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crispy eggplant

Crispy Eggplant

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Oven or Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This crispy eggplant can be made in the oven or the air fryer for a quick and delicious side dish! The simple seasonings add plenty of flavor and the breadcrumbs help create perfectly crispy eggplant.


Ingredients

Scale

For the eggplant:

  • 1 small eggplant (about 12oz), totaling 3 cups cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste

For the sauce (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Oven Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Spread the eggplant onto paper towels and sprinkle with salt. 
  3. After 10 minutes, pat the eggplant dry.
  4. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and breadcrumbs
  5. Spread the eggplant onto a single layer on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 16-20 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Air Fryer Directions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
  2. Spread the eggplant onto paper towels and sprinkle with salt. 
  3. After 10 minutes, pat the eggplant dry.
  4. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, garlic, salt, smoked paprika, and breadcrumbs
  5. Spread the eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

For the Sauce:

  1. Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Drizzle over the eggplant.