If you love eggplant, you’ll adore this air fryer version of fried eggplant! It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor—all without the excess oil. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a vegetarian main course. Let’s dive into how to make delicious air fryer fried eggplant!
Why Use an Air Fryer for Fried Eggplant?
Air frying allows you to achieve that crispy, golden texture without deep frying, making it a healthier option. Plus, it’s quicker and requires less cleanup!
Ingredients
1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound)
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian seasoned)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray
Equipment Needed
Air fryer
Three shallow bowls
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Slice: Cut the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds. You can also cut them into sticks if you prefer.
Salt: Place the eggplant slices on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Breading: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Eggplant
Coat: Dip each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Air Fry the Eggplant
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