Air Fryer Eggplant
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Eggplant
Description
The preparation begins by salting the eggplant slices to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness, followed by patting them dry. Then the rounds are coated in a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, oregano, parsley, and optional black pepper. This flavorful marinade highlights the eggplant’s natural softness while adding savory and smoky notes.
Cooking in the air fryer at 380°F crisps the exterior to a golden finish while keeping the inside fork-tender. Turning halfway ensures even browning and textural contrast. The recipe suggests serving the eggplant warm with dill, lemon wedges, and a cooling tzatziki sauce for dipping, enhancing the fresh and tangy flavors.
This method delivers a vegetable side dish or snack with minimal added fat and a good balance of seasoning. Slicing uniformly and cooking in a single layer promote consistent texture. The recipe also allows for variations in slicing and oil choice to suit preferences.
Overall, this approach highlights eggplant’s ability to take on rich seasoning and crisp texture through air frying, complemented by fresh garnishes and a creamy dip.
Ingredients
- 2 eggplant cut into half-inch rounds, medium
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper optional
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and cut the eggplant.
- Place the pieces in a large colander and place the colander inside a bowl.
- Generously sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the pieces to a dry kitchen towel, arranging them in one layer. Using paper towels, press and pat them dry.
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Add the eggplant rounds to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Toss well to combine.
- Arrange eggplant in the air fryer basket in one layer and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning once at the halfway point. Cook until nicely golden, crispy, and fork-tender.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh dill, lemon wedges on the side, and tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Salting the eggplant for 30 minutes removes bitterness and excess moisture; pat slices dry before seasoning.
- Use olive oil instead of sesame oil for a milder flavor if desired.
- Slice pieces uniformly for even cooking and crisping.
- Cook in a single layer in the air fryer basket, doing batches if needed to ensure crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer 5-10 minutes prior to cooking for best results.
- Eggplant can be sliced into strips instead of rounds for variety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings as a side dish
Amount Per Serving
Calories 87 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 87kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 172mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 383mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 208IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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