Name: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant – Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes Made Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Here’s the thing about eggplant: people either love it or swear it tastes like a sponge. I used to be in the second camp—until I tried this air fryer version. This recipe is crispy, golden on the outside, and soft inside. No sogginess, no drama, just one delicious slice after another. We’re talking about a dish that ticks all the boxes: low carb, vegetarian, fast to make, and honestly kind of addictive. The eggplant rounds crisp up like little veggie chips, and I won’t lie—I’ve hovered over the air fryer, burning my fingers more than once trying to sneak a taste. If you’re into eggplant air fryer recipes or just looking for air fryer recipes healthy low carb fans will love, this one’s a keeper. It’s got that “fried without the guilt” vibe, making it perfect for folks who want healthy air fryer recipes low carb style. And yes, it fits snugly in your collection of vegetarian air fryer recipes, too.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
4) How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
5) Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
6) Making Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!
9) Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This air fryer eggplant recipe is quick, low carb, and vegetarian
No breading, no mess, just crispy outside and soft inside
Perfect for snacking, side dish, or throwing into wraps and bowls
Uses simple pantry ingredients, no fuss prep

2) Easy Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe

Here’s where things get fun. This air fryer eggplant is one of those low carb vegetarian recipes that actually makes me crave veggies.

We’re talking about slices that crisp like chips, but stay creamy in the center. I was shocked the first time I made it. And yes, I ate half the batch straight from the air fryer while standing at the counter.

Everything you need is likely sitting in your pantry. No complicated breading process or triple dipping. You just slice, season, and cook. That’s it. The flavor? Kind of magical. And if you’re a dipper like me, it’s begging for hummus, tzatziki, or just good old garlic yogurt.

3) Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

1 medium eggplant: Go for one that feels heavy for its size. Slice it into thin, even rounds so they cook up evenly.

1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps the edges crisp without deep frying. You want just enough to coat each piece.

1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, earthy flavor. You could use fresh garlic, but the powder spreads better across slices.

1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to bring out the natural flavor of the eggplant without overpowering it.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick. If you want more heat, you can throw in some chili flakes.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional): Adds a nutty, savory crunch when it melts. If you’re keeping it vegan, skip it or try nutritional yeast.

Chopped parsley: For garnish. It’s fresh and brightens everything up right before serving.

4) How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Step 1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. While it warms, slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them uniform.

Step 2. Toss the slices in a large bowl with olive oil. Make sure each one gets a light coat so they crisp and not steam.

Step 3. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan if using. Give everything a gentle toss so the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 4. Arrange the slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them. You might need to do two batches.

Step 5. Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crisp on the edges.

Step 6. Transfer to a plate, sprinkle parsley over the top, and serve warm with your favorite sauce or dip.

5) Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

If your eggplant is bitter, slice and salt it first. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before seasoning. This isn’t always needed with younger eggplants, but it can help mellow the flavor.

Use a spray bottle for the oil if you’re trying to keep it extra light. You just want a fine mist so things get crispy without turning greasy.

If you’re adding cheese, use finely grated Parmesan and press it into the slices gently. That helps it stick while cooking instead of flying around the air fryer.

6) Making Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Ahead of Time

I make a batch during the weekend and keep it in a sealed container. It reheats well in the air fryer, just 3 to 4 minutes to bring the crisp back.

Skip the cheese if you’re storing it. Add it after reheating. That way, it melts fresh and doesn’t get rubbery.

Also, don’t stack the slices when storing. A little wax paper between layers keeps them from going soggy.

7) Storing Leftover Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. I’ve snuck a few cold right out of the container—they’re still good.

To reheat, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F and heat for 3 to 4 minutes. They won’t taste like day one, but they’ll still be crispy.

Avoid the microwave unless you like them soft and floppy. Not judging. Just saying.

8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!

9) Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant