As busy moms, finding quick and healthy meals can feel like a challenge. This recipe for Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant offers a delicious solution. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. You can enjoy crispy eggplant without the guilt, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy cooking skills or extensive prep time. Just a few ingredients and your air fryer make for a hassle-free cooking experience.
Second, this dish is versatile enough to please even picky eaters. The crispy texture and savory flavors make it appealing, and you can serve it as a side or a main dish. Plus, it cooks quickly—ideal for those busy evenings when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
How to Make Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants into rounds, about half an inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket.
- Spray the top of the eggplant slices with olive oil.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove the eggplant and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant
A quick and healthy eggplant dish cooked in the air fryer, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants into rounds, about half an inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket.
- Spray the top of the eggplant slices with olive oil.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove the eggplant and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
How to Serve
Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant works beautifully as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it on top of pasta with marinara sauce for a satisfying vegetarian option. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley to make it even tastier.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also warm them in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Tips and Variations
- Slice your eggplants evenly for uniform cooking.
- For a gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs or almond flour.
- Add spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor more.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist—try mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy delight.
FAQs
Can I use frozen eggplant?
Frozen eggplant can work, but it might not achieve the same crispness. Thaw it first and pat it dry before coating.
What can I pair with Air Fryer Eggplant?
This dish pairs well with many proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s also great in wraps or on top of grain bowls.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the eggplant slices and coat them ahead of time. Just cook them in the air fryer right before serving.
Conclusion
Give this Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant recipe a try. It offers a simple way to add vegetables to your family’s dinner table while keeping it delicious and fun. Save this recipe for later, and enjoy the crispy goodness with your loved ones. You won’t regret it!
