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Air Fryer Stuffed Eggplant – Simply Air Fryer

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile and delicious vegetable that lends itself beautifully to a variety of dishes. One standout preparation is stuffed eggplant, which can be easily and swiftly made in an air fryer. This not only cuts down on cooking time but also delivers a delightful, crispy texture while keeping the filling moist and flavourful. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a scrumptious air fryer stuffed eggplant that’s sure to impress at any meal.

Ingredients

To make air fryer stuffed eggplant, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Eggplant:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice if preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100g spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 150g feta cheese, crumbled (or a vegan alternative if desired)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh herbs for garnishing (such as basil or parsley)

Instructions

Prepping the Eggplant

1. Cut and Scoop: Start by washing the eggplants. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1cm of flesh around the edges to create a shell. Be careful not to pierce the skin.

2. Season: Brush the hollowed-out eggplant halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This adds flavour and helps achieve a nice texture when air-fried.

Making the Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a frying pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Incorporate the diced red bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes.

2. Add the Spinach and Quinoa: Add the spinach to the pan and stir until it has wilted. Then, mix in the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook everything together for another couple of minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

3. Mix in the Cheese: Once the filling is well combined and heated through, remove it from the heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.

Stuffing and Air Frying

1. Fill the Eggplant Halves: Generously spoon the filling mixture into each eggplant half, pressing it down lightly to create a packed filling.

2. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Place the stuffed eggplants in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the tops are beautifully golden.

Serving

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the stuffed eggplants from the air fryer and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately, either as a main dish or a side.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Eggplant

• Choosing the Right Eggplant: Opt for firm eggplants that are smooth and shiny. Avoid overly large ones, as they may contain more seeds and have a bitter taste.

• Customise the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add different vegetables, beans, or proteins to suit your taste.

• Vegan Option: Substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version that doesn’t skimp on flavour.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply stuff the eggplants and air fry.

In summary, air fryer stuffed eggplant is an easy, nutritious, and delectable dish perfect for impressing family and friends. This method not only enhances the flavour but also reduces the cooking time compared to traditional baking. Enjoy this wonderful recipe as part of a healthy meal or as a delightful vegetarian option!

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