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You’ll love this cheesy and crunchy air fryer eggplant! Cooking eggplant in the air fryer is super quick, making it a great veggie side dish for just about any meal.
My go-to ways to prepare eggplant are sauteed eggplant and roasted eggplant, but when I want a crispy exterior AND the fastest prep time, this eggplant air fryer recipe can’t be beat. On the other hand, if you have a little more time, be sure to try eggplant in an eggplant lasagna… it’s SO good!
Can I Air Fry Eggplant?
Yes! Making eggplant in the air fryer is fast and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe
- Savory, cheesy flavor with caramelized edges
- Crunchy exterior and soft interior
- Easy & healthy
- Cooks in just 10 minutes

Air Fried Eggplant Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for eggplant in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Eggplant – Look for a deep purple eggplant, with a smooth skin that’s not dented or bruised. Small eggplants are preferred to larger ones, because they are less bitter and have fewer seeds.
- Olive Oil – I recommend extra virgin olive oil, but light olive oil or even avocado oil will also work fine.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – You can buy pre-grated or grate your own, just make sure it’s super finely grated, not shredded, so that you get that crispy exterior. We’re using this in lieu of an actual breading, and I think it makes the best air fried eggplant!
- Italian Seasoning – You can use homemade Italian seasoning or store-bought. Or feel free to add other spices, like garlic powder or paprika.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper

How To Cook Eggplant In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to make cooking eggplant in air fryer with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Slice. Cut eggplant crosswise to make circles that are 1/2 inch thick.
TIP: Cut off leafy end after slicing. This will allow you to have more to grab on to.

- Season. Drizzle eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

- Air fry eggplant. Arrange the slices in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the eggplant is soft and cheese is golden brown.
TIP: Cook in batches and don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Batches ensure that it browns properly.

Storage Instructions
- To store: Store leftover eggplant in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat: To maintain crispness, reheat the eggplant slices in the air fryer again, or briefly pan fry. Microwaving will leave it rather soggy.

More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like eggplant air fryer recipes like this one, you might also like:
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Pork Chops In The Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Air Fryer Broccoli
Tools To Make Air Fryer Eggplant Recipes
- Air Fryer – This is my favorite one, from a familiar brand. It has a large basket, it’s easy to use, and cooks evenly.
Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe
Reader Favorite Recipes
The recipe card is below! Readers that made this also viewed these recipes:
Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe
This healthy, EASY air fryer eggplant recipe is ready in 15 minutes, with just 4 ingredients! Making eggplant in the air fryer is faster than other methods, plus this one has a delicious crispy, cheesy coating.
Recipe Video
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Slice the eggplant crosswise to make circles, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Cut off the leafy end only after you are done slicing, so that you'll have more to grab onto as you slice.
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Drizzle or brush the eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
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Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until the eggplant is soft and the cheese is golden brown. Repeat in batches with remaining eggplant slices.
Last Step: Leave A Rating!
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 4 slices, or 1/4 entire recipe
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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22 Comments
Janice
This is delicious, however 375 was much too hot in my Ninja Foodi. The parmesan overcooked to point of burning after 8 minutes.
Marian
I have been trying a lot of different food. My air fryer and this recipe were so easy and I had on hand all ingredients. It was simply. Delicious.
J Rogan
What temp is the air fryer in this recipe? I don’t see one.
Wholesome Yum D
Hi John, All of the instructions for this recipe are listed here.
Kristyn
Since finding your recipe, we make this all the time!! My hubby & I love it!! I try to keep eggplant on hand, so I can make these. They go great with so many meals!
Natalie
I think this is my favorite way to eat eggplant! Little ingredients, but super tasty!! Yum!
Amy L Huntley
I love that you made these in the Air Fryer! The parmesan cheese is perfection!
Sherry
Can I freeze the slices then reheat in the air fryer? I have a lot of eggplant to get cooked
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Sherry, The texture will change some after freezing, but this method will work. Enjoy!
Jean
What temperature did you fry it at?
Natalie
Looks crispy and delicious. Yum!
Kristyn
Ok, I love the crispy outer layer!! This makes a delicious appetizer!! I get tired of the same things, so this is a yummy change!
Linda
This eggplant recipe is delicious! Love the crunch part and how they’re so easy to make
Delores
Hi again Maya,
I didn’t read the nutrition facts before I sent my first question:
Total Carbs 8.6g
Net Carbs 4.7g
Fiber 3.9g
Sugar 4.3g
I don’t see any sugar in the recipe, does that come from the eggplant?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Delores, No problem! The sugars are naturally occurring from the eggplant.
Delores
Hi Maya,
This looks and sounds delicious; did you brush the oil only one the one side that you sprinkle the other ingredients?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Delores, I seasoned one side, but you can do both if you like.
Paula
The air-fryer is a staple in our house now. I made these instead of fries and my boys loved them.
Scarlet
Yes. The eggplant slices turned out perfectly in the air fryer!
Eden
These were so easy to make! Such a great side dish!
Sam
Just made these in my new air fryer and I am blown away. Light and still crispy. Will definitely put it on the weekly rotation.
barbara Cokes
The best way to make eggplant! it’s seriosuly delicious!