Top 27 Easy Eggplant Air Fryer Recipes [NOT TO MISS]

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into delicious dishes with the help of an air fryer. The air fryer’s ability to cook with minimal oil while maintaining a crispy texture makes it an excellent tool for preparing eggplant recipes. In this article, we will explore the world of easy eggplant air fryer recipes, showcasing 27 delectable options that range from appetizers to main courses. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will elevate your culinary skills and bring out the best in this underrated vegetable.

Top 27 Easy Eggplant Air Fryer Recipes

1. Classic Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Start your eggplant air fryer journey with a timeless favorite – Eggplant Parmesan. Slice the eggplant into rounds, coat them with breadcrumbs, and air fry until golden and crispy. Layer the slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a mouthwatering twist on a classic Italian dish.

2. Crispy Eggplant Fries

Transform eggplant into a delightful snack by creating crispy eggplant fries. Cut the eggplant into thin strips, coat them in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and air fry until golden brown. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a satisfying appetizer.

3. Garlic Roasted Eggplant Chips

For a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, try making garlic roasted eggplant chips in the air fryer. Thinly slice the eggplant, toss it with olive oil and garlic, and air fry until the slices become crisp and flavorful. A guilt-free snack for any occasion.

4. Mozzarella-Stuffed Eggplant Meatballs

Elevate your appetizer game with mozzarella-stuffed eggplant meatballs. Mix ground eggplant with breadcrumbs, spices, and mozzarella cubes. Shape into meatballs and air fry until golden and gooey. Serve with marinara sauce for a delightful twist on the classic meatball.

5. Spicy Eggplant Poppers

Add a kick to your eggplant with spicy poppers. Cut the eggplant into bite-sized pieces, coat them in a spicy seasoning, and air fry until crispy. These poppers make a perfect party snack or a zesty side dish for your meals.

6. Balsamic Glazed Eggplant Slices

Bring a touch of sweetness to your eggplant slices with a balsamic glaze. Brush the eggplant with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil, then air fry until caramelized. The result is a savory-sweet side dish that pairs well with various main courses.

7. Stuffed Eggplant Rolls

Create an elegant dish by making stuffed eggplant rolls. Thinly slice the eggplant, spread a mixture of ricotta cheese and herbs on each slice, and roll them up. Air fry until golden brown, then serve these savory rolls as a sophisticated appetizer or a side dish.

8. Eggplant And Chickpea Curry

Explore the flavors of India with a hearty eggplant and chickpea curry. Cube the eggplant and mix it with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Air fry until the vegetables are tender and the curry is infused with rich flavors. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.

9. Cajun-Seasoned Eggplant Skewers

Give your eggplant a Cajun twist with seasoned skewers. Cut the eggplant into cubes, coat them in Cajun seasoning, and thread onto skewers. Air fry until the edges are crispy, creating a flavorful and spicy appetizer or side dish.

10. Eggplant And Zucchini Ratatouille

Take a culinary journey to Provence with a colorful and vibrant eggplant and zucchini ratatouille. Slice the vegetables into rounds, layer them in the air fryer, and cook until tender. The result is a visually stunning dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

11. Miso-Glazed Eggplant Stir Fry

Infuse Asian flavors into your eggplant with a miso-glazed stir fry. Cube the eggplant and stir fry with a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Air fry until the eggplant is caramelized and the flavors are beautifully melded together.

12. Caprese-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls

Combine the freshness of a Caprese salad with the elegance of stuffed eggplant rolls. Slice the eggplant, spread a mixture of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on each slice, and roll them up. Air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delightful appetizer or side dish.

13. Eggplant And Spinach Lasagna

Create a healthier version of lasagna by using eggplant and spinach as the base. Layer the sliced eggplant with spinach, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce. Air fry until the lasagna is bubbling and golden, offering a low-carb alternative to the classic dish.

14. Sweet And Sour Eggplant Bites

Indulge in the contrasting flavors of sweet and sour with eggplant bites. Coat the eggplant in a sweet and sour sauce, then air fry until crispy. These bites make for an addictive appetizer or a unique addition to your snack repertoire.

