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Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. They provide a crunchy texture without the need for frying in a lot of oil. Using an air fryer makes the process quicker and easier, allowing you to enjoy crispy eggplant without the guilt. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore new flavors or add more vegetables to their diet.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds after washing and drying it.
- In three shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and mix the Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, and salt together.
- Bread the eggplant by first coating it in flour, then dipping it in eggs, and finally coating it with the Panko mixture.
- Place the breaded eggplant slices on a plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spritz the eggplant rounds with oil and arrange them in a single layer.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container. To reheat, heat the air fryer to 350°F and fry for 3-5 minutes until crispy again.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds can be served as a tasty snack or as a side dish with your favorite meals. They pair well with marinara sauce for dipping, adding more flavor to each bite. Feel free to sprinkle some additional parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for extra taste.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds
To store your leftover eggplant rounds, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them, and they can last for up to a month.
Tips to Make Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds
- Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip the oil spritz; it helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
Variation
You can try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a twist. Consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of eggplant?
Yes, you can use other varieties of eggplant like Japanese or Italian eggplant. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the eggplant rounds on a lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the texture may not be as crispy. For a crunchier result, you can try crushing some plain crackers.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy crispy and healthy eggplant rounds made effortlessly in an air fryer, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds after washing and drying it.
- In three shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and mix the Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, and salt together.
- Bread the eggplant by first coating it in flour, then dipping it in eggs, and finally coating it with the Panko mixture.
- Place the breaded eggplant slices on a plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spritz the eggplant rounds with oil and arrange them in a single layer.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container. To reheat, heat the air fryer to 350°F and fry for 3-5 minutes until crispy again.
Notes
For a twist, add different spices to the breadcrumb mixture. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean