You’ll love this cheesy and crunchy air fryer eggplant! Cooking eggplant in the air fryer is super quick, making it a great veggie side dish for just about any meal. My go-to ways to prepare eggplant are sauteed eggplant and roasted eggplant, but when I want a crispy exterior AND the fastest prep time, this eggplant air fryer recipe can’t be beat. On the other hand, if you have a little more time, be sure to try eggplant in an eggplant lasagna… it’s SO good!
Can I Air Fry Eggplant?
Yes! Making eggplant in the air fryer is fast and delicious.
Air Fried Eggplant Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for eggplant in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Eggplant – Look for a deep purple eggplant, with a smooth skin that’s not dented or bruised. Small eggplants are preferred to larger ones, because they are less bitter and have fewer seeds.Olive Oil – I recommend extra virgin olive oil, but light olive oil or even avocado oil will also work fine.Grated Parmesan Cheese – You can buy pre-grated or grate your own, just make sure it’s super finely grated, not shredded, so that you get that crispy exterior. We’re using this in lieu of an actual breading, and I think it makes the best air fried eggplant!Italian Seasoning – You can use homemade Italian seasoning or store-bought. Or feel free to add other spices, like garlic powder or paprika.Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Cook Eggplant In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to make cooking eggplant in air fryer with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Slice. Cut eggplant crosswise to make circles that are 1/2 inch thick.
TIP: Cut off leafy end after slicing. This will allow you to have more to grab on to.
Season. Drizzle eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Air fry eggplant. Arrange the slices in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the eggplant is soft and cheese is golden brown.
TIP: Cook in batches and don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Batches ensure that it browns properly.
Storage Instructions
To store: Store leftover eggplant in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.To reheat: To maintain crispness, reheat the eggplant slices in the air fryer again, or briefly pan fry. Microwaving will leave it rather soggy.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like eggplant air fryer recipes like this one, you might also like:
Air Fryer Chicken LegsPork Chops In The Air FryerAir Fryer Zucchini ChipsAir Fryer CauliflowerAir Fryer BaconAir Fryer Broccoli
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