Eggplant is one of the most versatile and delicious vegetables, perfect for a variety of cuisines and cooking methods. From Mediterranean staples like baba ghanoush to hearty Italian eggplant Parmesan, this purple gem can do it all. But have you tried cooking eggplant in an air fryer? If not, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Air fryer eggplant is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and uses minimal oil, making it a healthier and easier way to enjoy this nutrient-packed vegetable.
Table of contents
Ingredients for Air Fry Eggplant
Before you start, gather these simple ingredients for your air fryer eggplant:
- 1 eggplant
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 15 turns freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Best Air Fryer for Eggplant Parmesan
Selecting the proper tool is essential when preparing the ideal air fryer eggplant parmesan. I have used various air fryers through the years, but Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer is the one that still reigns supreme in my experience. This air fryer takes your cooking experience to a new level, whether you are preparing crispy eggplant or a rich eggplant parmesan. But what makes it stand out?
- 30% Faster Cooking Speed: Typhur’s advanced airflow system cooks eggplant quickly and evenly, so you get crispy, tender results in less time.
- Dual Heating Elements: The top and bottom heating elements ensure even cooking, so your eggplant is golden and crispy on the outside, tender inside.
- Extra-Large Capacity: Typhur Dome 2 with 12” x 12” basket can easily cook bigger parts of air fryer eggplant or a whole batch of eggplant parmesan without overcrowding.
- 50% Less Noise: It is the quietest air fryer that operates only at 55dB, so you can cook without any noise ruffling your concentration.
The Typhur Dome 2 is the best air fryer choice for cooking eggplant with its outstanding features.
Dual Heating Elements
Our testers were able to fit a 12″ pizza, six slices of toast, 20 chicken wings, or 10 slices of bacon per batch, while maintaining enough space for airflow around each item. It’s powerful and fast as well; the Typhur Dome doesn’t require any preheating, and the construction retains heat incredibly well. We found it cooked french fries, chicken, and bread several minutes faster than any other machine we tried. Because it can maintain a temperature as low as 140ºF, it can be used for dehydrating foods too.
How to Cook Eggplant in Air Fryer (No Breading)
Frying eggplant in an air fryer is an effortless and healthy method of having this vegetable without all the additional carbs. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prep the Eggplant
Wash and peel the eggplant (optional). Slice it into ½-inch rounds or cubes, depending on your preference. If you like, you can sprinkle the slices with a little salt to get rid of any bitterness and excess moisture. Rest for 15-20 minutes and then wipe them with a paper towel to remove the excess water.
- Season
Add olive oil to the slices or use a basting brush to lightly coat them. Then, add kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. The flavor of the eggplant is enhanced during this step and it also becomes crispier.
- Cook the Eggplant
Carefully add the eggplant to the Typhur Dome 2 air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s a little space between each slice to allow the air to circulate. Set the temperature of your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), cook for 11 minutes or until the eggplant is golden brown and crispy. Turn the slices halfway during the cooking process for even cooking.
- Serve
Once done, take the eggplant out of the air fryer carefully and serve hot. Go with your preferred dipping sauce or use it as a side dish.
This eggplant in the air fryer no breading method produces a richly satisfying, crispy result without the extra calories. It is ideal for people seeking a healthier option to deep-fried eggplant.
Expert Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
If you apply some tips from the experts, you will surely be able to make air fryer eggplant that is not only crunchy but also golden. Follow these steps:
- Select Good Eggplants: The first step in making crispy eggplant is selecting the right one. I recommend using eggplants that are firm to the touch and have smooth, glossy skin. Do not use soft or blemished eggplants, as they are not going to crisp up well in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To get the best crispiness, there should be a little space between slices of eggplant in the air fryer basket. If the basket is filled, the cooking will be uneven, and the eggplants will not get crispy.
- Use Oil Sparingly: Indeed, you don’t need a lot of oil to make the air fryer eggplant crispy; however, a light drizzling or a few spritzes of olive oil will be of great help. The oil is the crispiness promoter, and, on the other hand, if too much oil is used, the eggplant will be soggy.
- Flip Halfway Through: To get the eggplant done through and through and to get both sides crispy, be sure to turn the slices over halfway through the cooking time.
By following these tips, you will easily make crispy, delicious air fryer eggplant that is golden outside and tender inside.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Eggplant
Air fryer eggplant is versatile and can be served in many ways. Take a look at a few serving suggestions for your hot, crisp, and tasty eggplant:
- As a Side Dish: You can serve air fryer eggplant as a side for almost any meal as it is a great side dish. It can be served along with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta dishes as a light and healthy complement.
- Eggplant Parmesan: The classic air fryer eggplant parmesan is one of the most beloved recipes. Layer the crispy air-fried eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and then heat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- In Salads: Air fryer eggplant can be used as an ingredient for salads to add crunch. It complements Mediterranean flavors such as feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers perfectly.
- As a Snack: Crispy eggplant slices are a great snack. You can serve them with a dip such as ranch, tahini, or even spicy sriracha mayo for a tasty treat.
Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe FAQs
Absolutely, air-fried eggplant is a healthy substitute for the deep-fried one. Using minimal oil results in fewer calories and fat in your dish, making it a much lighter version.
Yes, you can. Oil is an aid to crisping, but if you want, you can air fry eggplant without oil. Just remember to change your cooking time and turn the eggplant slices over to keep them from drying out too much.
Soaking eggplant helps in getting rid of the bitter taste and excess moisture, but it is not necessary if you are using an air fryer. You can easily skip this step if you are running short on time.
Air Fryer Eggplant
Equipment
- Chef Knife
- Pastry Brush
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 15 turns freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Slice the eggplant crosswise to make circles, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick.
- Drizzle or brush the eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 15 turns freshly cracked black pepper, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Carefully add the eggplant to the Typhur Dome 2 air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook the eggplant by following the parameter settings below:Cooking mode: Air FryTemperature: 375℉ (190℃)Time: 11 minutes
- Remove the eggplant from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Serve with any sauce you like.
Nutrition PER SERVING
(Nutrition information is calculated automatically by Spoonacular API and should be considered an estimate.)
