Air Fryer Eggplant Bites

In recent years, air frying has surged in popularity as a healthier cooking method that allows food lovers to enjoy their favorite fried dishes without the guilt associated with traditional frying. By using hot air circulation to cook food, air fryers significantly reduce the amount of oil needed, resulting in crispy, delicious meals that are lower in fat. Among the many ingredients that lend themselves beautifully to air frying, eggplant stands out as a versatile and nutrient-rich option.

Discover the joy of healthy snacking with crispy air fryer eggplant bites! This simple and delicious recipe transforms eggplant into a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for appetizers or snacks. With their satisfying crunch and rich flavor, these bites are not only nutritious but also versatile. Pair them with your favorite dips like marinara or ranch for a delightful experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, flavorful dish!

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Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, diced into bite-sized cubes

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant: Start by washing and dicing the eggplants into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness, then rinse and pat them dry with paper towels.

Set Up Breading Stations: In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well blended.

Coat the Eggplant: Take each eggplant cube, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Repeat this process until all eggplant cubes are coated.

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Eggplant Bites: Arrange the breaded eggplant cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren't overcrowded; you may need to do this in batches. Lightly spray the coated eggplant with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil for extra crispiness.

Cook: Air fry the eggplant bites for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Serve: Once done, remove the eggplant bites from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dip, or your favorite sauce for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings