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Air Fryer Breaded Eggplant: A Deliciously Crispy Delight

Eggplant, also known as aubergine in British English, is a versatile vegetable that often takes centre stage in both vegetarian and vegan dishes. Among its many preparations, breading and frying aubergine is a classic favourite. However, deep-frying can add unnecessary calories and unwanted fat. Enter the air fryer, a revolutionary kitchen gadget that allows us to achieve that delectable, crispy texture with significantly less oil.

In this article, we’ll explore the process of making air fryer breaded eggplant, offering up a simple recipe that promises to be both delicious and healthier than traditional frying methods.

Why Choose Air Fryer Breaded Eggplant?

Using an air fryer to prepare breaded eggplant offers several benefits:

1. Lower Fat Content: Air frying requires far less oil compared to deep-frying, allowing you to enjoy crispy aubergine without the added calories.

2. Easy Preparation: The air fryer is convenient and quick to use, with minimal clean-up afterwards.

3. Versatile Usage: Breaded eggplant can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty snack, used as a filling in sandwiches, or as a hearty addition to salads or pasta dishes.

4. Retained Nutrients: Cooking with an air fryer helps preserve the nutrients in the eggplant better than some traditional methods.

Ingredients

To make air fryer breaded eggplant, you will need:

• 1 medium-sized aubergine
• 1 cup of plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray or a tablespoon of olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aubergine: Start by slicing the aubergine into rounds, about 1 cm thick. You can choose to salt the slices to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness. Lay the slices flat on a kitchen towel, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Once done, rinse and pat dry.

2. Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place the flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third. This will create a simple assembly line for coating your aubergine.

3. Coat the Slices: Take each slice of aubergine and first coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, before finally coating it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 5 minutes.

5. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded aubergine slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

6. Cook: Air fry the eggplant for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy when cooked.

7. Serve: Remove the breaded eggplant from the air fryer and serve hot. They are splendid on their own, but you could also dip them in a marinara sauce, tzatziki, or enjoy them atop a salad or pasta.

Conclusion

Air fryer breaded eggplant is an easy and health-conscious dish that brings out the best in this versatile vegetable. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy aubergine with minimal fuss. The crispy exterior combined with the soft, tender flesh creates a perfect contrast that is sure to please any palate. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

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