Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—Air Fryer Eggplant is a delicious, healthy side dish or snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal oil, this recipe gives you perfectly golden eggplant slices without deep frying. Whether served plain, dipped in marinara, or layered in a sandwich, they’re a guaranteed hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Light – All the crunch, none of the grease.
Healthy & Low Oil – Uses a fraction of the oil compared to frying.
Versatile – Serve as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Simple Ingredients – Made with kitchen staples.
Ready in 20 Minutes – Quick and easy for weeknight meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Eggplant:

• 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 tsp salt (for sweating the eggplant)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray (for air frying)

Optional for Serving:

• Marinara sauce (for dipping)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Paper towels
• 3 shallow bowls (for dredging)
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sweat the Eggplant
Slice eggplant into ¼-inch thick rounds.
Sprinkle both sides with salt and place slices on a paper towel-lined tray.
Let sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness.
Pat dry with clean paper towels.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, add flour.
In the second bowl, whisk eggs with milk.
In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Eggplant
Working one slice at a time:

• Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
• Dip into egg mixture.
• Coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
  Place coated slices on a clean plate or tray.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
This ensures the eggplant starts crisping right away.

Step 5: Air Fry the Eggplant
Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant slices with olive oil spray.
Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket—do not overcrowd.
Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara.
Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Eggplant
Sweat the Eggplant – Helps remove bitterness and improves texture.
Use Panko – Gives the best crunch in the air fryer.
Spray, Don’t Soak – Lightly coat with oil spray for crispiness without sogginess.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches to allow hot air to circulate.
Make It Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions
With Marinara – Classic and delicious as a dipping sauce.
Eggplant Parmesan – Layer with sauce and mozzarella, then bake.
In Sandwiches – Stack in a toasted hoagie with sauce and cheese.
On a Salad – Add crispy eggplant rounds to a fresh green salad.
As a Side Dish – Pair with pasta, grilled meats, or rice dishes.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked slices in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp back up.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended—it makes the eggplant soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to peel the eggplant?
No, the skin is edible and adds structure and fiber. But you can peel if you prefer a softer texture.

2. Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
Yes—use crushed cornflakes, almond flour, or just coat with seasoned flour for a lighter version.

3. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg or plant-based milk + cornstarch slurry.

4. Why did my eggplant turn out soggy?
Skipping the salting step or overcrowding the air fryer can trap moisture and prevent crisping.

Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Eggplant is an easy, healthy way to enjoy a crispy, savory veggie side that tastes indulgent without the deep fryer. Perfect as a snack, side, or even the base for eggplant Parmesan, this recipe is a great way to turn simple ingredients into something truly crave-worthy.

Try it tonight—you’ll be surprised how fast it disappears from the plate!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean / American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 290mg

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