Air Fryer Eggplant Bites

Hey there, kitchen enthusiasts! Are you looking for a new way to enjoy vegetables? I’ve got a game-changer for you! Today, I’m diving into a super simple recipe for air fryer eggplant. It’s crispy, flavorful, and way quicker than roasting in the oven. Plus, it’s a perfect side dish or snack. Let’s get that air fryer fired up!

Suggestions for Ingredient Substitutions…
Avocado oil can be replaced with olive oil or grapeseed oil, maintaining a similar high smoke point and neutral flavor. These alternatives are widely available and offer comparable health benefits. Eggplant can be substituted with zucchini or yellow squash for a lower-carb option. Cut the squash into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time as needed, as squash may cook faster than eggplant. Smoked paprika can be swapped with regular paprika or a mixture of paprika and a pinch of cumin for a similar depth of flavor. If using regular paprika, consider adding a drop of liquid smoke to achieve the smoky taste. For those avoiding nightshades, try using ground coriander or za’atar seasoning instead of paprika to add complexity to the dish.

Ingredients:
1 tsp dried rosemary
¼ tsp sea salt
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme (for best flavor, check that your herbs are fresh)
2 Tbsp avocado oil (for a clean flavor profile)
extra sea salt (for drawing out moisture from the eggplant, important for texture)
1 large eggplant (cut into 1 inch cubes for even cooking)
½ tsp smoked paprika (adds depth and a hint of smokiness)

Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Eggplant: Begin by spreading cubed eggplant out on a large flat surface. Generously salt the eggplant with sea salt, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture, and reduce any bitterness. Afterward, pat the eggplant dry, with a paper towel, or kitchen cloth, to absorb the moisture.
Step 2: Coat the Eggplant with Oil: Transfer the dried eggplant cubes to a large bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Toss them in the bowl gently, to ensure even coverage of the oil, across all the eggplant cubes.
Step 3: Season the Eggplant: Add your chosen spices to the bowl with the oil coated eggplant. Stir the mixture until the spices are evenly distributed, and each piece of eggplant is well seasoned.
Step 4: Air Fry the Eggplant: Set your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned eggplant in the air fryer, either on trays, or in the basket, depending on the model. Air fry for about 18 minutes. If you are using a basket model, make sure to toss the eggplant halfway through the cooking time, to ensure even cooking and browning.
Step 5: Serve the Eggplant: Once the eggplant is cooked to a crispy-tender texture, and golden brown color, remove it from the air fryer. For best results, serve the air fried eggplant immediately while it’s still crispy and hot. Enjoy your flavorful, and healthy dish!

Please follow & like us: