Vegan Air Fryer Eggplant Crispy (Ready-to-Print Version)
Crispy, golden vegan eggplant rounds air fried with a flavorful, gluten-free breadcrumb coating and served with marinara.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 -
2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
→ Seasonings
02 -
2 teaspoons salt
03 -
2 teaspoons garlic powder
04 -
2 teaspoons onion powder
05 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
06 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Liquids
07 -
1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk
08 -
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
09 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Breading
10 -
2 cups plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
11 -
5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
→ Sauce
12 -
2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Slice the eggplants into uniform 1/2-inch rounds. Sprinkle salt evenly on both sides and arrange in a colander. Let rest for 30 minutes to extract excess moisture and bitterness.
02 -
Combine the unsweetened soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a shallow bowl. Stir and allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and develop a tangy profile.
03 -
In a separate bowl, blend gluten-free breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
04 -
Rinse the salted eggplant slices thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Dip each slice into the vegan 'buttermilk', allowing excess liquid to drip off, then press evenly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure full coverage on both sides.
05 -
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray both sides of each coated eggplant slice with olive oil to promote browning and crispness.
06 -
Place the breaded slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. Air fry for 14 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the exterior is golden and crisp while the interior remains tender.
07 -
Transfer the air-fried eggplant slices to serving plates. Spoon warmed marinara sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately to retain optimal crispness.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
Patting the eggplant dry after salting is crucial to prevent sogginess and ensure a crunchy crust.
02 -
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even circulation of hot air, resulting in uniform crisping.
03 -
Press breadcrumbs firmly onto each slice for a durable coating that withstands air frying.