Chinese Eggplant In Air Fryer – Easy and Healthy!

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant, a quick and healthy recipe perfect for any meal! This dish brings out the natural sweetness of Chinese eggplant while creating a wonderfully crispy texture on the outside. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and just 15 minutes in the air fryer, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick side dish.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying, resulting in a light, healthy dish full of flavor without excess calories.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you prefer it spicy or mild.
• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives the eggplant a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Great for All Diets: This dish is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant

• Chinese Eggplants – These long, slender eggplants are perfect for air frying, as they become tender and slightly sweet.
• Olive Oil – Adds a rich flavor and helps the eggplant become crispy in the air fryer.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the eggplant and other seasonings.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a savory, aromatic flavor; can be substituted with fresh minced garlic for a stronger taste.
• Red Pepper – Brings a bit of heat and spice; substitute with black pepper for a milder flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant

• Air Fryer – Essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture without deep frying.
• Knife – For cutting the eggplants into even chunks.
• Cutting Board – Provides a safe surface for slicing the eggplant.
• Bowl – For mixing the eggplant with oil and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons – Helps measure out the precise amount of oil and seasonings.

How To Make Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant

• Start by trimming the stems from the Chinese eggplants and slicing them in half lengthwise.
• Cut the eggplant halves into chunks and place them in a mixing bowl.
• Drizzle the eggplant pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and red pepper or black pepper.
• Toss everything together in the bowl until the eggplant is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
• Arrange the seasoned eggplant chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Once done, remove the crispy eggplant from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant as a side dish alongside steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or pork to add a burst of flavor to your protein.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Serve with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a simple garlic sauce, to enhance the flavors.

Tips For Success

• Choose the Right Eggplant: Chinese eggplants are the best for this recipe because of their thinner skin and sweeter taste. They cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Regular eggplants can be used as a substitute, but they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
• Cut Evenly for Best Results: Make sure to cut the eggplant into uniform chunks. This helps them cook evenly, so you don’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the eggplant chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of becoming crispy. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy.
• Shake the Basket Halfway Through Cooking: Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time helps redistribute the eggplant pieces, allowing them to cook more evenly and develop a consistent crispy texture.
• Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Taste the eggplant once it is cooked and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can always add a bit more salt, pepper, or other seasonings after cooking to suit your preference.
• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Air-fried eggplant is best served fresh and hot out of the air fryer. If it sits too long, it may lose its crispiness. Serve right away for the best results.

Variations And Substitutions

• Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to add a dipping sauce, be sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it that way.
• Change Up the Spices: Swap the red pepper for smoked paprika or chili powder to add a different flavor profile. You can also add cumin or coriander for a more earthy taste.
• Use Different Oils: If you prefer, you can substitute olive oil with another oil, like avocado oil or sesame oil, for a different flavor. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that pairs well with Asian dishes.
• Try Other Vegetables: This method works great for other vegetables too! Try air frying zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the eggplant for a mixed vegetable dish.
• Add a Sauce: After air frying, toss the eggplant with a sauce like teriyaki, hoisin, or a simple soy and garlic mix to add an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to serve it immediately to maintain the crispy texture.
• Make It Milder or Spicier: If you love spice, increase the amount of red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, substitute black pepper or omit it altogether.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover air fryer Chinese eggplant in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the eggplant has cooled to room temperature before storing it to maintain the best texture.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the eggplant pieces back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at the same temperature. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the eggplant soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular eggplant instead of Chinese eggplant?

Yes, you can use regular eggplant, but note that it may require a bit more cooking time due to its thicker skin and larger size. Cut it into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I use an oven?

Absolutely! You can bake the eggplant in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. The result won’t be as crispy as the air fryer, but it will still be delicious!

How do I make this dish less spicy?

To make this dish milder, substitute the red pepper with black pepper or omit it entirely. You can also reduce the amount of garlic powder for a softer flavor profile.

Can I prepare the eggplant ahead of time?

Yes, you can cut the eggplant and prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time. However, it’s best to air fry the eggplant just before serving to ensure it stays crispy and fresh.

Is there a way to make this dish oil-free?

Yes, you can make this dish oil-free by omitting the olive oil. However, the eggplant may not turn out as crispy without the oil. To compensate, you can try using a cooking spray to lightly coat the eggplant for some crispiness.

Other Easy Eggplant Recipes

Eggplant Salad “Odessa” – Authentic Russian Recipe: A refreshing and flavorful Russian salad made with tender eggplant, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for any meal.

Oven-Baked Spicy Garlic Eggplant Slices: Savory and slightly spicy eggplant slices roasted with garlic for a delicious, easy side dish.

Simple Roasted Eggplant Cubes – Healthy Recipe: Bite-sized eggplant cubes roasted to perfection for a healthy, versatile addition to any meal.

Vegan Buddha Bowl with Quinoa, Eggplant, and Spinach: A nourishing bowl filled with quinoa, roasted eggplant, and fresh spinach, perfect for a satisfying vegan meal.

Russian Eggplant Spread (Baklazhannaya Ikra) Recipe: A classic Russian spread made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and onions, great as a dip or a flavorful side.

Pressure Cooker Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush): A creamy, smoky eggplant dip made effortlessly in the pressure cooker for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Pressure Cooker Spicy Garlic Eggplant: A quick and easy spicy garlic eggplant recipe made in the pressure cooker for a bold and flavorful side dish.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Breakfast Scrambles
• Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Calamari
• Air Fryer Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts