Air Fryer Eggplant (Recipe)

Looking for a delicious and healthy recipe to make in your air fryer? Look no further than this mouthwatering air fryer eggplant recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create crispy and flavorful eggplant slices that are sure to impress.

This recipe features tender eggplant slices coated in a delectable mixture of panko bread crumbs, almond flour, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a perfectly crunchy exterior with a savory and satisfying taste. Plus, cooking the eggplant in the air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

Key Takeaways:

• Create a crispy and flavorful air fryer eggplant using a simple mixture of panko bread crumbs, almond flour, and Parmesan cheese.
• Cook the eggplant in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
• Pair the air fryer eggplant with your favorite dishes such as veggie burgers, pasta, or a cooked protein of your choice.
• Explore other delicious air fryer recipes like zucchini chips, crispy sesame tofu, or air fryer French fries.
• Follow expert tips to ensure the best results when cooking air fryer eggplant, such as choosing firm and glossy eggplants and salting the slices to enhance flavor.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe

To make this delicious air fryer eggplant recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 large globe eggplant (or 2 small eggplants)
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• Sea salt, to taste
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

These ingredients are the perfect combination to create a crispy and flavorful coating for the eggplant slices when cooked in your air fryer.

“The secret to a great air fryer eggplant recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients used. With the right combination of seasonings and textures, you can create a delectable and healthy dish.” – Chef Emma

How to Cook Eggplant in the Air Fryer

Cooking eggplant in the air fryer is a simple and convenient way to enjoy crispy and delicious eggplant slices. With just a few easy steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked eggplant that is both tasty and healthy.

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

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Start by salting the eggplant slices to remove any excess moisture. This step helps make the eggplant slices crispy and prevents them from becoming soggy. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse the slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Coat the Eggplant

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In a bowl, beat an egg with a fork until well combined. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten egg, ensuring it is coated thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, almond flour, and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip the egg-coated slices into the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks to the eggplant.

Step 3: Air Fry the Eggplant

Arrange the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook the eggplant slices for about 17-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the air fryer basket and let the eggplant cool slightly before serving. The result is crispy and golden brown eggplant slices that are irresistible.

If you prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on the eggplant slices as cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the specific model of your air fryer.

Tips for Success

For the best results, follow these tips when cooking eggplant in the air fryer:

• Choose firm and glossy eggplants, as they tend to have better flavor and texture.
• Cut the eggplant slices evenly to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent some slices from turning overly crispy while others remain undercooked.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each slice enough space to allow hot air to circulate and cook the eggplant evenly.
• Flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked, crispy air fryer eggplant slices every time.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Eggplant

This air fryer eggplant recipe can be served as a tasty side dish or as a vegetarian main course. It pairs well with veggie burgers, pasta, or a cooked protein of your choice. For a light and satisfying meal, serve the air fryer eggplant with a salad such as cucumber tomato salad, Greek salad, Mediterranean quinoa salad, Italian chopped salad, or panzanella salad. It can also be the star of the dish when served over pasta with marinara sauce and cashew cream.

Air fryer eggplant is a versatile dish that can complement a variety of meals. Whether you choose to serve it as a side or make it the main attraction, this vegetarian air fryer eggplant recipe is sure to impress. Its crispy exterior and tender interior make it a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful plant-based meal.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like

If you enjoy cooking with an air fryer, there are plenty of other recipes you may like. Try making zucchini chips, air fryer cauliflower, crispy sesame tofu, or air fryer French fries. These recipes provide delicious and healthier alternatives to traditional fried foods. In addition, you can find more eggplant recipes to explore and enjoy.

Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Eggplant

To ensure the best results when cooking air fryer eggplant, follow these expert tips:

1. Choose firm and glossy eggplants for better flavor.
2. Cut the eggplant slices or cubes evenly to ensure even cooking.
3. Salting the eggplant slices can help remove excess moisture and enhance the flavor.
4. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for optimal air circulation.
5. Flip the eggplant pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked and delicious air fryer eggplant every time. Enjoy the crispy texture and flavorful taste of this easy air fryer eggplant recipe!

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Eggplant

If you have leftovers from your crispy air fryer eggplant, don’t worry! You can easily store it for later use and reheat it to enjoy that delicious healthy air fryer eggplant once again.

To store your air fryer eggplant, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Then, store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will help preserve the crispy texture and flavors of your eggplant.

Tip: It’s important to refrigerate the eggplant promptly to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain its freshness.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here are two methods to reheat your air fryer eggplant:

1. Air fryer method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
• Place the leftover eggplant in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Reheat the eggplant for a few minutes, checking periodically until it is heated thoroughly and reaches your desired temperature.
• Remove the eggplant from the air fryer and serve while it’s still crispy and delicious.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place the leftover eggplant on a baking sheet.
• Reheat the eggplant in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until it is heated thoroughly.
• Remove the eggplant from the oven and enjoy.

Tip: Avoid reheating the eggplant at high temperatures for too long as it may cause it to become overly dried out.

If you don’t plan to consume the leftover air fryer eggplant within three days, another option is to freeze it. Freezing the cooked eggplant will extend its shelf life for up to two months.

Here’s how to freeze and reheat frozen air fryer eggplant:

1. Allow the cooked eggplant to cool completely.
2. Place the cooled eggplant in a freezer-safe container or airtight freezer bag.
3. Label the container or bag with the date.
4. Store the frozen eggplant in the freezer for up to two months.
5. To thaw the frozen eggplant, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
6. Once thawed, follow one of the reheating methods mentioned above to enjoy your crispy and healthy air fryer eggplant once again.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your crispy air fryer eggplant even after it has been cooked. Say goodbye to food waste and savor the flavors of this healthy dish whenever you please!

Conclusion

Discover the joy of cooking with an air fryer by trying out this irresistible recipe for air fryer eggplant parmesan. This dish offers a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional fried eggplant dishes. With the perfect combination of ingredients and cooking techniques, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful result that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this air fryer eggplant recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Don’t stop at just this recipe! Explore the versatility of your air fryer by trying out other exciting recipes. From zucchini chips to crispy sesame tofu, there is a whole world of flavorful possibilities waiting for you. Embrace the convenience and healthiness of air frying as you create delightful meals that are sure to impress.

So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with your air fryer and elevate your cooking game. Enjoy the crispy, mouthwatering air fryer eggplant parmesan and savor every bite of this healthier, guilt-free indulgence. Say goodbye to greasy fried food and hello to your new favorite kitchen companion – the air fryer!