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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant is a fun flavorful snack that is a healthier option than typical fried snacks. Tender eggplant slices are coated in crispy breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, deliciously seasoned, then air-fried to perfection.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This tasty snack takes less than an hour to make. Serve it up for a hearty after-school snack for the kids.
- Eggplant: I love using eggplant, and this air fryer recipe is one of my favorites. It has tons of nutritional benefits, and I love how it absorbs flavors. Try it in my eggplant lasagna and eggplant parmesan.
Healthy Snack Idea
Don’t give up flavor for healthier snack options. This recipe combines both by not frying everything in oil and instead of cheese or meat, you are using a hearty vegetable as your base! You can also try my air fryer zucchini fries, crispy chickpeas, and parmesan kale chips.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant
Give yourself time for the eggplant to dry out a bit to make these delicious air fryer eggplant crisps. Once they have dried a little, everything comes together quickly. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements for the ingredients.
- Prep: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and place on a paper towel for 20 minutes to absorb any liquid. Flip the slices halfway through to absorb the other side.
- Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a small bowl and set aside.
- Stir: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese in a medium bowl.
- Dip: Dip the air fryer eggplant slices into the egg mixture to coat both sides.
- Coat: Dip the egg-coated slices in the panko mixture to coat both sides, then place aside on a plate.
- Air Fry: Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant with olive oil spray! Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until the eggplant slices are golden brown. Flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time. Work in batches if necessary. Serve your air fryer eggplant with marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Eggplant Tips and Serving Ideas
- Olive Oil Spray: I prefer olive oil spray, but you can use any non-stick spray to moisten the eggplant breading for crisping. Feel free to drizzle with olive oil if you prefer. Be sure to spray both sides!
- Salt and Pepper: I didn’t think air fryer eggplant needed salt or pepper for added flavor, but feel free to season to your liking!
- Seasonings: Instead of Italian seasoning, you can use parsley, basil, or oregano. Add any seasonings your heart desires!
- Ways to Serve: Dip air fryer eggplant in marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack. You can also serve it over pasta and pour the marinara over the top, like eggplant parmesan. Or use the crispy eggplant to make vegetarian sliders!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Eggplant
Air fryer eggplant is best enjoyed right away, but if you have leftovers, here is how to store and reheat them!
- Fridge: Store leftover eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- To Reheat: Reheating leftover eggplant is BEST in the air fryer to bring back that crispy texture! Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
More Eggplant Recipes to Try
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Sprinkle the eggplant slices with ½ teaspoon Kosher salt on both sides and place on a paper towel for 20 minutes to absorb any liquid. Flip the slices halfway through to absorb the other side.
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Whisk 1 egg in a small bowl and set aside.
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Combine the ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powderand ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese in a medium bowl.
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Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture to coat both sides.
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Dip the egg coated slices in the panko mixture to coat both sides then place aside on a plate.
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Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant with olive oil spray! Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until the eggplant slices are golden brown. Flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time. Work in batches if necessary.
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Serve with marinara sauce for dipping!
Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 473mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 144IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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