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How to Make the Best Darn Eggplant in the Air Fryer
Are you tired of your usual go-to eggplant recipe? Are you looking for a new and exciting way to cook this delicious vegetable? Look no further because I am here to show you how to make the best damn eggplant in the air fryer. This recipe is easy to make, and the results are crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. So dust off your air fryer, grab some eggplant, and let’s get cooking.
What is Eggplant?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about eggplant. This gorgeous purple vegetable is native to India and has been around for over 4,000 years. Eggplant is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants. It is also versatile and can be roasted, grilled, baked, fried, or sautéed. Eggplant’s meaty texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it an excellent substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes.
Can You Air Fry Eggplant?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking eggplant. It uses hot air circulating around the eggplant to cook it evenly and crisp it up without the need for a ton of oil. Air-fried eggplant comes out crispy, golden, and delicious. If you haven’t tried cooking eggplant in the air fryer yet, you are missing out.
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized eggplant
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour or cornmeal
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
Cooking spray
Steps to Cook the Eggplant
Start by washing and slicing the eggplant into 1/4 -inch rounds.
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour or cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs.
Dip each eggplant round into the flour mixture, then dip it into the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant to make sure they are coated well.
Place the eggplant rounds into the air fryer basket, spray them with cooking spray, and cook them at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through.
Once the eggplant rounds are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips and Variations
To make the eggplant rounds spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.
For a cheesy twist, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
Eggplant tends to soak up oil like a sponge, so make sure you spray it generously with cooking spray to make it crispy without adding too many calories.
Air-fried eggplant is perfect as a side dish, in sandwiches, or on top of pizza.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are crispy again.
There you have it, folks - a foolproof recipe for the best damn eggplant in the air fryer. Not only is it healthy and delicious, but it is also easy to make and versatile. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a new way to cook eggplant, this recipe is sure to impress. So whip out your air fryer and get ready to indulge in some crispy, golden goodness. Happy cooking!
For more delicious Vegetable options: Vegetable Main Page
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