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Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

Delicious and simple Air Fryer Eggplant recipe featuring tender, golden slices seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, perfect as a healthy snack or side dish. This quick and easy preparation enhances the eggplant's natural flavors and offers versatile serving options.

Ingredients

Eggplant

  • 1 medium eggplant

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus extra for salting eggplant)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Eggplant: Wash the eggplant thoroughly and slice it into ½-inch rounds. Lay the slices on paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them rest for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with additional paper towels.
  2. Season the Slices: Brush both sides of the eggplant slices evenly with olive oil. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, keeping the seasoning simple to let the flavors of the eggplant shine.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
  4. Cook Eggplant: Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each slice to allow hot air circulation. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through cooking, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are tender.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked eggplant slices to a plate and scatter the chopped flat-leaf parsley on top. Serve warm as is, or enhance with toppings like tahini and herbs, pico de gallo, pomegranate molasses, or tomato sauce with mozzarella.

Notes

  • Salting the eggplant helps reduce bitterness and excess moisture, leading to better texture.
  • Ensure the slices are not overcrowded in the air fryer for optimal crispiness.
  • Use fresh parsley for the best flavor; substitute with cilantro or basil if preferred.
  • Experiment with different toppings for varied flavor profiles.
  • Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of slices and model of air fryer.