Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe, Easy Crispy Cheesy

This crispy Air Fryer Eggplant recipe is a Gluten-free, healthy low-calorie recipe. It is easy to make and cheesy! It is great as a main course or side dish, but I like it best as one of my favorite healthy snacks.

Eggplant, with its rich and hearty flavor, is a versatile vegetable that has found its way into a variety of cuisines around the world. Here are some surprising facts about it. 

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean moussaka, Indian baingan bharta, or simple breaded eggplant slices, there’s no denying the deliciousness of this purple-hued produce. If you’re looking to enjoy eggplant with a healthier twist, give cooking eggplant in an air fryer a try. 

Using an air fryer results in crispy eggplant without the need for excessive oil or time-consuming oven baking.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Your Eggplant?

​Air fryers have gained immense popularity in recent years for their ability to replicate the crispy textures of deep-frying while using significantly less oil. They also allow a lot of flexibility on they type of oil (if any) used. So you can  lightly oil your food with a healthier oil or cooking spray such ss avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil  

An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while maintaining a moist interior. This cooking method not only reduces the calorie content of your dishes but also minimizes the mess and the lingering aroma of oil in your kitchen.

About the Recipe

In this recipe, we make an eggplant dish that is not only gluten-free but also low in calories, making it perfect for those looking to follow a balanced and healthy diet. Preparing this dish is easy. 

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you can have a plate of golden, crispy eggplant slices  or eggplant fries ready in no time. 

 

The recipe is adaptable, so you can make it with thick slices of eggplant or use thinner eggplant rounds. You can use the recipe to slice your eggplant into fries if you like too.  The recipe also works well as a main course, snack or easy side dish.  I can also be used as a topping for salads and sandwiches. 

The cheese used in the recipe is also adaptable. The recipe uses cheddar and mozzarella  If you would preferer an air fryer eggplant parmesan,  feel free to substitute Parmesan cheese.

Eggplants are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, while the air frying technique ensures that you’re not consuming unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats. this recipe is also gluten-free. It includes dairy, but can be made dairy-free if you omit the cheese. Doing that will also make it vegan. 

Tips for Making Air Fryer Eggplant 

Below are some tips for making this Eggplant air fryer recipe. 

Prepping the Eggplant

Before you air fry eggplant, it is important to properly prep tit. Start by choosing a firm eggplant with smooth, shiny skin. Slice the eggplant into your desired shape—rounds, sticks (fries), or cubes—keeping in mind that thinner slices will cook faster and become crispier. To enhance the flavor and texture, you can opt to peel the eggplant or leave the skin on depending on your preference.

The Dredging Process

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To achieve a crispy exterior, consider dredging the eggplant slices in a coating mixture. A basic coating can consist of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs or corn meal. For a healthier alternative, opt for whole wheat flour or panko breadcrumbs.  You can also use just oil and corn meal or breadcrumbs like the recipe here does. 

To add an extra layer of flavor, incorporate spices like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture.

Cooking in the Air Fryer​

1. Preheating: Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. This step is crucial to ensure that the eggplant cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
2. Salting the Eggplant: It is suggested that you salt you eggplant and let dry for 10-20 minutes. Then blot with paper towels. This removes some of the moisture from the eggplant which is key to getting a particularly crispy dish. 
3. Assembling: Dip each slice of eggplant into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs and let any excess drip off. Finally, coat the slice with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Or, skip the flour and eggs and coat the eggplant lightly in oil and dredge through corn meal or breadcrumbs 
4. Arranging: Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking.
5. Cooking: Cook the eggplant slices for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your slices and the specific air fryer model you’re using. Keep a close eye on them as they cook to prevent over-browning. Add any cheese half way though when you flip the eggplant.
6. Checking Doneness: The eggplant is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside. Cut into a slice to ensure that the interior is tender and cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the eggplant as a standalone snack, alongside a dipping sauce like marinara sauce or tzatziki, or incorporate them into various dishes like sandwiches, wraps, or salads. They also go well with pasta dishes. For example, try it with Instant Pot Spaghetti.

Overall, air fryer roasted eggplant offers a healthier and less messy alternative to traditional frying or oven baking. The result is a satisfying dish with a delightful crunch that doesn’t compromise on flavor. 

Below is the recipe card.

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