Air Fryer Eggplant
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My crispy air fryer eggplant recipe has quickly become a household favorite. Each slice is golden brown on the outside, tender in the center, and perfectly seasoned. Ready in under 10 minutes!
Some people in my house are not fans of eggplant (aka my partner)- they say it’s mushy or rubbery- but it all comes down to how you cook it.
Here’s what I learned in culinary school: eggplant tastes best when it’s cooked quickly. The air fryer’s speed and even heat caramelizes the skin just enough while keeping the inside soft and tender. The result? Perfectly crisp edges and no sogginess in sight (seriously).
Even the eggplant skeptics at my table ask for seconds now (yes, the same partner). That’s honestly my biggest kitchen victory yet.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “Nice and crispy without the oil, great. I have been trying to avoid all but olive oils anyway, but air fry works too, so thank you!” – Sabrina
Key Ingredients
- Eggplants. Choose a firm eggplant that has little to no bruising. I also like to use larger eggplants because they cook more evenly than smaller ones.
- Olive oil. You’ll need to add a touch of oil to keep the eggplant moist, or else it could burn. Olive oil is ideal for enhancing the flavor of veggies, but any neutral-flavored oil will work.
- Salt and black pepper. To season.
How to cook eggplant in the air fryer
Step 1- Season. In a mixing bowl, toss the eggplant with the oil and spices until combined.
Step 2- Air fry. Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Cut the eggplant into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. I find two-inch slices to be the ideal thickness.
- Consider salting the eggplant. I know I said it wasn’t necessary, and it isn’t. However, if the eggplants are out of season or low-quality, you may want to reduce bitterness by salting them for 20 minutes, then rinsing and drying them to remove excess moisture.
- Place the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer. You don’t want too much overlapping, or else each piece won’t get crispy.
Recipe variations
I’ve tested the eggplant with breading and also using the cooked eggplant to make Parmesan stacks:
Bread the eggplant: For a crispy texture, coat the slices in a beaten egg mixture, then a mix of panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option), Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
Air fryer eggplant parmesan: Layer the cooked and breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer, and top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Air fry until the cheese melts, then serve with fresh basil.
Frequently asked questions
If you prefer a softer eggplant, you can soak it in water for 30 minutes before air-frying (I don’t usually do this, though). Remember to pat it dry with paper towels before adding seasonings. You can also soften eggplant quickly by adding one teaspoon of lemon juice.
I’m basing my recipe off 2-inch eggplant slices, which takes around 8 to 9 minutes to cook properly. I tested this in all three (yes, you read that correctly) of my air fryers and this is how long they took to cook. If you cut thick slices, the cooking time will increase, but if you slice them thinner, it will take less time.
If you cook the eggplant at a lower heat and for a longer duration, you risk the middle being soggy instead of soft. Please stick to my tried and tested times.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Eggplant
Video
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants Cut into 2-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
- Add the eggplant, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a mixing bowl and mix until combined.
- Add the seasoned eggplant rounds to an air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the eggplant from the air fryer and repeat the process until all the eggplant are cooked.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
- More spice ideas. Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, or rosemary are some of my favorite spices to pair with eggplant.
Delicious! 😋 I used Avocado Oil because I just ran out of EVOO. I seasoned with an organic herbal no-salt seasoning and pepper because of husband’s diet. The Eggplant was amazing and served with a sprinkle of grated cheese and Mango-Peach Salsa. Mmmm… 😋
Good recipe
I love this recipe. it’s easy, healthy and so delicious. That was the first time I ate eggplant from the air fryer.
Eggplant leave some sweetness when they are air fried. Very good.
Do you have other veggie example to make in air afryer? This, zucchini, carrots, others?
Delicious with ot without dipping sauce
nice and crispy without the oil, great, have been trying to avoid all but olive oils anyway, but air fry works too, so thank you!