Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe (2024)

Table of Contents
What you need to make Asian Eggplant Equipment How to make Air Fryer Eggplant Other Variations Storage Top Tips FAQ Related recipes Pairing Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe Ingredients Instructions Equipment Notes FAQs References

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 2 reviews

This air fryer eggplant recipe is one of the best eggplant recipes I have ever made. It only requires 6 ingredients.This is a completely plant-based meal for all my vegan/vegetarian friends. Have it with a nice bowl of steamed white rice, and you have a delicious meal ready in 20 minutes.Give this Asian eggplant in air fryer and try and let me know what you think.

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe (1)

If you're a fan of Asian eggplant and looking for a healthier way to cook it, you might want to consider air frying. Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they allow you to cook food with little to no oil, resulting in healthier and crispier dishes. In this blog post, we'll dive into everything you need to know about cooking eggplant in an air fryer.

My other simple vegetables inspired this dish, such as my Sesame Braised Cabbage and Peanut Sauce Roasted Cabbage.

First of all, why choose eggplant? Well, this vegetable is a great source of fiber and antioxidants, and it's also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Plus, eggplant is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from Italian classics like eggplant parmesan to Middle Eastern dips like baba ganoush.

Don't have an air fryer? You can bake this in the oven as well. It will take significantly longer to cook.

OVEN:

You can roast it in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roast for 30 minutes until the eggplant is crispy on the outside and soft and tender inside.

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe (2)

What you need to make Asian Eggplant

check the recipe below for the exact measurements

Eggplant - you can use any eggplant for this recipe. Japanese eggplant would be delicious as well.

Avocado oil - any neutral oil should work, such as, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil or canola oil.

White sugar - white sugar is crucial to building a nice crust on the outside. However, up to you. Use maple syrup or honey, or any sweetener you wish.

Low sodium soy sauce - Tamari is a great alternative for my gluten free friends.

Garlic - garlic powder would work, but I highly recommend fresh garlic for a more garlic taste. Great addition if you don't have fresh garlic is a mixture of garlic powder and onion powder.

Black pepper

Chili oil (optional) - This is optional. Highly recommend. I used Momof*cku Chili oil. A little bit goes a long way.

Garnish ideas - green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley

See Also
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe (Paneer in Buttery Tomato Gravy)Easy, quick Thai Green Beef Curry recipeMiso Sauce Recipe - Two SpoonsSteak Fajita Soup Recipe

See recipe card for quantities.

Equipment

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe (3)

How to make Air Fryer Eggplant

This simple recipe is super easy to follow. Here are the steps. Let's get cooking!

  • Preheat your air fryer your 350 degrees.
  • Slice your eggplant into thick slices. About half inch slices. Do not do thin slices.
  • Cut slits in the middle to create opening for the sauce.
  • In a shallow bowl, mix together oil, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, pepper, and chili oil(optional).
  • Line your air fryer with parchment paper for easy clean up.
  • Place your eggplant rounds on the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Place the sauce on top of the eggplant.
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees f.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Other Variations

Here are some variations to make this great recipe better.

  • Spicy - add as much chili or as little as you want.
  • Deluxe - make your favorite noodles to pair with this eggplant dish
  • Kid friendly - omit the chili oil, and your kids will devour these. This is a great way to introduce your children to vegetables.
  • Meal Prep Friendly - These simple ingredients can turn this humble eggplant into something utterly delicious. This marinade can also be used as a marinade for other proteins such as chicken breast, chicken thighs, tofu, and other vegetables. Go try it!

Usually, you see on the internet breaded eggplant parmesan with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce. This Asian eggplant is not only healthier but it can be gluten-free, dairy free, and plant-based. It is great to have different variations of eggplant when it is not slathered with cheese and bread crumbs.

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe (4)

Storage

To store this delcious Asian eggplant recipe. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Reheat using an air fryer. 350 degrees for 5 minutes.

Top Tips

For best results, here are some top tips for you.

  • For crispy eggplant slices - pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding the Asian marinade on top.
  • To prevent the eggplant from turning brown, drizzle lemon juice.

Air fryer Asian eggplant is a healthy and delicious dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. You can elevate this humble vegetable into a satisfying meal by seasoning the eggplant and cooking it until it's crispy. Give it a try.

FAQ

Can you put eggplant in the air fryer?

Yes, I always cook eggplant in the air fryer because it always comes out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. It also cuts the cooking time in half.

Do you need to soak eggplant before frying?

No, when you're air frying, there is very minimal prep. It happens to be healthier for you and quicker to cook.

