Best Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe for A Perfect Side Dish

These air fryer eggplants are the perfect combination of crispy and chewy with a hint of nutty flavor! This has become one of our favorite air fryer recipes at home – vegetable edition!

Let’s admit it, eggplant is such an underappreciated vegetable. I always resorted to sautéing eggplants, but cooking eggplant in an air fryer is so much easier, and they turn out just as good! The air fryer gives them a golden perfection and crispness while preserving their unique texture and flavor without the greasy oil!

Not only are these fried eggplant in the air fryer a delicious side dish, but they can be enjoyed as a a light meal on their own. Their versatility makes them a great addition to any mealtime!

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air frying has become my go-to choice lately, especially when I’m running out of time and don’t have the energy to slave in the kitchen. It’s totally a lifesaver on crazy weeknights! I just pop the ingredients into the air fryer, set the temperature and time, and then wait for it to cook. The best part is, I don’t need to constantly monitor or flip the food like I would when frying in a skillet. 

But what I love most about using an air fryer is that it cuts back on the amount of oil needed for cooking. With traditional frying methods, I used to worry about always having to put oil in. But with the air fryer, we can enjoy crispy chicken, fish, or even vegetables minus the grease!

And if you’ve always had a dislike for the eggplant skin, you’ll surely love the crispy twist in this recipe! The air fryer gives the skin a satisfying crispiness. It comes out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Eggplant

• Sicilian eggplant
• 3 tbsp corn grits
• 1 tbsp mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Wash the eggplant thoroughly. Slice it into 1/4-inch thick half-circles and sprinkle each slice with salt on both sides. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, pat dry the eggplant slices with paper towels.

3. Pour the corn grits into a flat plate. Add garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and coriander. Stir with a dry whisk until all spices and seasonings are well combined.

4. Brush the eggplant slices on both sides with olive oil. Then, coat each slice with the seasoned corn grits mixture.

6. Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Pop them in the preheated air fryer and fry for 5 minutes.

7. Flip them over and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.

8. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Continue frying for another 5 minutes or until the eggplants are golden brown and crispy.

9. Once cooked, remove the air fryer eggplant slices from the basket. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to your main course. Enjoy!

Variation Ideas

I’ve experimented and tried to mix and match ingredients for my air-fried eggplant recipe. Here are some of the variations and substitutions I have tried that you might want to try too!

• Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan with Panko Breadcrumbs: Instead of corn grits, use a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy and cheesy coating! Simply combine equal parts breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl, then use this mixture to coat the eggplant slices before air frying. 

• Spicy Eggplant: If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle black pepper, cayenne pepper, or chili powder into the seasoning mixture.

• Different Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings such as Italian seasoning, curry powder, or chili flakes to add a unique flavor profile.

• Vegetarian Option: Make this dish vegetarian by omitting the cheese or using dairy-free cheese alternatives. You can also substitute almond flour for the corn grits to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Egg-Stuffed Eggplant: Hollow out the center of the eggplant slices and crack an egg into each one before air frying. Cook until the egg is set for a delicious and protein-packed twist on traditional eggplant.

• Experiment with Different Eggplant Varieties: You can experiment with different varieties of eggplant to see which one you prefer. I use Sicilian eggplant for this recipe due to its firm texture and mild flavor, but feel free to try others and discover your favorite!

Serving Suggestions

While these eggplants are already delicious on their own, explore different accompaniments and find your perfect pair to enjoy them to the fullest!

• Serve as a Side Dish: These air fryer fried eggplant pairs well with chicken, fish, or steak as a flavorful side dish.

• Pair With Dips or Sauces: Serve your air fryer eggplant with marinara sauce, tzatziki, or this creamy mushroom hummus with sautéed garlic for dipping to add extra flavor and texture to each bite.

• As Toppings: Chop this air-fried eggplant into bite-sized pieces and use them as a topping for salads. They add a unique texture and flavor to your greens! You can even use it as a topping for a homemade veggie pizza!

• Make Wraps or Sandwiches: Use these air fryer eggplant slices to make wraps or sandwiches with your favorite fillings for a quick and easy meal. Top with fresh herbs and your favorite sauces for added flavor.

• Appetizer Option: Serve these crispy eggplant slices as an appetizer at your next gatherings or parties. Don’t forget to offer different dipping sauces!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy texture. Cook them in batches if needed.

• Remove Bitterness: To remove the bitterness from the eggplant without salt, soak the sliced eggplant in water for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps draw out the bitter compounds.

• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your eggplant slices while air frying as cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the air fryer model you’re using.

• Less Mushy: To make eggplant less mushy, make sure to blot the slices with paper towels after salting them. This removes excess moisture and prevents sogginess.

• Serve Immediately: To enjoy them while still crispy, serve the air fryer eggplant immediately after cooking. If you need to hold them before serving, place them on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Storage

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the eggplant slices in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispness.

One Last Thing

Vegetables are not always so dull and bland to eat. You just have to explore different cooking methods to make them exciting, just like this air fryer eggplant! With its crispy texture, flavorful seasoning, and endless customization options, this recipe proves that vegetables can be delicious, enjoyable, and satisfying! 

With a bit of creativity and experimentation, you can tailor these air fryer eggplants to your preferences and discover new favorites along the way. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, incorporating them into your main course, or enjoying them as a healthy snack, these air fryer eggplants are sure to become a staple in your household!

Your Turn

If you make this healthy and delicious air fryer eggplant recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy and tasty recipes!

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