Today we present a simple yet surprising vegetarian dish, inspired by oriental flavors. The eggplants are cooked in the air fryer to achieve a soft texture inside and slightly caramelized on the surface. The white miso and maple syrup glaze provides an irresistible umami touch with an intense flavor, balanced by the freshness of the salad with crunchy bread and the creaminess of the yogurt and tahini sauce.
These miso-glazed eggplants are also inspired by a famous Japanese dish, “nasu dengaku”. The main difference between the traditional recipe and the one we suggest lies in the cooking method. Traditionally, the eggplants are grilled over a flame. Instead, we chose to cook them in the air fryer because it is much simpler, more practical, and faster. With this cooking method, the eggplants acquire a very soft texture, and the sauce caramelizes on the surface, making the entire dish absolutely irresistible.
The combination with the salad enriched with crunchy bread, also cooked in the air fryer, and the tahini sauce transforms these eggplants into a unique, modern, and colorful fusion dish. A fusion between the umami flavor of Japan and the spicy freshness of the Middle East that will surprise you with its balance and simplicity. The air fryer allows for light and quick cooking, perfect for a nutritious vegetarian meal ready in just 30 minutes!
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Seasonality: Summer, All Seasons
Ingredients to Prepare Miso-Glazed Eggplants in Air Fryer with Salad and Tahini Sauce
- 2 eggplants
- vegetable oil (we use olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon miso
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- chili flakes
- salt
- 1 romaine lettuce
- 9 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1 fresh scallion
- mint
- 7 oz bread
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons yogurt
- lemon juice
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
Tools to Prepare Miso-Glazed Eggplants
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Brush
- 2 Small Bowls
- Spoon
- Air Fryer
How to Prepare Miso-Glazed Eggplants
Preheat the air fryer to 356°F (180°C). Cut the eggplants in half and make cross cuts on the surface with a sharp knife. Sprinkle with salt and let them rest for about ten minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Brush the eggplants with 1 tablespoon of oil, place them skin-side down in the basket, and cook them for about 20 minutes, until they are soft and golden.
In a small bowl, mix the white miso with the maple syrup, chili flakes, and the remaining tablespoon of oil. Brush the mixture onto the hot flesh of the cooked eggplants.
While the eggplants are cooking, prepare the salad: in a large bowl, mix the romaine lettuce with diced cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced scallions, chopped mint, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend well and set aside.
Cube the bread, toss it with oil, and place it in the air fryer at 338°F (170°C) for about ten minutes or until crunchy. Add it to the salad.
For the tahini sauce, combine tahini with yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add a little water at a time, if necessary, until you achieve a creamy but fluid consistency, suitable for drizzling.
Arrange the salad on a large serving plate or individual plates, lay the glazed eggplants on top, and finish with a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Storage
The dish is best enjoyed freshly prepared, but you can store the cooked eggplants and salad (separately) in the fridge for 1 day. The tahini sauce can be kept for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Variations
Spicy Vegan Version: Add harissa or a pinch of fresh chili pepper to the tahini sauce.
With Crunchy Chickpeas: Add spiced chickpeas instead of bread for a gluten-free, protein-rich dish.
Grilled Eggplants: You can also cook them on a hot grill instead of the air fryer, or alternatively, in the oven.
Useful Tips
Scoring the eggplants crosswise helps the flesh cook evenly and absorb the glaze better.
If the tahini is too thick, add warm water little by little while stirring vigorously.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use another type of miso?
Yes, but white miso has a milder taste. If you use red miso, dilute it with a bit more maple syrup.
I don’t have an air fryer, how can I cook the eggplants?
You can bake them at 392°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, always with the skin facing down. Or grill them.
Can I prepare everything in advance?
You can cook the eggplants and bread in advance, but we recommend assembling the salad and dressing everything just before serving.
