Crispy Air Fried Eggplant

If you’ve been on the hunt for a dish that’s not only crispy and savory but also healthy, then you need to try Crispy Air Fried Eggplant! This enchanting recipe brings out the wonderful natural flavors of eggplant while giving it that satisfying crunch we all crave. It’s a dish that makes it easy to enjoy vegetables, even for those who may not be the biggest fans! Did you know that eggplant is a powerhouse of antioxidants and fiber? This dish is an excellent way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your meals without compromising on taste.

What makes Crispy Air Fried Eggplant truly special is its quick preparation time—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this irresistible treat that’s guaranteed to impress everyone around the table. If you love exploring fresh ways to enjoy vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite, just like our other popular recipes on the blog, like Roasted Vegetable Medley. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delightful world of air-fried goodness!

What is Crispy Air Fried Eggplant?

So, you might be wondering, what exactly is Crispy Air Fried Eggplant? Well, it’s basically the eggplant’s redemption story! Often overlooked, eggplants have been the culinary equivalent of that friend who quietly stands in the background waiting for the spotlight, and guess what? It’s finally time for this fabulous veggie to shine brightly! Picture this: thin slices of eggplant, seasoned and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, transform into crunchy bites that burst with flavor. Isn’t that tantalizing? Here’s a fun fact: many say, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ and trust me, serving up some crispy eggplant is bound to win hearts all around! So why not give it a whirl?

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fried Eggplant

You’ll adore this Crispy Air Fried Eggplant for a few fantastic reasons! First and foremost, the highlight of this dish is its crispy texture. With the magic of air frying, you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without the extra calories from deep-frying. This makes it a healthier option while still delivering on taste!

Another great aspect is the cost-saving benefits of making it at home. Eggplants are typically inexpensive, and when you can create such a delicious snack or side dish with minimal ingredients, you can feel proud of your culinary skills without breaking the bank. Plus, with all the flavors you can add, the possibilities become even more exciting! Whether you opt for a sprinkle of spices, a drizzle of lemon juice, or accompany your crispy eggplant with a delightful dip, you’ll discover flavors that make these little bites stand out. So why wait? Embrace this dish at home and let your culinary creativity flow!

How to Make Crispy Air Fried Eggplant

Quick Overview

Crispy Air Fried Eggplant is simple to prepare and packs a punch of flavor. You’ll not only love the taste but also appreciate how quickly it comes together. In just about 30 minutes, you can enjoy this deliciously crunchy dish that’s perfect as a snack, an appetizer, or a side.

Key Ingredients for Crispy Air Fried Eggplant

To whip up this delightful recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• 1 cup of bread crumbs (you can use whole-wheat for a healthier option)
• ½ cup of flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Eggplant: Start by washing and slicing the eggplants into about ¼ inch thick rounds. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and will help enhance their flavor.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the bread crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Eggplant: Pat the eggplant slices dry using a paper towel. Next, dip each slice in flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned bread crumbs.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket, giving them enough space to crisp up. Lightly spray the tops of the slices with more olive oil.
5. Cook: Air fry the eggplant for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve hot. Enjoy alone or with your favorite dip!

Top Tips for Perfecting Crispy Air Fried Eggplant

To take your Crispy Air Fried Eggplant to the next level, here are some top tips:

• Rock the Salt: Be generous with salt during the initial 15-minute rest to extract moisture. It prevents sogginess and enhances flavor.
• Season Well: Feel free to experiment with different spices! Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or even a dash of cumin can be great additions.
• Don’t Crowd: When air frying, give your eggplant slices enough space to cook evenly. You may need to do this in batches for the best results.
• Check the Coating: Ensure the bread crumb coating is generous and even. The more crumbs you use, the better the crunch!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (but let’s be honest, that’s a big “if”), ensure they’re stored properly! Let the eggplant cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that delightful crunch.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the deliciousness of Crispy Air Fried Eggplant today! It’s time to elevate your meals, impress your family, and indulge in a snack that’s as good for the taste buds as it is for the body. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fried Eggplant

A healthy and delicious recipe for crispy air fried eggplant, perfect as a snack or side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Healthy, Vegetarian

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Eggplant Preparation

• 2 medium medium-sized eggplants Wash and slice into ¼ inch rounds.
• Salt Salt to taste Used to draw out excess moisture.

Breading Ingredients

• ½ cup flour For coating the eggplant slices.
• 2 large eggs Whisked for breading.
• 1 cup bread crumbs Whole-wheat for a healthier option.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Pepper Pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients

• Olive oil spray Olive oil spray For air frying.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by washing and slicing the eggplants into about ¼ inch thick rounds.
2. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Breading Setup

1. In one bowl, place the flour.
2. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
3. In a third bowl, combine the bread crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Breading the Eggplant

1. Pat the eggplant slices dry using a paper towel.
2. Dip each slice in flour, followed by the egg mixture, and then coat it thoroughly with the seasoned bread crumbs.

Cooking

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to crowd them.
4. Lightly spray the tops of the slices with more olive oil.
5. Air fry the eggplant for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serving

1. Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve hot. Enjoy alone or with your favorite dip!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or cumin to the breading mix. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.