15. Eggplant And Mushroom Stuffed Peppers

Combine the richness of eggplant with the earthiness of mushrooms in stuffed peppers. Mix diced eggplant and mushrooms with herbs and breadcrumbs, then stuff them into bell peppers. Air fry until the peppers are tender and the stuffing is golden brown, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish.

16. Buffalo-Style Eggplant Wings

Give a vegetarian twist to the classic buffalo wings with eggplant. Cut the eggplant into wing-like shapes, coat them in buffalo sauce, and air fry until crispy. Serve with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a game-day favorite.

17. Eggplant And Feta Flatbread

Create a Mediterranean-inspired flatbread with the combination of eggplant and feta. Roast eggplant slices, spread them on a flatbread with feta cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes, then air fry until the edges are golden. A light and flavorful flatbread perfect for lunch or dinner.

18. Sesame-Ginger Glazed Eggplant Noodles

Turn eggplant into a noodle alternative with a sesame-ginger glaze. Spiralize the eggplant into noodles, toss them with a mixture of sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce, then air fry until the noodles are tender and infused with the Asian-inspired flavors.

19. Eggplant And Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Combine the goodness of eggplant and quinoa in a wholesome stuffed bell pepper recipe. Mix cooked quinoa with diced eggplant, tomatoes, and spices, then stuff the bell peppers. Air fry until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal.

20. Cumin-Spiced Eggplant Tacos

Give your taco night a vegetarian twist with cumin-spiced eggplant tacos. Cube the eggplant, toss it in a cumin spice blend, and air fry until tender and slightly crispy. Fill taco shells with the spiced eggplant, and top with your favorite taco toppings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

21. Eggplant And Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pizza

Upgrade your pizza game with an eggplant and sun-dried tomato pesto topping. Slice the eggplant into rounds, spread them on a pizza crust with sun-dried tomato pesto, mozzarella, and basil. Air fry until the crust is crispy and the toppings are bubbling, creating a gourmet pizza experience.

22. Eggplant And Black Bean Quesadillas

Create a fusion of flavors with eggplant and black bean quesadillas. Roast eggplant slices, layer them with black beans, cheese, and spices, then fold them into tortillas. Air fry until the quesadillas are golden and the cheese is melted, offering a delicious and hearty Mexican-inspired dish.

23. Eggplant And Pesto Panini

Elevate your sandwich game with an eggplant and pesto panini. Roast eggplant slices, layer them on bread with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes, then press in the air fryer until the bread is toasted and the cheese is gooey. A sophisticated and flavorful panini for lunch or dinner.

24. Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Transform eggplant into boats filled with Mediterranean goodness. Cut the eggplant in half, scoop out the center, and fill the boats with a mixture of diced eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and feta. Air fry until the boats are tender, creating a visually appealing and tasty dish.

25. Eggplant And Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Build a nourishing Buddha bowl with the combination of eggplant and chickpeas. Cube the eggplant, mix it with roasted chickpeas, quinoa, and a variety of colorful vegetables. Air fry until everything is heated through, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal in a bowl.

26. Eggplant And Lentil Stew

Create a hearty and comforting stew with eggplant and lentils. Cube the eggplant, mix it with lentils, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Air fry until the stew is thick and flavorful, offering a nutritious and warming dish for colder days.

27. Eggplant And Goat Cheese Tart

End your eggplant air fryer journey on a high note with an elegant eggplant and goat cheese tart. Slice the eggplant into rounds, arrange them on a puff pastry with goat cheese, thyme, and honey, then air fry until the tart is golden and the flavors are perfectly balanced. A show-stopping dish for special occasions.

The air fryer opens up a world of possibilities for creating easy and delicious eggplant recipes. From appetizers to main courses, these 27 recipes showcase the versatility of eggplant and the convenience of the air fryer. Whether you’re craving a classic Eggplant Parmesan or a unique Eggplant and Goat Cheese Tart, these recipes will inspire you to explore the culinary potential of this underrated vegetable. Embrace the simplicity and flavor that the air fryer brings to your kitchen, and enjoy a new level of cooking satisfaction with these easy eggplant air fryer recipes.

