Air Fried Eggplant
The ultimate comfort food, Air Fried Eggplant transforms a humble vegetable into a crispy delight. Perfect for snacking or as a vibrant side dish, this recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight and indulge in the deliciousness!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant please see below how to cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your eggplant. Trim off the ends to create a stable base for slicing. This will help you handle it securely while cutting.
- Using a large chef’s knife, slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin, uniform slices about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure the slices are even for consistent cooking.
- Once you’ve sliced the eggplant, use a paring knife to peel the skin off. This step is crucial for achieving a tender texture in the final dish.
- Stack the peeled slices and cut them into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even cooking.
- Next, place a paper towel onto a large baking sheet and lay the cubes of eggplant in a single layer. Generously sprinkle salt over them to draw out moisture.
- Let the salted eggplant stand for 15 minutes. This helps remove excess water, allowing for better crisping in the air fryer.
- After 15 minutes, blot the top of the eggplant with another piece of paper towel to soak up the moisture. Discard the paper towels.
- Transfer the cubed and dried eggplant to a mixing bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil and stir well to coat the cubes evenly.
- Now it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle in the dried rosemary, dried thyme, Hungarian paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-seasoned.
- Set your air fryer to the Air Crisp function at 400 degrees. Once it’s preheated, add the seasoned eggplant to the air fryer basket.
- Cook the eggplant for 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- After cooking, carefully remove the eggplant from the air fryer. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover Air Fried Eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked eggplant, but it may lose some texture. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Tip 3: Air Fried Eggplant pairs beautifully with marinara sauce as a dip or can be served alongside grain bowls for a hearty meal.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add seasonal herbs or spices to the recipe depending on what you have available, such as fresh basil or oregano.
- Tip 5: Adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of your eggplant cubes. Smaller cubes will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.