Air Fryer Eggplant
This air fryer eggplant recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a wonderfully crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Eggplant
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Seasalt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the eggplant. Trim off the stem and slice it into uniform ½-inch thick rounds. For the best texture, avoid slicing them too thin (they can burn) or too thick (they may not cook through). If you are sensitive to bitterness or using a very large eggplant, you can salt the slices. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse the slices thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for at least 3-5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for getting the eggplant crispy from the moment it starts cooking.
- You will need two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the eggplant slices and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently with your hands to ensure every slice is lightly and evenly coated. In the second bowl, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take one oil-coated eggplant slice at a time and press it firmly into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring both sides are completely coated. Pressing helps the coating adhere properly.
- Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Do not overlap or overcrowd them, as this will cause them to steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. The eggplant is done when it is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.Serve Immediately: Transfer the crispy eggplant to a plate. For the best taste and texture, serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Serve with a warm bowl of marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a dollop of whipped feta for dipping.
Side Dish: This is an excellent side for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Mini Pizzas: Top the cooked eggplant rounds with a spoonful of tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings. Return to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
In a Sandwich: Layer the crispy eggplant slices in a sandwich or wrap with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!