Low Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant (Printable)

Crispy outside, tender inside eggplant with Mediterranean spices. Minimal oil, maximum flavor in just 25 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium eggplant (approximately 14 oz), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

→ Seasonings

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil (or olive oil spray for fewer calories)
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# Steps:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes before beginning preparation.
02 - Place eggplant cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly for reduced calories. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated.
03 - Arrange seasoned eggplant in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
04 - Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Continue until eggplant develops golden brown color and crispy edges.
05 - Transfer cooked eggplant to serving plate. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the edges get golden and slightly crunchy while the inside stays creamy is nothing short of magical
  • You can eat a massive bowl without that heavy feeling that usually comes with fried eggplant
  • It takes literally five minutes of hands on time before you walk away
02 -
  • Crowding the basket is the number one mistake that turns crispy eggplant into sad steamed cubes, so batch cook if needed
  • The eggplant will continue crisping slightly after you remove it, so don't be afraid to pull it when it looks mostly done
03 -
  • Salt your eggplant cubes for 15 minutes before cooking and pat them dry for even better crisping
  • Let the air fryer come to full temperature before adding your first batch, it makes a noticeable difference

Go Back