Description
Crispy, golden air fryer eggplant slices bring Mediterranean magic to your plate with minimal effort. Herb-seasoned and perfectly crisped, these delectable rounds offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying while delivering maximum flavor in every single bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb or 450 grams)
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cleanse the eggplant thoroughly under cool running water, ensuring all surface dirt is removed, then gently pat dry with paper towels.
- Slice the vegetable into uniform half-inch thick rounds or cubes, maintaining consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Optional debittering technique involves sprinkling kosher salt over the sliced eggplant and allowing it to rest for approximately 20 minutes to extract potential bitter compounds.
- Rinse the salted eggplant pieces and meticulously dry them using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Create a flavor mixture combining extra virgin olive oil, aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Thoroughly coat the eggplant pieces in the seasoning blend, ensuring each slice is evenly and generously covered.
- Activate the air fryer and calibrate the temperature to 375F, allowing it to warm up for precise cooking.
- Strategically arrange eggplant pieces inside the air fryer basket, maintaining a single layer without overcrowding to promote optimal crispiness.
- Cook the seasoned eggplant for 12-15 minutes, executing a midpoint basket shake to guarantee uniform browning and texture.
- During the final two minutes, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the eggplant for an additional layer of savory complexity.
- Remove the golden-brown, crispy eggplant and transfer to a serving plate, accompanying with marinara sauce or tzatziki for enhanced enjoyment.
Notes
- Salt the eggplant beforehand to eliminate excess moisture and reduce bitterness, ensuring a crispy and flavorful result.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut uniform slices, guaranteeing even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Experiment with different spice blends like za’atar, Italian seasoning, or curry powder to transform the flavor profile and keep the recipe exciting.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or skip the cheese topping entirely, maintaining the eggplant’s delicious roasted taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg