Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant (Easy Recipe)

This air fryer eggplant recipe turns the humble vegetable into a crispy, creamy sensation!

This dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Slices of eggplant are transformed in the air fryer into crispy treats with a tender center. 

It’s a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Eggplant

The air fryer offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. You barely need any oil, yet the eggplant comes out ultra crisp and crunchy.

Here’s what you need to make some delicious air fryer eggplant. You’ll find the full list with exact measurements at the bottom of the page.

• Eggplant – Globe eggplants are perfect for their meaty texture and mild flavor. They should be smooth-skinned, without dents or bruises. 
  
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor to the eggplant. 
  
• Panko Breadcrumbs – They add a light, crispy texture, making each bite delightfully crunchy.
  
• All-Purpose Flour – It helps the other breading ingredients stick to the eggplant, creating a crispy coating.
  
• Eggs – They act as a binder, ensuring the breadcrumbs and Parmesan adhere to the eggplant slices.
  
• Olive Oil Spray – Using olive oil helps the eggplant crisp up in the air fryer, giving it that lovely golden brown color. Extra virgin is great, but light olive oil or avocado oil works, too.
  
• Italian Seasoning – The flavor booster. You can use either homemade or store-bought.
  
• Salt and Pepper – To season the breading.

How to Cook Eggplant in the Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps to make easy and tasty air fryer eggplant.

1. Slice and salt the eggplant. Slice off the top and base of the eggplant, then cut it into even slices. Salt them and leave them in a colander for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture.

2. Set up the breading station. Arrange three bowls for breading: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.

3. Coat the eggplant slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Ensure each slice is well coated at every stage.

4. Air fry the eggplant. Lay the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil and cook for 8 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 6-7 minutes until golden.

5. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Here are some top tips to get the best out of your air fryer eggplant, making it a hit every time.

• Be pick with the eggplant. Look for firm, glossy eggplants for the best flavor and texture.

• Keep things nice and even. Make sure your slices or cubes are uniform for even cooking.

• To salt or not to salt? Salting helps remove extra liquid and bitterness when eggplants are not in their peak season. During peak season, this step can be skipped.

• Don’t crowd them. Keep eggplant slices spaced apart in the air fryer basket for better airflow and even cooking.

• Get flipping! Flip the eggplant halfway through. This ensures that both sides of the eggplant get that desirable crisp-tender texture and golden color.

• Keep a watchful eye. Different air fryers and slice thicknesses mean cooking times can vary. Keep an eye on your eggplant after the 15-minute mark.

• Let it chill. Cooking with eggplant straight from the fridge helps achieve a crispy exterior before it softens too much.

• Kick up the crispiness. Cook it a little longer to get you those irresistible crispy edges, a silky middle, and crunchy skin.

How to Store

Here’s how to keep your air fryer eggplant delicious for later.

To Store: Keep your leftover eggplant in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for 3-4 days.

To Reheat: For that just-cooked crispiness, reheat in the air fryer or give slices a quick pan fry. The microwave might make them soggy.

Note: Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish. It tends to get soggy when thawed.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer eggplant is super versatile and can jazz up a variety of meals.

• TikTok Baked Feta Pasta – The eggplant adds a delightful twist to the creamy, tangy pasta.
  
• Greek Pasta Salad – It pairs perfectly, offering a crispy contrast to the fresh, zesty flavors of the salad.
  
• Lemon Chicken – It complements the citrusy, savory notes of the chicken, making for a well-rounded meal.
  
• Air Fryer Salmon – The crispiness of the eggplant goes great with the tender, flaky texture of the salmon.
  
• T-Bone Steak – A hearty, satisfying side that stands up to the robust flavor of a juicy steak.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Air Fryer Quesadillas
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Sausage
Air Fryer Okra