Description
Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant is a quick, healthy, and versatile recipe that delivers crispy, golden eggplant with minimal oil. Perfect as a side, snack, or light dinner, this dish is vegan-friendly, nutrient-packed, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants, cut into ½-inch slices or cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or spray oil for fewer calories)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, fresh parsley or basil, chili flakes, vegan Parmesan cheese, or tahini drizzle
Instructions
- Prep Eggplant: Wash and dry the eggplants. Slice into rounds, cubes, or strips. Lightly salt and let sit for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then pat dry.
- Season: Place eggplant in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange eggplant in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with herbs, nutritional yeast, or other toppings. Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or main course.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- Cut eggplant evenly for uniform crisping.
- Salt before cooking to reduce bitterness.
- Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F.
- Pairs well with marinara, hummus, tahini, or cashew cheese dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Vegan
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant, Crispy Veggies, Vegan Air Fryer Recipes Dinner, Healthy Eggplant Recipes, Eggplant Dinners