Why Make This Recipe
Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant is a delightful dish worth trying. It’s not only crispy and delicious but also healthy. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy eggplant without adding extra calories to their meal. The air fryer makes the eggplant crispy without needing lots of oil, making it a great low-calorie option.
How to Make Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant
Ingredients
- 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
- Tahini drizzle
Directions
- Wash and dry the eggplants. Slice them into rounds, cubes, or strips.
- Lightly salt the eggplant and let it sit for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then pat it dry.
- Place the eggplant in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the eggplant in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Garnish with herbs, nutritional yeast, or other toppings. Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or main course.
How to Serve Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant
You can serve Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant as a snack on its own or as a side dish to complement your main meals. It also works great in wraps, salads, or bowls with other vegetables and grains. Feel free to add your favorite dips or sauces for extra flavor!
How to Store Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant
If you have leftovers, let the eggplant cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. To enjoy it later, reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warm.
Tips to Make Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant
- Make sure to pat the eggplant dry after salting to ensure it gets crispy in the air fryer.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination.
- If you like extra crunch, try adding bread crumbs or panko to the eggplant mixture before air frying.
Variation
You can change up the spices or toppings to match your taste. Some people love adding Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also try serving the eggplant with different dips like hummus or tzatziki!
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of eggplant?
Yes! This recipe works well with zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms.
2. Is the air fryer essential for this recipe?
While the air fryer gives the best texture, you can bake the eggplant in the oven if you don’t have one. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
3. Can I freeze the eggplant after cooking?
It is best to eat it fresh. Freezing may affect the texture, but if needed, allow it to cool completely and freeze in an airtight container. When reheating, it might be less crispy.
Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant
A crispy and healthy air fryer eggplant dish that’s perfect for a low-calorie meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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, Tahini drizzle
Instructions
- Wash and dry the eggplants. Slice them into rounds, cubes, or strips.
- Lightly salt the eggplant and let it sit for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then pat it dry.
- Place the eggplant in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the eggplant in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Garnish with herbs, nutritional yeast, or other toppings. Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or main course.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg