Air Fryer Eggplant

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If you love eggplant, but don’t like the mess of frying, this easy air fryer eggplant recipe offers a healthier, mess-free solution! The eggplant slices are crispy, golden and made without extra oil and cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect easy, and healthy side dish for busy weeknights.

a close up of breaded eggplant on a plate with fresh ripe tomatoes and sprinkled with basil

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Benefits of air fryer eggplant

HEALTHY – Air frying uses minimal oil, making it a lighter and healthier alternative.
QUICK AND EASY – The entire recipe is ready in 30 minutes.
LESS MESS – No stovetop splatter; cleanup is easy with an air fryer!
FLAVOR – Air frying locks in the natural flavor of eggplant while creating a crispy golden crust.
VERSATILE – Air-fried eggplant works as a side dish, appetizer or main dish. Add sauce and cheese for eggplant parmesan.

What you’ll need to make eggplant in the air fryer

a picture of eggplant ingredients: eggplant, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, egg, breadcrumbs

Ingredient List

Eggplant (any variety)
Breadcrumbs
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Oregano
Garlic powder
Egg, milk or yogurt
Avocado oil cooking spray (or olive oil spray) to help prevent sticking

How to air fry eggplant slices

Prepare the dredging station and eggplant:

Crack the egg into a shallow bowl, whisk it, and set it aside.
In a second shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, oregano, and garlic powder.
Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch slices, and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture which will help ensure a crisp outer coating.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

process step 1: an eggplant slice dipped into egg wash with a fork before it gets dipped in breadcrumbs

STEP 1: Dip a slice of eggplant into the egg mixture, and turn it to ensure all sides are coated with the egg mixture.

Process step 2: eggplant slice in bowl of bread crumbs with a fork

STEP 2: Coat the egg-dipped slice of eggplant evenly, pressing it into the breadcrumbs to ensure proper coverage on all sides.

Process steop 3 uncooked breaded eggplant in an air fryer basket

STEP 3: Place each coated slice of eggplant in a single layer in an air fryer basket or tray.

Porcess step 4
Cooked breaded eggplant in a air fryer tray

STEP 4: Air fry eggplant slices until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Note: Cooking times can vary, depending on the thickness of the eggplant and the type of air fryer you have. The eggplant is done when the outside is golden brown and the inside feels soft.

Tips for success

For even cooking, slice the eggplant to a uniform thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, based on your preference.
To ensure crispiness, don’t over crowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
Flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking cycle for even brownng.

an overhead view of eggplant slices on a white plate with tomatoes

Air-fryer eggplant variations

As with just about every recipe, there are ways to change it up. Here are some suggestions:

Gluten-free – You can easily make air-fried eggplant slices gluten-free by replacing the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Low-carb – For a low-carb version, try coating the eggplant in an almond meal or almond flour.
Vegan – Dip the eggplant slices in dairy-free milk or yogurt and replace the parmesan cheese with an equal amount of nutritional yeast.
Spicy – Add 1/2 teaspoon or more to taste to the breadcrumb mixture.
Cajun – Instead of oregano or Italian seasoning, add cajun spice blend to the breadcrumb mixture
Eggplant fries – Cut the eggplant into spears instead of rounds, and serve them with a side of pasta sauce, salsa or dip.

Serving suggestions

Serve air-fried eggplant parmesan style, with homemade marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top of the eggplant for a main dish.

It also tastes great as a tasty side dish garnished with fresh basil or fresh parsley and sliced tomatoes, or cut into chunks and tossed into a salad or pasta.

Air fryer eggplant also tastes great as a side dish with grilled chicken, or pork.

How to store leftover crispy air fryer eggplant

Store leftover air fryer eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freeze leftover cooked breaded eggplant rounds for up to three months. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and pop it in the freezer.

Once the eggplant slices are frozen, remove them from the baking sheet and place them in a freezer-safe bag such as a stasher bag.

Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer, no need to defrost frozen air fryer eggplant.

breaded eggplant on a plate with tomatoes on the side

Recipe FAQs

Should I peel the eggplant before cooking it?

It is not necessary to peel the eggplant. In fact, it’s better to leave the skin in because that is where most of the nutrients are. If you choose smaller and younger eggplants the skin will be more tender than larger eggplants which can be tough and can have a bitter flavor.

Do you have to salt eggplant before cooking it?

It is not necessary to salt the eggplant before cooking it, unless you are using a large or older eggplant which can sometimes become bitter.

Can I make this air fryer eggplant recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can. Place the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 425°F oven for approximately 10 minutes, flip over and bake for 10 minutes longer or until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.