Air Fryer Eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 large globe eggplant
sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- Sea salt
for sprinkling
- 1 egg*
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
pecorino cheese, or Vegan Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil
for drizzling
- Cooked pasta
- Tomato Sauce
- Cashew Cream
- Fresh basil leaves and/or chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Directions
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- 2
Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and place in a large colander to drain for 30 minutes.
- 3
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In a medium bowl or rimmed plate, combine the panko, almond flour, pecorino, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
- 4
Pat the eggplant slices dry, dip them into the egg, and then into the panko mixture. Place on a plate as you work and then drizzle the slices with olive oil. Place in a single layer in the air fryer and air fry for 17 to 20 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown, flipping halfway through cooking. Work in batches if necessary.
- 5
Make the eggplant a full meal by serving it with pasta, scoops of tomato sauce, dollops of cashew cream, basil, red pepper flakes, and drizzles of olive oil.
Air Fryer Eggplant
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 66 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving perfectly crispy eggplant without the oil and fuss of deep frying? This Air Fryer Eggplant recipe delivers a golden-brown, tender delight, making it easy to enjoy a classic comfort food any night of the week.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this recipe lies in harnessing the power of the air fryer, which circulates hot air to create a perfectly crisp exterior with significantly less oil than traditional methods. The careful blend of panko bread crumbs and almond flour forms a sturdy, light coating, while the inclusion of grated Parmesan cheese (or its alternatives) infuses every bite with a savory depth. This combination ensures each slice emerges with an irresistible crunch that truly sets it apart.
What to Expect
Imagine biting into a slice of eggplant where the exterior crackles with a satisfying crispness, giving way to a wonderfully tender, almost creamy interior. You’ll experience a rich, savory flavor profile from the seasoned breading, beautifully balanced by the subtle sweetness of the eggplant itself. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet light, thanks to the air frying technique, making it a surprisingly effortless way to transform a simple vegetable into something truly special.
Customization & Variations
- To make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese with your favorite Vegan Parmesan alternative in the breading mixture.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes directly into the panko and almond flour mixture before coating the eggplant.
- While fresh basil and parsley are perfect for a vibrant garnish, you could also experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or chives for subtle flavor shifts.
Serving & Context
This delightful Air Fryer Eggplant is incredibly versatile. It shines when layered into a comforting cooked pasta dish with a robust tomato sauce, or served as a flavorful side alongside a creamy cashew cream for added richness. Finish with fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for an appealing presentation.