This simple air fryer eggplant recipe makes fried eggplant in minutes! Only 2 ingredients and no breading! Keto-friendly and delicious!
Carbs in eggplant - 5g net carbs
I love eggplant cooked in an air fryer. This recipe shows you how to make simply air fried eggplant delicious! Enjoy it as a main dish, side dish or a healthy snack.
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What makes this the best air fryer eggplant recipe?
- It's quick, easy and simple to make - with only 2 ingredients
- It's low-carb
- It's keto
- It's healthy
Diet
Eggplants are a low carb food. They are low on the glycemic index, meaning that they have a low impact on blood glucose.
With no breadcrumbs, flour or added carbs, this vegan eggplant recipe is keto-friendly and gluten-free.
To keep this dish low carb, the eggplant is simply air fried in extra virgin olive oil. This is not a breaded eggplant recipe.
See the nutrition facts label in the recipe card below.
Ingredients
- eggplant
This recipe used a single large eggplant. The variety of eggplant was an American eggplant, also called a Globe eggplant. These eggplants have deep, dark purple skins.
There are many varieties of eggplant. Use what is available. If it doesn't fit your air fryer basket, you can trim it down to size.
I also like sweet, mild Japanese eggplants and fairy tale eggplants. You may need more than one of these eggplants as these are smaller varieties. - olive oil
See recipe card for quantities.
Optional ingredients
Eggplant is sweet and delicious simply cooked with a touch of salt and olive oil. If you crave more flavor, add your favorite seasonings.
- bread crumbs
- panko crumbs
- tomato sauce
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- crushed red pepper flakes
- Italian seasonings
- mozzarella cheese
Substitutions
- Cooking spray, avocado oil, or canola oil are fine substitutes for olive oil.
Equipment
Cooking eggplant in the air fryer is easy. Cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer model.
- air fryer oven
This recipe used a 4.5 quart air fryer. - tongs for handling hot food
Instructions
How to cook eggplant in an air fryer
For crispy eggplant, prepare eggplant by slicing it to maximize surface area.
Step 1: Cut eggplant into 8 slices about ½ - ¾ inches thick.
Step 2: Arrange half of the slices in an air fryer basket.
Step 3: Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.
Step 4: Air fry eggplant 5-8 minutes at 400°F.
Step 5: Use tongs to turn over eggplant slices so that they cook evenly.
Step 6: Air fry 5-8 more minutes at 400°F or until fork tender.
Serving suggestions
- Eat it simply seasoned with a pinch of salt and black pepper
- It's so good with spicy peri peri sauce, here's a recipe by my friend Kristen over at Moon and Spoon and Yum.
- Serve it Asian-style - I like my fried eggplant dipped in soy sauce for umami flavor
- Serve it stacked with tomato sauce and fresh cheese
- Serve it Italian-style like eggplant parmesan with Italian seasoning and bread crumb mixture
- Serve it Middle-eastern style - top with yogurt, tahini, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt
Storage
Leftover eggplant can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by air frying for 1 minute.
Top tips
- For crispy eggplant, don't crowd the eggplant slices in the air fryer
- Use tongs to handle hot eggplant
Frequently asked questions
Cook it in an air fryer with a bit of oil. Do not crowd eggplant. Cook it in batches, leaving room between slices for hot air to circulate. The hot air keeps the eggplant from getting soggy.
10 minutes is enough time to fry sliced eggplant.
Nope. You can eat the skin. Just wash the eggplant before preparing the recipe. If you find the skin too tough, it is fine to peel it away.
Air fryer eggplant recipe card
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This simple air fryer eggplant recipe makes fried eggplant in minutes! Only 2 ingredients and no breading!
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant (approximately 1-¼ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Trim away the top and bottom of the eggplant.
- Slice eggplant into 8 discs approximately ½ - ¾ inch wide.
- Arrange half the slices in an air fryer basket.
- Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.
- Air fry 5-8 minutes at 400° F.
- Turn eggplant slices over.
- Air fry 5-8 more minutes at 400° F.
- Transfer to a plate.
- Repeat for the remaining eggplant slices.
Notes
- For crispy eggplant, don't crowd the eggplant slices in the air fryer
- Use tongs to handle hot eggplant
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: vegetables
- Method: air fry
- Cuisine: American
Gen says
So simple and so tasty! Thank you for this easy side dish - makes dinner come together really quickly.
Shilpa says
This is so good. I seasoned it with salt and served as a side dish. It was perfect.
Rosanna Stevens says
Delicious! I served this eggplant recipe with some lamb and it was such a delicious side dish. Thank you!
Mandy Applegate says
So tasty and SO delicious, I'm making eggplant in my air fryer from now on!
Shelby says
I always mess up eggplant but this was EASY! And they came out crispy!! Even the kiddos loved them.