Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant is a healthier, crunchy twist on traditional fried eggplant. Made with minimal oil and full of flavor, this easy recipe is perfect as a side dish, snack, or vegetarian main. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a must-try for anyone exploring tasty eggplant recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for low-carb)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 2 large eggs (or plant-based milk for vegan)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prep the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant and lightly salt both sides. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
- Set Up Coating Stations: Place flour in one bowl, whisk eggs in another, and mix panko, Parmesan, and seasonings in a third.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dip each slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Arrange slices in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking oil. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy warm as a side, stack, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crunch, use panko or crushed cornflakes. Want it low-carb? Swap breadcrumbs for pork rinds. Leftovers can be crisped up again in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg