This air fryer eggplant recipe is a quick and easy way to make a healthy and delicious dish. I love how it turns out beautifully golden with crispy edges and skins.
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes, and air frying it helps to retain its nutrients while making it crispy and delicious. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish for a larger gathering. Simply slice the eggplant into rounds, coat with olive oil and your favorite spices, and air fry for 15 minutes. Serve with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Fragrant air-fried eggplant is a nutritious and beautiful addition to the table. The simplicity of preparation, minimum of hassle and of course, the appetizing appearance, are all captivating.
The Healthiest Way to Cook Air Fryer Eggplant
When cooked in an air fryer, eggplant becomes tender and juicy, with a slightly crispy exterior. This recipe is easy to follow and only requires a few ingredients.
First, cut the eggplant into thin slices and coat with olive oil. Then, season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Next, place the eggplant slices in the air fryer and cook for 10-14 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once finished, the eggplant can be served as is or used as a base for other dishes such as Eggplant Parmesan or Eggplant Caponata.
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 TBS seasoning veggie blend. The one I use is Mrs. Dash Salt free seasoning blend or Wellsley Farms Organic Veggie Blend.
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 oz butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped or minced.
Eggplant in Air Fryer Instructions
- Rinse and dry eggplant
- Cut into ¾-inch slices
- Drizzle eggplant pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning blend.
- Use a food silicone brush to coat eggplant steaks evenly and spread them out on your cooking sheet or air fryer basket so they don’t overlap. I'm using the Cuisinart air fryer oven. As you can see my basket allows me to fit 6 large slices at once.
- Air fry mode at 400F (200C) for 12-14 minutes. Flip each eggplant piece on the other side halfway through the cooking or cook until the golden brown color and the skin is hard and crispy.
- While the eggplant is being cooked, prepare the garlic parmesan butter.
- In a medium ceramic bowl, mix the soft butter with chopped garlic, freshly grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
- When the eggplant is out of the air fryer and transferred onto the plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste if desired, or brush each eggplant steak with your freshly made garlic parmesan butter.
- Bon Appetit!
How to Serve Roasted Eggplant
Eggplant is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. This versatile vegetable can be easily air-fried, baked, or grilled, and pairs well with a variety of flavors. For a complete meal, serve air fryer eggplant alongside grilled chicken or fish, a green salad, and whole grain bread.
For a lighter option, try roasted eggplant slices as a pizza topping or in a wrap with hummus and veggies.
Is Eggplant Keto-friendly?
Air-fried eggplant is a delicious and healthy option for people following a keto diet.
A medium eggplant has only six grams of net carbs, making it a great option for people following a ketogenic diet. Eggplant is also high in fiber and antioxidants, and it's a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. One of the best ways to cook eggplant is in an air fryer. This cooking method helps to preserve the eggplant's nutrients while giving it a crispy texture.
Air Fryer Vegetables / Side Dishes
Air Fryer Eggplant with Garlic Parmesan Butter
These air fryer eggplant steaks are crispy outside and tender inside. No breading, no flour. Seasoned with a bit of salt and veggie blend, then brushed with garlic Parmesan butter.
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 TBS seasoning veggie blend. The one I use is Mrs. Dash Salt free seasoning blend or Wellsley Farms Organic Veggie Blend.
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 oz butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped or minced. (can add 3 cloves if you like extra garlic’y)
Instructions
- Rinse and dry eggplant
- Cut into 1-inch steaks
- Drizzle eggplant pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning blend.
- Use a food silicone brush to coat eggplant steaks evenly and spread them out on your cooking sheet or air fryer basket so they don’t overlap.
- Air fry mode at 400F (200C) for 7 minutes. Then flip each eggplant piece on the other side and air fry for an additional 5 minutes or until the golden brown color and the skin is hard and crispy.
- Once the eggplant is being cooked in your air fryer, prepare your garlic parmesan butter.
- In a mixing bowl, mix the soft butter with chopped garlic, freshly grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
- When the eggplant is out of the air fryer and transferred onto the plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste if desired, or brush each eggplant steak with your freshly made garlic parmesan butter.
- Enjoy your air fryer eggplant!
Notes
How to Serve Air Fryer Eggplant
Roasted eggplant is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. This versatile vegetable can be easily air-fried, baked, or grilled, and pairs well with a variety of flavors. For a complete meal, serve air fryer eggplant alongside grilled chicken or fish, a green salad, and whole grain bread.
For a lighter option, try roasted eggplant slices as a pizza topping or in a wrap with hummus and veggies.
Is Eggplant Keto-friendly?
Air-fried eggplant is a delicious and healthy option for people following a keto diet.
A medium eggplant has only six grams of net carbs, making it a great option for people following a ketogenic diet. Eggplant is also high in fiber and antioxidants, and it's a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. One of the best ways to cook eggplant is in an air fryer. This cooking method helps to preserve the eggplant's nutrients while giving it a crispy texture.
Irina
These air fryer eggplant steaks are crispy outside and nicely done inside. No breading, no flour. Seasoned with a bit of salt and veggie blend, then brushed with garlic Parmesan butter.
Sam
Wow! What a delicious recipe! The only thing I added was some spicy smoked paprika and it came out addictive. I've shared this recipe and everyone agrees its one heck of a great eggplant recipe. Thanks!
Irina
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Adding a spicy smoked paprika is giving it a nice kick! Yum!
Kayla
Wow, these were amazing! I seasoned with olive garden herb blend & topped them with feta cheese & tomatoes. They turned out amazing, thanks for the recipe!
Irina
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it and great toppings! Yum!