Low Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant (Printable)
Golden crispy eggplant cubes seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, air fried to perfection with minimal oil for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium eggplant (approximately 14 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
→ Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or olive oil spray
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes before beginning the cooking process.
02 - Place cubed eggplant in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly to coat evenly.
03 - Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
04 - Spread seasoned eggplant in a single layer across the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
05 - Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Remove when eggplant is golden brown with crispy edges.
06 - Transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get that satisfying crunch without the heavy grease of traditional fried eggplant
- The seasoning blend creates this addictive smoky flavor that keeps everyone reaching for more
02 -
- Crowding the basket creates steam instead of crispiness, so resist the urge to fill it to the brim
- Shaking the basket halfway through is non negotiable for even browning on all sides
03 -
- Don't salt the eggplant beforehand like traditional recipes suggest, as the air fryer doesn't need the moisture removal step
- Let the cooked eggplant sit for just a minute before serving, this helps the exterior firm up even more