Top 10 Global Flavors

Eggplants, with their luscious and velvety texture, are a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into delectable dishes with the magic of an air fryer. As a kitchen powerhouse, the air fryer not only ensures a crispy exterior but also retains the succulent juiciness within.

1. Mediterranean Magic

Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with our Eggplant Caponata. Diced eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers come together in a harmonious blend, drizzled with olive oil and air-fried to perfection. The result is a savory and tangy delight that captures the essence of this iconic region.

2. Asian Fusion

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Asia with our Crispy Eggplant Tempura. The eggplant slices are delicately coated in a light tempura batter, creating a crunchy exterior that gives way to the soft and flavorful core. Serve it with a soy-based dipping sauce for an authentic Asian experience.

3. Spicy Indian Delight

Experience the bold flavors of India with our Spicy Eggplant Masala. Sliced eggplants are marinated in a rich blend of Indian spices, air-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a fragrant masala sauce. This dish is a celebration of spice and warmth, capturing the essence of Indian cuisine.

4. Middle Eastern Charm

Indulge in the exotic tastes of the Middle East with our Eggplant Shawarma. Thinly sliced eggplant is marinated in a medley of Middle Eastern spices, air-fried to a crisp, and then layered with tahini sauce and pickled vegetables. This recipe promises a burst of flavors reminiscent of a bustling Middle Eastern market.

5. Italian Elegance

Savor the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine with our Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan. Layers of thinly sliced eggplant are coated in breadcrumbs, air-fried until golden brown, and then assembled with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This classic dish is reinvented with the ease and efficiency of the air fryer.

6. Latin American Zest

Infuse your kitchen with the vibrant flavors of Latin America with our Eggplant Tacos. Air-fried eggplant slices are nestled in warm tortillas, topped with salsa verde, avocado, and cilantro. This dish is a perfect fusion of textures and tastes, bringing a touch of Latin zest to your table.

7. Greek Isles Inspiration

Celebrate the flavors of the Greek Isles with our Greek-style Stuffed Eggplants. Hollowed-out eggplants are filled with a mixture of feta cheese, tomatoes, and herbs before being air-fried to perfection. The result is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that captures the essence of Greek cuisine.

8. French Gastronomy

Indulge in the sophistication of French cuisine with our Provencal-style Ratatouille. Layers of thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes are arranged in a visually stunning pattern, air-fried to perfection, and then drizzled with a fragrant herb-infused sauce. This dish is a celebration of the artistry and flavors of Provence.

9. Caribbean Heat

Spice up your kitchen with the tropical flavors of the Caribbean with our Jerk-Spiced Eggplant. The eggplant is generously coated in a fiery jerk spice blend, air-fried until crisp, and then served with a cooling mango salsa. This recipe brings the heat and the sweet for a memorable Caribbean-inspired meal.

10. American Classic

Revisit a beloved American classic with our Air-Fried Eggplant Fries. Thick-cut eggplant sticks are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, air-fried to a golden perfection, and served with a tangy dipping sauce. This recipe offers a healthier twist on the traditional French fries, showcasing the versatility of the air fryer.

My Favourite Air Fryer Recipe

Among the plethora of tantalizing options, one recipe stands out as a personal favorite: Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Bites.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into bite-sized rounds
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
3. Dip each eggplant round into the beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Arrange the coated eggplant rounds in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
5. Air-fry for 12-15 minutes or until the eggplant is golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the eggplant rounds from the air fryer and top each with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
7. Return the coated eggplant rounds to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

These Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Bites encapsulate the perfect balance of crispy texture and gooey cheesiness. The air fryer not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures a consistent and delightful result every time. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that seamlessly combines the richness of traditional eggplant Parmesan with the convenience of air frying.

Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking

Mastering the art of air fryer cooking requires a combination of technique and understanding the capabilities of this innovative appliance. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your eggplant dishes are a resounding success:

1. Preheat For Perfection

Always preheat your air fryer before placing any ingredients inside. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, allowing your eggplant to cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispy texture.

2. Uniform Slicing

Consistency in the size of your eggplant slices is crucial for even cooking. Aim for uniformity to ensure that each piece cooks at the same rate, resulting in a batch of perfectly air-fried eggplant.

