Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant (Easy Recipe)
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Air fryer eggplant is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. You’ll love how crispy and flavorful it turns out. This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to create a delicious coating that gets super crunchy in the air fryer.
The key to success is slicing the eggplant thin and letting it drain with salt before cooking. This helps remove extra moisture so your eggplant gets nice and crispy. In just about an hour, you can have a yummy side dish or appetizer that’s way healthier than deep-fried versions.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make crispy air fryer eggplant:
- 1 large globe eggplant (or 2 small)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
You’ll use half the salt to draw out moisture from the eggplant. The other half goes in the breading mix.
Make sure you have three shallow bowls for the breading station. One for flour, one for eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture.
Don’t forget the olive oil spray! It helps make your eggplant extra crispy in the air fryer.
With these ingredients, you can make about 4 servings of tasty air fryer eggplant. It’s a great side dish or snack that’s sure to please!
Instructions
Cut off the top and bottom of your eggplant. Slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides and let it sit in a colander for 30 minutes.
Set up your breading station with three bowls:
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- Mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Turn on your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the eggplant dry. Coat each slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mix. Make sure to cover both sides well.
Put a single layer of eggplant in your air fryer basket. Spray the top with olive oil. Cook for 8 minutes.
Flip the slices over. Spray again with oil. Cook for 6-7 more minutes until they look golden and crispy.
Keep going until all your eggplant is cooked. You might need to do this in batches.
Serve your crispy eggplant with a salad, pasta, or some marinara sauce. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Possible Substitutes List
You can swap out some ingredients in this recipe if needed. Here are some easy switches:
Eggplant:
• Zucchini
• Yellow squash
• Thick slices of firm tofu
Flour:
• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour
Eggs:
• Buttermilk
• Plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed
Breadcrumbs:
• Crushed cornflakes
• Crushed pork rinds
• Almond meal
Parmesan cheese:
• Nutritional yeast
• Vegan Parmesan alternative
Italian seasoning:
• Mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
Olive oil spray:
• Avocado oil spray
• Coconut oil spray
You can also try different spices in the breading mix. Garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can add extra flavor. Remember to adjust cooking times if using different vegetables or breading options.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
You can make this air fryer eggplant recipe more diabetes-friendly with a few simple changes. Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap adds more fiber and nutrients.
For the breading, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. These options are lower in carbs. You can also cut back on the Parmesan cheese or use a low-fat version.
Spray less oil on the eggplant slices. The air fryer already uses less oil than deep frying, but using even less helps reduce calories.
Serve your crispy eggplant with a side salad full of leafy greens and colorful veggies. This adds nutrients without many carbs. If you want a sauce, try a small amount of sugar-free marinara.
Remember to watch your portion sizes. Stick to a few slices of eggplant per serving. This helps keep your carb and calorie intake in check.
By making these tweaks, you can enjoy a tasty, crispy eggplant dish that fits better into a diabetes-friendly eating plan.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra crispy eggplant, try these tips:
- Cut slices evenly for uniform cooking
- Pat slices very dry after salting
- Use a wire rack in the air fryer basket for better air flow
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if needed
To store leftovers, let the eggplant cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, pop the slices back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness.
You can freeze breaded uncooked eggplant for later:
- Arrange slices on a baking sheet
- Freeze until solid (about 2 hours)
- Transfer to a freezer bag
- Store for up to 3 months
To cook from frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the air frying time. No need to thaw first!
Try serving your crispy eggplant with:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- On top of pasta
- In a sandwich with fresh mozzarella
- As a side dish with grilled chicken or fish