Crispy air fryer eggplants are coated in a crunchy mixture of seasoned panko and breadcrumbs. Cook the breaded eggplant in air fryer until it is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Air fried eggplant is perfect for making eggplant parmesan and can be piled on a sandwich or salad or served as a delicious snack.
It is so easy to make breaded eggplant in air fryer. The eggplant will be tender and smooth, and the breadcrumb coating will be crunchy and flavorful. Air fried eggplant is a delicious side dish but easily becomes the perfect main event when served with marinara and pasta. Crispy air fryer eggplants cook quickly; the process is less messy than pan-fried eggplant. It’s a win for everyone.
If you love eggplant, try my Baked Eggplant Pasta, Baked Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna or Lebanese Baba Ganoush.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fried Eggplant
- It’s meatless but hearty. Eggplant is a hearty vegetable that makes an excellent replacement for meat.
- It’s healthy. We’re using less oil than pan frying, plus eggplant is low in carbs and high in antioxidants.
- It’s simple to make. Breaded eggplant in air fryer is straightforward and can be made with less mess than other methods.
Fried Eggplant Ingredients
- Eggplant: select a large eggplant. Avoid eggplant with mushy or brown spots.
- Flour: coat the eggplant with all-purpose flour. Substitute gluten free flour or cornstarch if desired.
- Eggs: room temperature eggs will beat easier than cold eggs.
- Breadcrumbs: a combination of regular and panko breadcrumbs make the eggplant flavorful and crunchy.
- Parmesan Cheese: adding a bit of grated parmesan cheese gives the eggplant a nutty flavor.
- Seasoning: combine dried Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- Parsley: garnish with chopped parsley
- Marinara: Drizzle with sauce or serve for dipping.
How To Make Air Fryer Eggplant
- Prepare the equipment. Preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Slice the eggplant. Wash and dry the eggplant with a kitchen towel. Using a knife, slice the eggplant into about ⅓ inch thick slices.
- Prepare the breading station. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour; in the second bowl, whisk the eggs; in the third bowl. Combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
- Bread the eggplant. Dip the eggplant slices in the flour first and then into the egg mixture, and finally, dredge them into the breadcrumb mixture and gently press it until evenly coated. Repeat the same with the remaining eggplant slices.
- Air fry the eggplant. Spray each side of the eggplant with cooking spray and place the eggplant in a single layer on an air fryer basket. Air fry them for 10 minutes, flip them halfway through, and cook until the eggplants turn golden and crispy.
- Garnish and serve. Once done, transfer the eggplants to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve it with marinara sauce.
Tips To Make Breaded Eggplant in Air Fryer
- Look for eggplant that is deep in color and has smooth skin without bruises or soft spots.
- Cut the eggplant into even slices.
- Salt the eggplant for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry before cooking. This will yield crispier slices.
- You may need to beat an additional egg if your eggplant is large.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- If you adjust the thickness of the eggplant slices, adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Flip the eggplant halfway through the cooking time.
- Keep the slices warm by placing them in a warm oven on a drying rack or baking sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
After slicing the eggplant, sprinkle with salt and let the slices sit for 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse off the salt and dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe. While this step isn’t required, it will draw out excess moisture, so you have crispier slices of eggplant.
The skin of the eggplant is entirely edible and contains a lot of nutrients so that it can be left on. If you prefer to remove it, you certainly can.
Leftover air fried eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer or a skillet to keep them crispy. Microwaved eggplant will be soggy.
I do not recommend freezing eggplants as they will release a lot of moisture.
Air fryer eggplant makes a great appetizer dipped in marinara but you can serve it over pasta to make it a full meal. Pair it with Grilled Beef Kafta, Lebanese Kibbeh (Kibbeh bil Sanieh),or Grilled Beef Kabobs.
More Vegetable Recipes
- Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Cheesy Broccoli Bites
- Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks
- Zucchini Fritters
- Parmesan Roasted Glazed Carrots
I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Breaded Eggplant in Air Fryer recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!
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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplants
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley to garnish
- Marinara sauce to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Wash and dry the eggplant with a kitchen towel. Using a knife, slice the eggplant into about ⅓ inch thick slices.
- Prepare the breading station: In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour; in the second bowl, whisk the eggs, and in the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
- Dip the eggplant slices in the flour first and then into the egg mixture, and finally, dredge them into the breadcrumb mixture and gently press it until evenly coated. Repeat the same with the remaining eggplant slices.
- Spray each side of the eggplant with cooking spray and place the eggplant in a single layer on an air fryer basket. Air fry them for 10 minutes, flip them halfway through, and cook until the eggplants turn golden and crispy.
- Once done, transfer the eggplants to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve it with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Look for eggplant that is deep in color and has smooth skin without bruises or soft spots.
- Cut the eggplant into even slices.
- Salt the eggplant for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry before cooking. This will yield crispier slices.
- You may need to beat an additional egg if your eggplant is large.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- If you adjust the thickness of the eggplant slices, adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Flip the eggplant halfway through the cooking time.
- Keep the slices warm by placing them in a warm oven on a drying rack or baking sheet.
Nice and crunchy!
Happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review.