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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant: A Deliciously Healthy Treat

Eggplant, also known as aubergine in British English, has long been a staple in various cuisines across the globe. Its unique texture and ability to absorb flavours make it a versatile vegetable perfect for many dishes. However, cooking eggplant can often lead to challenging textures or overly oily results, especially when fried. Enter the air fryer: a cooking marvel that promises crispiness without the excess fat. In this article, we will explore how to prepare crispy air fryer eggplant that’s not only healthful but also absolutely delightful.

The Benefits of Air Frying

Air frying is a revolutionary cooking method that circulates hot air around your food, resulting in a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture inside. This technique drastically reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying, making it a healthier alternative. With the air fryer, you can enjoy the satisfying crunch of fried foods without guilt or excess calories.

Ingredients

To get started, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant (aubergine)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• ½ cup of breadcrumbs (panko works particularly well)
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparing the Eggplant:

Begin by washing your eggplant thoroughly. Cut off the top and bottom, and then slice it into approximately 1-inch thick rounds. If you find your eggplant to be particularly bitter, you can sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes. This process draws out moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat the slices dry before moving to the next step.

2. Seasoning:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed.

3. Coating the Eggplant:

Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant slices, making sure they are evenly coated. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere and create that desired crispiness. Next, dip each slice into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating on both sides.

4. Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to air fry in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

5. Cooking Time:

Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden-brown colour. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as air fryers can vary in temperature and intensity.

6. Serving:

Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the crispy eggplant from the air fryer. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavour. These eggplant slices make a fantastic accompaniment to dips like tzatziki or marinara sauce, or they can be tossed into salads or pasta dishes for added texture.

Conclusion

Crispy air fryer eggplant is a marvellous dish that showcases the vegetable’s versatility and flavour without the guilt of traditional frying. This recipe is an excellent way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet, appealing to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or main ingredient, the crispy crunch combined with delectable spices makes this air-fried eggplant a must-try. So dust off your air fryer and give this easy recipe a go—you won’t be disappointed!

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