Name: Air Fryer Eggplant
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound eggplant; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp turmeric powder; ½ tsp red chili powder; ½ tsp salt

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Make Air Fryer Eggplant in just 15 minutes. They’re delicious without the need for deep frying. These spicy eggplant cubes are so versatile and can be used as a side dish or in pasta, curries, or salads.

air fryer eggplant on aplate with parsley sprinkled on top.

Air Fryer Roasted Eggplant

Air fryer roasted eggplant is an easy and healthy side dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. It’s crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. It uses a simple spice blend and tastes so delicious! And it’s suitable for many diets as it’s gluten-free, vegan, low carb and keto-friendly. I don’t deep fry eggplants for curries anymore.

I love roasting vegetables in the Fryer. You’ll love Air fryer vegetables such as Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Broccoli and Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts. The Air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air around, making them perfectly roasted and so delicious than any other cooking method. Plus they’re convenient and take less time. If you’re looking for more Air fryer side dishes, check our Air Fryer Recipe collection.

Eggplants are so versatile and can be used in many ways. I love to use Air fryer eggplant in curry, pasta, salad, or grain bowls.

You don’t need to salt the eggplant beforehand. This cuts down the cooking time and makes for a fast and easy eggplant dish that can be made in minutes.

Ingredient Notes

Eggplant
Olive oil – avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil. Or cooking spray.
Garlic powder
Red chili powder – substitute cayenne pepper.
Turmeric powder
Salt – sea salt or kosher salt

How To Choose Eggplant

When choosing an eggplant, choose one with firm, unblemished skin.

When you press on the skin, it should make a slight indentation but shouldn’t give in. The color should be dark purple all around.

How To Cut Eggplant

cutting the ends off the eggplant with a knife. — Rinse and pat dry eggplant with paper towel. You can peel the skin or leave it on. Place the eggplant on a cutting board and trim both ends.

slicing the eggplant with a knife. — Cut the eggplant into 1-inch thick slices.

cutting eggplant cubes from the slices. — Cut the eggplant slices into 1-inch cubes.

How To Make Air Fryer Eggplant

Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.

tossing eggplant with oil. — Toss the eggplant with olive oil.

spice mix for air fryer eggplant. — Mix together salt, garlic powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder in a small bowl.

adding spices to eggplant. — Add the spices to eggplant and toss to coat.

eggplant in the air fryer basket. — Preheat Air fryer to 375F. Transfer the eggplant into the Air fryer basket.

air fried eggplant in the air fryer basket. — Air fry eggplant at 375F for 10 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve immediately!

Best Tips

Rinse and dry – If you’re peeling the skin, omit this step.
Single layer – don’t stack the eggplants. Leave some space for the hot air to circulate completely and crisp the eggplant. Cook it in batches if needed. You can keep them warm by heating up all eggplant for a minute or two in the Air fryer just before serving.
Serve immediately – eggplant will lose its crispness if it sits for too long.

air fryer eggplant on a plate with a forl and parsley sprinkled on top.

How To Serve Air Fryer Eggplant

Serve them alongside any chicken or meat dish.
Use it in vegetable curries or with chicken, meat curry to for a healthy dose of vegetables.
They’re delicious on their own with a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or ranch dressing.
Top salads with air fryer roasted eggplant.
Serve with pasta or add it to the pasta sauce.
Add it to your rice bowl, quinoa bowl or buddha bowl for a colorful presentation.

More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes

DID YOU MAKE IT? Please leave a comment and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!

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