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5.0 from 12 votes

Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant

This Chinese style air fryer eggplant features tender eggplant with crispy charred edges, tossed in a light garlic sauce to further enhance the flavor. It is super easy to put together and fast to cook, making it a perfect side dish for your weekday dinner. {Gluten-Free Adaptable, Vegan}To make the dish gluten free, use tamari to replace soy sauce and use rice vinegar instead of Chinkiang vinegar.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 2 to 4 servings
Calories: 100 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chinese eggplant (or regular eggplant) , cut into irregular bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 green onion , sliced
  • 1 Thai Chili pepper , sliced, for garnish (Optional)
  • toasted sesame seeds , for garnish (Optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. If using regular (non-Asian) eggplant, place eggplant pieces in a large bowl and add water to cover. Add 1 teaspoon salt, mix well. Place a pot lid on top to keep the eggplant under the water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the eggplant into a big bowl with peanut oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to mix well.
  4. Combine the vinegar, soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl and stir to mix well.
  5. Line the air fryer tray with parchment paper for easy cleaning (optional). Spread the eggplant onto the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry at 400F (200°C) for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the eggplant just starts to turn tender and char on the edges.
  7. Take out the air fryer tray and place all the cooked eggplant onto the tray. Pour the sauce mixture over it. Add the garlic, green onion and chili pepper (if using). Toss to mix well.
  8. Return the tray to air fry again for another 2 minutes, until the eggplant turns soft. Garnish with chili pepper, if using. Serve hot as a side dish.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 100kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 8.9g (3%) Protein 1.5g (3%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1.1g (6%) Sodium 300mg (13%) Potassium 292mg (8%) Fiber 4.3g (17%) Sugar 4.6g (9%) Calcium 19mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2to 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 100

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 100kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 8.9g 3%
Protein 1.5g 3%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1.1g 6%
Sodium 300mg 13%
Potassium 292mg 6%
Fiber 4.3g 17%
Sugar 4.6g 9%
Calcium 19mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.