Eggplants in air fryer a funghetto are the perfect solution for those who want to serve a tasty side dish without guilt. A simple, quick, and light way to cook this summer vegetable, an easy recipe without flour, breadcrumbs, and tomato. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these eggplants become irresistible with very little oil, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Ideal as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a base for more elaborate dishes, they are prepared in a few minutes and will win everyone over. Grandma Benedetta often makes them in the summer.
SEASON and eggplant harvesting – from June to October.
RECIPES with eggplants
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 15 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Wellness
- Seasonality: Summer, Autumn
- Energy 102.20 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 14.66 (g) of which sugars 8.62 (g)
- Proteins 2.43 (g)
- Fat 5.13 (g) of which saturated 0.76 (g)of which unsaturated 0.23 (g)
- Fibers 7.52 (g)
- Sodium 392.58 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 128 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Eggplants in Air Fryer
- 1 eggplant (about 1 pound)
- to taste fine salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- to taste oregano (or thyme)
Tools
- Air Fryer
Eggplants in Air Fryer
Wash, trim, and cut the eggplant into uniform pieces.
Place the diced eggplant in a colander, add salt, and mix by hand to distribute it well.
Cover them with a weight (a plate works fine), press, and let them rest for at least 15 minutes.
Can you skip the salting step?
Yes, but the salt helps to draw out the water (purge) and makes them tastier and crunchier. Without the salting step, it’s better to cook them a bit longer to dry them well.
After purging, rinse the eggplants and dry them with kitchen paper, or squeeze them by hand.
Place them in a bowl, season with oil and spices as desired (no salt, they are already purged).
Finally, arrange the eggplants on the air fryer tray in a single layer. Cook at 356°F for 10 minutes, without the need to preheat.
COOKING TIME
With preheating: cook at 356°F for 8 minutes.
Without preheating: cook at 356°F for 10 minutes.
STORING eggplants in air fryer
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, after cooling. To make them crispy again, reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer or pan.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I cook the eggplants without peeling them?
Yes, in fact, it’s recommended! The skin helps to keep them compact and adds texture.
Can I cook eggplants with other vegetables?
Yes, but choose vegetables with similar cooking times (like zucchini, peppers, onions). Cut them to about the same size.
Do they get as crunchy as fried?
Not exactly the same, but almost! The result is very satisfying and definitely lighter.
