Air Fryer Eggplant Side Dishes
These air fryer eggplant side dishes are crispy, flavorful, and perfect as a healthy addition to any meal.
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl large
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Spicy Eggplant Fries
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Garlic Parmesan Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs beaten
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and slice the eggplants into rounds or fries, depending on your chosen recipe. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature for your chosen recipe, typically 375°F to 400°F.
Cooking
- Toss eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Mix olive oil, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Coat the eggplant fries in this mixture. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Dip eggplant slices in beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Serving
- Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce or as a side to your main course. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Notes
Pro Tips: Choose firm eggplants, pre-salt to remove moisture. Ingredient Substitutions: Use almond flour for a gluten-free option. How to Serve: Serve with tomato sauce or yogurt dip. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer. Make-Ahead Tips: Prep eggplants ahead and store in the fridge until ready to cook.