3. Use Parchment Paper

To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This also helps to preserve the integrity of delicate coatings, such as breadcrumbs, by avoiding direct contact with the basket.

4. Don’t Overcrowd The Basket

Give your eggplant slices room to breathe by avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Overlapping or stacking can hinder the circulation of hot air, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve optimal results.

5. Shake And Flip

For even cooking, shake or flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides are exposed to the circulating hot air, promoting uniform crispiness.

6. Monitor Moisture

Eggplants have a high water content, which can affect the crispiness of your air-fried creations. To mitigate this, sprinkle salt on sliced eggplants and let them sit for 30 minutes before patting dry with a paper towel. This helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior.

7. Experiment With Seasonings

Elevate the flavor profile of your air-fried eggplant by experimenting with different seasonings and spice blends. Whether it’s a smoky paprika, garlic powder, or a homemade herb blend, seasonings add depth and character to your dishes.

8. Adjust Temperature And Time

Every air fryer is unique, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your appliance’s temperature and time settings. Adjust as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness and doneness for your eggplant creations.

9. Keep It Light

When coating your eggplant with breadcrumbs or batter, aim for a light and even application. Too much coating can lead to a heavy, doughy texture, while a light touch ensures a perfect balance between crunch and tenderness.

10. Embrace Experimentation

The beauty of the air fryer lies in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors, coatings, and presentations. The air fryer is your culinary canvas, allowing you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen.

Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, time-saving strategies in the kitchen are invaluable. The air fryer proves to be a time-efficient solution for preparing quick and delicious eggplant dishes.

1. Batch Cooking

Maximize the efficiency of your air fryer by batch cooking. Prepare a larger quantity of eggplant, and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for easy reheating throughout the week. This not only saves time but also ensures that a satisfying meal is just a reheat away.

2. Pre-cut And Pre-season

Spend some time on meal prep during the weekend by pre-cutting and pre-seasoning your eggplant. Store the seasoned slices in an airtight container, ready to be air-fried at a moment’s notice. This simple step streamlines the cooking process, making it a breeze to whip up a quick and flavorful dish.

3. Freeze For Future Use

Take advantage of the air fryer’s ability to revive frozen foods by preparing batches of eggplant and freezing them for later use. Whether it’s breaded slices or marinated cubes, having a stash of frozen eggplant ensures a convenient and speedy cooking experience.

4. Multitasking Mastery

Harness the power of multitasking by utilizing the air fryer for different components of a meal simultaneously. While your eggplant is air-frying to perfection, use the stovetop or oven for other elements of your dish. This efficient approach allows you to orchestrate a complete and well-coordinated meal with minimal effort.

5. Invest In Accessories

Explore the array of accessories available for your air fryer to enhance its multitasking capabilities. Accessories such as additional trays, racks, and skewers enable you to cook multiple items at once, maximizing the efficiency of your air fryer.

6. One-Pot Wonders

Create flavorful one-pot meals by combining your air-fried eggplant with complementary ingredients. Whether it’s tossing them into a pasta dish, incorporating them into a stir-fry, or adding them to a grain bowl, one-pot wonders streamline the cooking process and minimize cleanup.

7. Quick Clean-Up

Optimize your kitchen efficiency by choosing air-fryer recipes that require minimal cleanup. The simplicity of the air fryer extends beyond cooking to the cleaning process, making it an ideal appliance for busy cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor.

8. Pre-heat While Prepping

Maximize your time in the kitchen by pre-heating the air fryer while you prep your ingredients. This ensures that the appliance is ready to go when you are, reducing overall cooking time and allowing you to enjoy your delicious eggplant creation sooner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of easy eggplant air fryer recipes is a vast and flavorful landscape waiting to be explored. From the exotic spices of India to the rustic charm of Italian cuisine, the air fryer unlocks endless possibilities for creating mouthwatering eggplant dishes. With the right tips, tricks, and time-saving strategies, even the busiest cooks can effortlessly incorporate these delectable recipes into their repertoire.

As you embark on your culinary adventure with the air fryer, don’t hesitate to experiment, customize, and savor the delightful results. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, the ease and efficiency of air-frying are sure to elevate your eggplant creations to new heights. Happy air frying!