Description
This Air Fryer Eggplant is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice. A quick and easy vegan dish, this recipe is perfect with steamed rice or as a flavorful side. Made with just 6 simple ingredients, it’s ready in 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
Produce:
- 1 large eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
Condiments & Oils:
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp chili oil (adjust for spice level)
Baking & Spices:
- 2 tbsp white sugar
Instructions
1. Prep the Eggplant:
- Cut the eggplant into bite-sized pieces.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and let sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, garlic, avocado oil, chili oil, and sugar.
3. Coat & Air Fry:
- Toss the eggplant pieces in the sauce until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions (optional).
- Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat the eggplant with cornstarch before air frying.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili oil.
- Use other oils like olive oil if you don’t have avocado oil.
- Pairs well with tofu, grilled meats, or as a topping for noodle bowls.
