasta —spaghetti, penne, or linguine all work great.
- Warm up some tomato sauce : You can use your favorite marinara or homemade tomato sauce for that classic eggplant parmesan vibe.
- Create a plate : Arrange the crispy eggplant slices on a bed of cooked pasta, and spoon tomato sauce over the top.
- Add some dollops of Cashew Cream for a rich, dairy-free touch or go traditional with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and/or chopped parsley for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Want a little heat? A few shakes of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Optional Serving Ideas:
You don’t have to stop there! Here are a few more ways to enjoy your air-fried eggplant:
- Plant-based eggplant parmesan sandwich : Serve the crispy slices in a toasted bun with marinara, vegan mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- Eggplant fingers : Perfect snack for dipping—a side of aioli or ranch pairs well.
- Eggplant pizza topper : Add these crispy slices to a homemade pizza crust along with fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce for an eggplant parm pizza!
Step 7: Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (no guarantees here because these are addictive! ), the crispy eggplant will stay good for 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that delightful crunch.
Conclusion
Making air fryer eggplant is a game-changer for those who love crispy, flavorful food that doesn’t require deep frying or a ton of oil. Whether served up on a bed of pasta with tangy sauces or enjoyed solo as a snack, this air-fried favorite is sure to become a go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend meals.
With just a few simple ingredients—eggplant, panko, parmesan, and almond flour—paired with an air fryer, you can whip up a dish that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Plus, with the endless serving options, you can tweak it to fit any occasion or craving!
Now, gather your ingredients, preheat that air fryer, and get ready for some crispy eggplant deliciousness. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!