Air Fryer Eggplant Slices
Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Eggplant Slices use minimal oil while maximizing flavor. They're perfect as a side dish or a versatile base for your favorite toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 85 kcal
Air Fryer
Colander
Paper Towels
Mixing Bowl
- 1 large eggplant approximately 1.5 pounds, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor
- cooking spray optional
Slice your eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness for even cooking.
Place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of the salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After salting, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
In a large bowl, toss the eggplant slices with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Then sprinkle with the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into each slice.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip each slice and cook for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and tender. The edges should look crispy while the centers should yield easily to a fork.
- Skipping the salting step can result in soggy eggplant.
- Don't slice the eggplant too thin as pieces thinner than ⅜ inch may burn before cooking through.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket as this creates steam instead of the dry heat needed for crispness.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for maximum crispness.
Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.7gSodium: 295mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Keyword Eggplant, Air Fryer, Vegetables, Healthy, Low Oil, Crispy Eggplant