Roasting eggplant has never been easier than with an air fryer.
This method has many advantages, though there is one minor drawback: the air fryer’s basket is smaller than a traditional oven, limiting how many eggplants you can roast at once. However, with about 1 kg (or 2 pounds) of eggplants, you can fit them into most air fryers. Even if you need to do it in batches, it’s usually quicker than using a conventional oven.
Whole roasted eggplant is a key component in various spreads, including baba ganoush and eggplant mayo dip.
Essential Tip
Making roasted eggplant in an air fryer couldn’t be simpler. There’s just one crucial tip to keep in mind: since eggplants can burst due to the buildup of steam during cooking, it’s advisable to pierce the eggplants with a sharp knife or score a few X’s into the skin before roasting.
Temperature and Cooking Time
The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your eggplants. Start with 25 minutes at 390°F; this initial period won’t overcook them.
If the eggplants aren’t perfectly tender after this time, put them back in for another 5-10 minutes. Over time, you’ll nail down the exact cooking time that works best with your air fryer.
Roasted Eggplant in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- Eggplant whole
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer.
- Using a sharp knife, pierce the eggplants or score a few X’s into their skins. Then place the whole eggplants in the air fryer basket.
- Roast the eggplants at 390°F (200 C) for 25 minutes.