Recipe from Simpler Savory
The recipe
Low Carb Air Fryer Eggplant
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4 servings
Nutrition Facts
Original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.
- calories
- 120
2× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.
- calories
- 240
3× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.
- calories
- 360
Values are reproduced from the source recipe; this site only applies the selected linear multiplier and does not estimate nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants (globe or Italian) — cut into 1/2-inch half-moons or 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt — divided; plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — or avocado oil, to lightly coat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano — optional
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper — optional, for heat
- 1/4 cup finely ground almond flour — optional
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese — optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest — plus wedges for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil — chopped
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar — optional splash while hot
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes — optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for at least 5 minutes so the basket is hot.
- Trim eggplants and cut into 1/2-inch half-moons or 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- If eggplant is large or seedy, sprinkle lightly with some of the kosher salt and let rest 10 minutes, then pat dry.
- In a large bowl, toss eggplant with olive oil, remaining kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano and cayenne if using.
- For extra crunch, add almond flour and Parmesan and toss until pieces look lightly dusted without clumping.
- Arrange eggplant in a single layer in the hot basket, leaving space between pieces for airflow.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes until edges begin to brown.
- Shake the basket or flip pieces to expose new surfaces to heat.
- Cook 4–7 minutes more, until centers are tender and edges are deep golden with a slight crisp.
- Transfer to a warm platter and finish with lemon zest, parsley or basil, and a small splash of red wine vinegar if desired. Add red pepper flakes to taste.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper, then serve hot as a side, salad topper, or part of a mezze plate.
- Avoid crowding; cook in 2 batches if needed for best crisp edges.
Notes
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 3–5 minutes until re-crisped, or in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Freezing is possible but softens texture; add fresh herbs and lemon after reheating.
Source: https://simplersavory.com/low-carb-air-fryer-eggplant/