Related recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites only 4 ingredients!
  • Crispy Miso Glazed Eggplant (Air Fry or Baked)
  • Ultimate Air Fryer Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with:

See Also
Korean Bulgogi Bolognese Recipe

  • Spicy Sesame Chicken - Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
  • Garlic Miso Chicken Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe - kinda healthy
  • Quick Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe with Thai Basil

Print

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe (13)

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Print Recipe

This air fryer eggplant recipe is one of the best eggplant recipes I have ever made. It only requires 6 ingredients.This is a completely plant-based meal for all my vegan/vegetarian friends. Have it with a nice bowl of steamed white rice, and you have a delicious meal ready in 20 minutes.Give this eggplant in air fryer and try and let me know what you think.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 large eggplant

2 tablespoon of avocado oil

2 tablespoon of white sugar

2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)

1 tbsp chili oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer your 350 degrees.
  2. Slice your eggplant into thick slices—about half inch rounds.
  3. Cut slits in the middle to create opening for the sauce.
  4. In a shallow bowl, mix together oil, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili oil(optional).
  5. Line your air fryer with parchment paper for easy clean up.
  6. Place your eggplant rounds on the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Place the sauce on top of the eggplant.
  7. Air fry for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Broil for extra 2 minutes for a crispier crust.
  8. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Oven instructions:

Preheat to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roast for 30 minutes until the eggplant is crispy on the outside and soft and tender inside.

  • Author: Carmen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: sides
  • Method: air fryer
  • Cuisine: asian
Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you need to soak eggplant before frying? ›

I tend to soak the slices in a bowl of water with a couple of tablespoon of salt for about 30-45 minutes. It doesn't have to do with bitterness, but I find that in doing this, the fried eggplant turns out less greasy," Jenkins says.

Read The Full Story ›
How do you fry eggplant without getting soggy? ›

A thorough pat with paper towels before breading the eggplant is essential to getting rid of that moisture and preventing soggy slices. Next, keep an eye on the oil temperature. Keep the oil at about 350 degrees so that the breading stays crispy, while the eggplant cooks through in the center.

Get More Info ›
Why do you soak eggplant in milk? ›

Soak eggplant slices or cubes in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh.

Learn More Now ›
How to toast eggplant in air fryer? ›

Drizzle the breaded eggplant generously with olive oil, and transfer it to a 370° preheated air fryer (P.S. I've tried many air fryers and this one is my favorite so far). Cook the eggplant until it's crispy and well-browned, about 17-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. That's it!

Continue Reading ›
What is the secret to cooking eggplant? ›

Eggplants are known to absorb a lot of fat while cooking. A useful tip to prevent sogginess and greasiness is to salt sliced or diced eggplant and let it sit for an hour. This helps to draw out moisture. Next, rinse and drain any liquid from the sliced eggplant, then pat dry before cooking.

View More ›
Should I salt eggplant before frying? ›

Salt your eggplant if it's old and soft and/or if you're frying it and looking for a texture so accommodating it will bend over backwards for you—or, if you're doing absolutely everything in your will to make sure it doesn't taste bitter.

Know More ›
What kind of oil to fry eggplant? ›

In a deep, heavy skillet heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil to 375 degrees F. Fry the eggplant pieces, in batches if necessary, for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown.

Get More Info ›
Why is my eggplant still hard after cooking? ›

If it's an extra-large eggplant, the vegetable could be older and the skin tougher, therefore, it's a smart idea to peel it. But small, young eggplant have thin, tender skins that add great texture to the vegetable when cooked.

Read The Full Story ›
How thick to cut eggplant for frying? ›

You need to cut them into rounds or lengthwise into long slabs so there is at least one cut face that sits flat on the pan, so it cooks through. For Asian eggplants, I just split them in half lengthwise. Thickness – Cut the eggplant up to 2 ½ cm / 1” thick. You'll be amazed how quickly it cooks through!

Keep Reading ›
Why put salt on eggplant before cooking? ›

The salt draws out the excess moisture so the eggplant has a stronger flavor and a softer, more tender texture. Sometimes cooks salt cucumbers, zucchini, and cabbage for the same reason. Less water = more flavor. This method works for cubes, slices, and planks of eggplant.

Read On ›

Why isn't my eggplant crispy? ›

Do you salt eggplant before making eggplant parmesan. Yes, salting the eggplant before making eggplant parmesan draws out some moisture. This can help the eggplant stay crisp after cooking because it removes some moisture before it has a chance to create sogginess.

Discover More ›
Can you eat raw eggplant? ›

Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.

Read More ›
How long should I soak eggplant? ›

Cut off and discard the stem of the eggplants, then slice them into 1-inch thick slices, lengthwise. Put the slices in the salt water, and weigh them down with a plate so they are under the brine. Let soak for 30-60 minutes.

Discover More Details ›
What will happen if you don t salt and drain eggplant slices before sauteing? ›

It only affects texture… It helps draw out moisture from the eggplant. You don't have to salt eggplant though, it depends on the texture your looking for. Salting gives it a more creamy texture when cooked and not salting helps the eggplant hold up and be a little firmer after cooked.

Discover More Details ›
Why do you soak eggplant in water and vinegar? ›

Soaking eggplant in water and vinegar helps remove some of the vegetable's natural bitterness. This step also helps preserve some of the skin's color so it stays a vibrant purple even after cooking.

Show Me More ›
When should I soak my eggplant? ›

Brining adds flavor and texture to eggplants. "Mix spices and salt with water, then soak sliced eggplant in the brine for 30 minutes before cooking.

Get More Info Here ›

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