The crispy edges and gorgeously golden brown top of this delectable air fryer eggplant recipe make it a great addition to any meal.

Slices of eggplant can be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked at 370°F for 10 minutes, or until they are soft and golden.

Because it is naturally gluten-free, vegan, paleo, low in carbs, and it complements almost any main dish, eggplant in the air fryer is a simple side dish recipe that everyone can enjoy.

Every single time, this air fryer eggplant recipe comes out perfectly and is a wonderful addition to any meal.

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this air fryer eggplant recipe:

• Eggplant, of course! In order to make this recipe, you will either need 1 large globe eggplant or 2 small eggplants.
• Panko bread crumbs – They give the eggplant’s coating its delicious crispy texture.
• Almond flour and Parmesan cheese – They add richness and nuttiness to the coating. My vegan Parmesan will also work if you don’t consume dairy.
• Extra-virgin olive oil – As the eggplant cooks in the air fryer, it helps the eggplant turn crisp and golden brown. Don’t worry! You’re still using way less oil than you would be if you were frying the eggplant.
• An egg – It binds the bread crumb mixture to the eggplant slices.
• Sea salt and fresh black pepper – to make each flavor stand out!

How to Cook Eggplant in the Air Fryer

Okay, I’ll admit it: even though I’ve never been one to salt eggplant and let it drain before cooking it, I do think it makes a difference in this situation. Almost no work is required for this step, which does extend the cooking time slightly. The eggplant also has a smoother, more flavorful, and richer texture. I think it was absolutely worth it.

So, let’s get started! The eggplant will first be salted. Slices of eggplant should be placed in a colander in the sink after being generously salted. While you prepare the crispy coating and beat the egg, let the potatoes drain for 30 minutes.

The eggplant should be breaded after 30 minutes. Use a paper towel or a kitchen towel to gently pat it dry. Each slice should then be dipped in the egg, then the panko mixture. Make sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides.

In your air fryer basket, repeat the process with the remaining eggplant slices and arrange them in a single layer. Working in batches is required if there are too many slices to arrange in a single layer. The eggplant rounds won’t bake up crisp if they are stacked on top of one another.

Next, cook. Place the breaded eggplant in an air fryer that has been preheated to 370 degrees and generously drizzle with olive oil (P.S. I’ve used a lot of air fryers, but this one is currently my favorite. Cook the eggplant for 17 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is well-browned and crispy.

Good luck avoiding eating it all right out of the air fryer basket after that.

Serving Suggestions

A ridiculously delicious side dish is this air fryer recipe for eggplant. It goes well with a variety of foods, including veggie burgers, pasta, and your preferred cooked protein. Recently, I’ve been enjoying pairing it with a hearty salad for a healthy but filling meal. It would be fantastic with any of these salad recipes:

• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Greek Salad
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Panzanella Salad

But there are also times when I want to make the air-fried eggplant the centerpiece. To serve it as an entree, I arrange it over pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Then, I dollop on marinara or my fresh tomato sauce and top if off with cashew cream. This combination is my absolute favorite!

Why Salt the Eggplant?

Sometimes eggplant may have a bitter taste (although not always) and salting them helps to mask and eliminate that bitterness.

Another reason to salt them is to remove any excess moisture that may be trapped inside. To get rid of the extra liquid, salt it before cooking (but after cutting).

One last bonus, is that it helps to season your eggplant all the way through. This translates into more flavorful air-fried eggplant.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.

You can reheat food in your toaster oven or air fryer by heating it all the way through.

Expert Tips

• Try and cut your eggplant into as similar sized pieces as possible, for even cooking. Some pieces will be undercooked if you leave them too big, and they will burn if you leave them too small.
• Don’t forget to salt your food! Although starting a little earlier is necessary for this additional step, the flavor is actually enhanced.
• You are welcome to experiment with the seasoning to suit your preferences. Cumin and chili flakes are fantastic additions, or you can swap out the sweet paprika for smoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try the following Air Fryer recipes if you are interested!