Crispy Air Fryer Eggplants

Air Fryer Eggplants are a quick and tasty side dish, excellent to accompany meat, fish, egg omelettes or cheeses. It is a light and healthy recipe because it is prepared in the air fryer, a perfect appliance to bring to the table tasty vegetables cooked in a short time.

The preparation is very simple: just cut the aubergines into cubes, season them with a drop of extra virgin olive oil, sprayed with a nebulizer, enrich them with salt, pepper and chopped fresh parsley, then leave them to cook in the air fryer basket at 360°F/180°C for just 15 minutes.

What Are Air Fryer Eggplants?

Eggplant has journeyed a long way in American kitchens, first arriving in the 18th century as a curiosity from Asia and the Middle East. Initially viewed with suspicion due to its relation to toxic nightshades, it slowly gained favor thanks to gardeners like Thomas Jefferson and the influence of Southern and Italian-American cooking. Fried eggplant became especially popular in the South, while Italian immigrants brought beloved dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana, cementing the vegetable’s place as a comforting side or main dish.

In recent years, air frying has transformed how eggplant is prepared in the U.S. The introduction of the air fryer around 2010 offered a healthier alternative to deep frying, allowing eggplant to be cooked with less oil while still achieving a crispy texture. Health-conscious cooks quickly embraced this method, making air-fried eggplant a modern staple—perfect for everything from simple sides to lighter versions of traditional favorites like parmigiana.

Pro Tips for The Best Air Fryer Eggplants

• Look for eggplants with smooth, glossy skin and a firm texture. Smaller ones tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for air frying.
• Aim for uniform slices about 1–1.5 cm thick. This ensures even cooking and a consistent crispy texture across all pieces.
• Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes helps the eggplant start crisping right away. Set it around 180–200°C (356–392°F), depending on your model.
• Arrange slices in a single layer with some space between them. If needed, cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
• Air-fried eggplant is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven while the rest cook.

Do I Need to Soak the Eggplants Before Air Frying Them?

If you prefer, you can cut the aubergines, sprinkle them with coarse salt and let them rest for half an hour in a colander, so that they can lose their water and therefore their characteristic bitter aftertaste; then simply rinse them, pat them dry and proceed as indicated.

How Long Do I Need to Cook Them For in The Air Fryer?

To cook eggplants in the air fryer, set the temperature to 180–200°C (356–392°F) and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the slices, but they should be golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside when done.

Can I Add Other Spices to These Eggplants?

If you like, you can flavor them with a pinch of turmeric, sweet paprika or your favorite aromatic herbs, such as chopped thyme, basil, dried oregano and dehydrated mint, or sprinkle them generously with breadcrumbs, for a crunchy and golden result, also ideal as an appetizer for any family lunch or dinner, combined with tasty sauces.

How Do I Keep Them From Getting Soggy?

To keep eggplants from getting soggy, slice and salt them first to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry thoroughly. Use a light coating of oil and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—cook in a single layer to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.

Can I Air Fry Eggplants Without Oil?

Yes, you can air fry eggplants without oil! They’ll still cook through and become tender, but for a crispier texture and richer flavor, a light mist or brush of oil is recommended. Without oil, expect a slightly drier and less golden result, but still healthy and tasty.

What Can I Serve These Air Fryer Eggplants With?

They make a great side for pasta meals like spaghetti with marinara or creamy sauces and work beautifully in pasta salads or baked ziti. As a protein companion, they complement grilled chicken, baked fish, or lamb, and serve as a tasty vegetarian option with lentils or chickpeas. You can layer them into sandwiches or wraps with mozzarella, tomatoes, hummus, or tahini, or add them to fresh salads with arugula, feta, and olives. They also shine as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with dips like tzatziki or baba ghanoush, and pair nicely with grains like quinoa, bulgur, or rice for a balanced, flavorful dish.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make air fryer eggplants ahead of time. To keep them at their best, store the cooked slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 180°C (356°F) to restore their crispiness before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soft and soggy.

Do They Freeze Well?

Air-fried eggplants can be frozen, but they don’t freeze as well as other vegetables due to their high water content. While you can store them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months, the texture may become softer after thawing. For best results, reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer to regain some crispiness—just don’t expect the same freshly-cooked texture.

How to Store Air Fryer Eggplants

To store leftover air-fried eggplants, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best texture when reheating, use the air fryer or oven at 180°C (356°F) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Make Air Fryer Eggplants

Remove the stem from the eggplants.

Cut the pulp into cubes of similar size, to ensure even cooking.

Transfer the eggplants to a large bowl and season with 7-8 sprays of extra virgin olive oil.

Add the finely chopped fresh parsley.

Add salt and a little freshly ground black pepper.

Mix with a spoon so that the seasoning is distributed well.

Place the eggplants in the air fryer basket

Cook them at 356°F/180°C for 15 minutes, taking them out and shaking them halfway through cooking, until they are well colored and slightly wilted, but not dry.

Enjoy!