How to Cook Eggplant: Baked, Broiled, and Air Fryer

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways. Whether you prefer it baked, broiled, or cooked in an air fryer, mastering these techniques will elevate your culinary repertoire.

Baked Eggplant
To bake eggplant, start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the eggplant into rounds or cubes, depending on your preference. After thoroughly salting the pieces to draw out excess moisture and bitterness, rinse them and pat dry. Toss the eggplant in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs. Spread the eggplant in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pieces are golden brown and tender.

Broiled Eggplant
For broiled eggplant, begin by preheating your grill or broiler. Again, slice the eggplant and salt it to remove excess moisture. After rinsing and drying, brush the slices with olive oil and season. Arrange the eggplant on a broiler pan and place it under the heat source. Broil for about 5-7 minutes on each side, monitoring closely to avoid burning, until the eggplant is nicely charred and soft.

Air Fryer Eggplant
Using an air fryer is a fantastic method for achieving crispy, tender eggplant with minimal oil. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Prepare the eggplant similarly by slicing and salting, then rinsing and patting dry. Toss the pieces in a light coating of olive oil and your favourite seasonings. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring good air circulation. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the eggplant is golden and crisp.

No matter the method you choose, cooked eggplant makes a delicious addition to salads, pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own. Happy cooking!

Crispy chickpeas are the perfect, nutritious snack that can be prepared in a mere 15 minutes using your air fryer. Simply rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, then toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and your choice of spices—smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder work wonderfully. Preheat your air fryer, then spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the basket. In just about 12-15 minutes, they’ll emerge golden and crispy, a delightful contrast to their soft interior. These crunchy morsels make a fantastic nibble on their own or can be added to salads and grain bowls for an extra boost of flavour and texture. Enjoy them warm for the best experience—after all, who can resist a snack that’s both healthy and utterly delicious?

Indulge in a delightful culinary treat with Air Fryer Cheesy Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. These hearty, umami-rich mushrooms serve as perfect vessels for a mouth-watering filling. Start by gently coring the large Portobello caps, creating an ideal pocket for your mixture of cream cheese, garlic, fresh herbs, and a generous helping of grated cheddar. The air fryer works its magic, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese wonderfully melty inside.

Simply season the mushrooms with a hint of salt and pepper before spooning in the creamy filling. As they cook, the aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning family members to gather round. In just under ten minutes, you'll have a scrumptious dish that not only satisfies the senses but also presents beautifully. Serve these cheesy stuffed delights as a starter or light meal, and watch as they disappear from your platter in no time. Perfectly simple yet impressively tasty, they are sure to become a favourite in your repertoire.

The Crispy Air Fried Black Pepper Tofu is a culinary delight that marries texture with flavour in a delightful way. Firm tofu, perfectly marinated in a zesty blend of soy sauce, freshly cracked black pepper, and a hint of garlic, is air-fried to golden perfection. The exterior is wonderfully crisp, offering a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains soft and tender. Served alongside a vibrant stir-fried medley of seasonal vegetables, this dish not only looks inviting but also delivers a robust kick of spice that awakens the palate. Ideal as a main course or a side, this tofu creation is a wholesome and delicious addition to any meal, bringing a touch of Asian-inspired flair to the table.

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy side dish, this Easy No-Breading Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini recipe is a brilliant choice. With its delightful combination of tender, roasted zucchini and a crisp, cheesy topping, it’s sure to complement any meal.

To prepare, simply slice fresh courgettes into thick rounds and toss them in a light coating of olive oil. Then, sprinkle over some grated Parmesan cheese, along with a pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, to taste. Place the zucchini in your air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded for even cooking. Set the temperature to 200°C (around 400°F) and air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until the courgettes are golden and the cheese is bubbling.

The result is a mouth-watering dish that’s both satisfying and low in calories, making it a perfect option for a midweek dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve hot and watch them disappear in no time!

Cheesy Fried Colcannon Balls

Indulge in the delightful fusion of textures and flavours with Carolyn's Cheesy Fried Colcannon Balls. This scrumptious dish takes the traditional Irish colcannon—a hearty mix of mashed potatoes and finely shredded greens—and gives it a glorious twist. Each ball is generously filled with a melting centre of creamy cheese, then rolled in breadcrumbs and crisped to a perfect golden brown.

Serve them piping hot as a tantalising starter or a comforting side dish, paired with a dollop of tangy crème fraîche. The combination of the fluffy potato and vibrant kale, edged with a crisp exterior, creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for any gathering or simply as a comforting indulgence on a chilly evening, these cheesy colcannon balls are sure to bring a touch of Irish charm to your table.

Delight in the succulent flavours of Fennel Pork Roast, perfectly cooked in your air fryer for a quick yet indulgent meal. Begin by marinating a tender pork loin in a mixture of crushed fennel seeds, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of white wine for added depth. Allow the pork to soak in the aromatic blend for at least an hour, or overnight if you prefer a more robust flavour.

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C, ensuring it’s hot enough to create a delectable crust. Place the marinated pork into the fryer basket, and cook for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even browning. The result? A juicy, herb-infused roast with a lovely golden exterior.

Serve your fennel pork with seasonal vegetables or crisp roasted potatoes to bring the meal together. This dish not only showcases the unique flavours of fennel but also exemplifies the convenience and efficiency of air frying, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week.

Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts & Bacon

Indulge in the irresistible combination of crispy Brussels sprouts and savoury bacon, perfectly executed in an air fryer. Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts, removing the tough outer leaves, and slicing them in half to ensure a beautifully crisp texture. Toss them in a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then add generous pieces of diced bacon that will render down and infuse the sprouts with a smoky flavour.

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F), then arrange the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer within the basket. In just 15-20 minutes, they’ll transform into golden, crunchy bites. Give them a shake halfway through to ensure an even crispiness. The result is a delectable dish that balances the earthy sweetness of the sprouts with the salty richness of the bacon—perfect as a side or a delightful nibble for any occasion. Serve drizzled with a hint of balsamic glaze for an added zing that elevates this simple yet stunning dish. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a delightful twist on the classic buffalo wing, perfect for those seeking a lighter yet flavour-packed alternative. These succulent morsels of cauliflower are first coated in a zesty blend of spices and a light batter, then expertly air-fried until they achieve a golden, crispy texture. Tossed in a rich and tangy buffalo sauce, they deliver that unmistakable kick of heat without the guilt. Served with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dip, these bites make for a brilliant snack or a standout appetiser at any gathering. Easy to prepare and utterly moreish, they promise to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

These Balsamic Glazed Carrots make for a delightful side dish, perfect for elevating any meal with minimal effort. Cooking them in an air fryer not only enhances their natural sweetness but also gives them a lovely caramelised exterior, while keeping the inside perfectly tender.

Start by peeling and cutting the carrots into uniform sticks, ensuring they cook evenly. In a mixing bowl, toss the carrots with a splash of balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. For an added touch, consider incorporating a hint of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C (about 390°F). Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the basket, allowing ample space for air circulation. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure those beautiful, caramelised spots form all over.

Once cooked, remove the carrots and drizzle with a touch more balsamic vinegar for a vibrant finish. Enjoy your Balsamic Glazed Carrots as a stunning addition to any dinner table, impressing family and friends alike with their exquisite taste and vibrant colour.