Air Fryer Eggplant (Crispy & Quick)
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 9-15 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan (without cheese), Gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Air Fryer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Alternative: Oven (at 400°F, cooking time will increase to 25-30 minutes)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 lb/450g)
- 2-4 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
METHOD:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Slice eggplant into ½-inch (1.3cm) rounds
Tip: Keep thickness consistent for even cooking - Pat slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Mix olive oil with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl
- Toss eggplant slices in seasoned oil until evenly coated
- Place eggplant in air fryer basket in a single layer
Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed - Cook for 9-15 minutes, flipping halfway through
Look for golden brown color and tender interior
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Always pat eggplant dry before cooking
- Don’t stack slices in the basket
- Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness
- Check doneness at 9 minutes for thinner slices
STORAGE & SCALING:
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes
- Recipe easily doubles – just cook in more batches
VARIATIONS:
- Parmesan Crust: Add cheese in last 2 minutes
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to seasoning
- Asian-Style: Use sesame oil and Chinese five spice
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Skipping the drying step
- Using too much oil
- Overcrowding the basket
- Not preheating the air fryer
This recipe transforms humble eggplant into crispy, golden rounds that maintain a tender interior – perfect as a side dish or healthy snack.
