Simple Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe

This delicious air fryer eggplant recipe makes a great addition to any meal with its crispy edges and beautifully golden brown top.

Eggplant in the air fryer is a simple side dish recipe everyone can enjoy because it is naturally gluten-free, vegan, paleo, low in carbs, and it goes well with almost any main course.

This air fryer eggplant recipe is seasoned simply with olive oil and Italian seasoning without limiting adding other pantry spices for extra flavors. If you want to make something more unique, this air fryer eggplant parmesan is delicious without breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll need

• Freshly sliced eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt-free Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to cook eggplant in air fryer

Cooking eggplant in an air fryer is very simple; follow the steps below or print the recipe card with the ingredients and instructions. You can find the recipe card at the end of this post.

Step 1. Combine the oil and seasoning in a small bowl until well combined. Using a silicone brush, brush the slices on both sides with the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. (If you remove some of the moisture with salt, you don’t need to add salt again)

Step 2. Place the seasoned slices in the basket in a single layer and air fry to 370º F for 10 minutes or until the eggplant is soft and golden brown.

Notes:

• If you don’t have a cosori basket air fryer like the one I use to make this recipe, I recommend that before cooking, check your air fryer manual for the recommended temperature for cooking vegetables. You can also cook one batch following the temperature used in this recipe and adjust if needed.
• Don’t use a mandolin or cut the eggplant too thin.
• Draw some of the moisture out if you want crispier eggplant (find the steps below).
• This recipe will make a few batches depending on the size of your basket. Cook them in a single layer and heat them all together before serving for 2-3 minutes to 400ºF.

How to get crispy roasted eggplant

To get crispy eggplant made in the air fryer, you need to remove most of the moisture out, and to accomplish it you’ll need to salt the slices and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel. Here are the steps for you to do it.

• Spread the eggplant slices on a prepared baking sheet with a cooling rack.
• Salt the slices using kosher salt (this salt is less salty than others)
• Let the slices sit for 30 minutes for them to release their moisture.
• Pat dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
• Now the slices are ready to be seasoned with the rest of the ingredients.

How long to cook eggplant in the air fryer

Air fry the eggplant to 370ºF for 10 minutes or until they are golden brown

Adjust the temperature for your air fryer since all air fryers cook slightly differently. You can check your manual for recommendations or cook your first batch following the time and temperature recommended in this recipe and adjust accordingly.

What to serve with roasted eggplant?

This side dish goes well with almost any main course you make, and air fried eggplant is not the exception. Here are some of my family favorite main dishes to serve with it:

• Air fryer pork tenderloin
• Crusted air fryer halibut
• Juicy air fryer Cornish hens
• Perfect air fryer ribeye steaks

You can also add them to any bowl or Buddha bowl you make.

Here are some FAQs that are going to help you to choose and store eggplants

When is eggplant in season?

They are in season from July through October. 

How to choose eggplant

Look for glossy, unblemished skin and a very firm texture when squeezed.

How to keep eggplant fresh longer

Keep your fresh eggplant in a cool, dry spot in your kitchen, away from direct sunlight but with plenty of air circulation. Their flesh will oxidize when sliced into, so do not chop until you are ready to make this air fryer eggplant recipe.

They can also be stored in the crisper for up to 6 days. 

How to store eggplant in the freezer

You can freeze them even though the texture and flavor change a little, but they are perfect for adding to stews and soups.

1.   Place slices in a freezer-safe bag and separate the slices with wax paper to prevent sticking.

2.   Label the bag with the name, date and freeze up to eight months if fresh and three months if cooked.

More air fryer side dishes you’ll love

• Crispy Air fryer broccoli
• Simple air fryer green beans
• Perfect air fryer spaghetti squash
• Air fryer cauliflower steaks
• Easy air fryer corn on the cob
• For more great air fryer recipes check the air fryer recipes page.