So I finally caved and bought me an Air Fryer. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. At about the same time, I received a giant home grown organic eggplant as a present (yes, everyone knows I love food as presents, haha). So what to do? Air Fryer Eggplants of course!

I’m a fan of eggplants, and not everyone knows, but there are actually so many different types of eggplants! For example, we use Chinese Eggplants for Spicy Eggplant in Garlic Sauce, and Italian eggplants for Eggplant Parmesan, and so forth. This recipe calls for American Eggplants, which is often grilled. But today, we’re going air fry it, of course.

Also, can we talk about how confused my dog, Simba, was with this big ol’ eggplant?? He didn’t know what to do with it!

Health Benefits

Did you know that Eggplants are quite healthy? Eggplants are actually a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, fiber, folic acid, potassium, and more!

The only thing to note is that they are a nightshade vegetable, so if you are on a nightshade-free diet, I would skip this one!

Also, if you’re on a dairy free diet (for example, paleo, whole30, vegan), obviously don’t add the optional parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika 
• 1 tsp grated parmesan cheese (Optional – skip if dairy free)

Instructions

First thing we’re going to do is salt our eggplant! This process will make it less bitter and less sponge-y.

So cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes, and sprinkle salt generously, and mix well. Let it sit for about 30-40 minutes.

After 30-40 minutes, rinse off all the salt and pat dry.

In a mixing bowl, add eggplant, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan and mix well.

Place eggplant in the air fryer basket.

Air fry the eggplant at 370 F for 15 minutes.

Remove from basket and serve!

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Looking for more delicious sides like this Air Fryer Eggplants recipe? Check out all my yummy sides here!

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