With minimal preparation and no need to preheat, this recipe takes advantage of the air fryer’s efficiency to create tender and delicious eggplant without the hassle of deep-frying.
Get ready to savor the mouthwatering taste of Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant, where simplicity meets exquisite flavors.
Embrace the delightful combination of perfectly cooked eggplant and a savory garlic sauce that will leave you amazed at how effortless it is to achieve an authentic Chinese-inspired dish.
The Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant brings me back fond memories of savoring grilled eggplant at Chinese BBQ restaurants.
Cooking eggplant to perfection can be quite a challenge, but fear not, for my air fryer recipe ensures your success!
With this foolproof method, you’ll achieve tender and delicious Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant every time.
Why you will love my Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant
- Uncomplicated Preparation: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.
- Healthier Indulgence: Unlike traditional deep-fried eggplant dishes, the air fryer method requires only a fraction of the oil.
- Tender and Flavorful: The air fryer ensures that the eggplant cooks evenly, creating a tender and succulent texture. Paired with the savory garlic sauce, each bite bursts with a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
- Time-Efficient: Air frying significantly reduces cooking time compared to conventional methods.Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and guests with this homemade dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine.
- Easy Cleanup: With the air fryer’s non-stick surface and minimal oil use, cleaning up after cooking is a breeze.
- Endless Variations: While the recipe remains true to traditional Chinese flavors, you can personalize the dish with your favorite seasonings and herbs, creating endless possibilities to suit your taste.
To prepare the Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 Eggplants
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Small chili pepper (optional for spiciness)
- 1 tbsp Chili flakes (adjust to your desired level of heat)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp Hot oil (you can use chili oil or any preferred hot oil)
- 1 tsp Oyster sauce
- 10g chopped green onion
Instructions:
Preparing the Eggplants:
Begin by washing the eggplants thoroughly and cutting off both ends.
There’s no need to slice the eggplants at this stage; we’ll leave them whole to preserve their natural shape and make the process even simpler.
Air Frying the Eggplant:
Place the whole eggplants directly into the air fryer basket.
Once the eggplant is in the basket, brush the surface with oil, ensuring it is lightly coated.
This step guarantees a crispy exterior while keeping the dish healthy and oil-efficient.
Set the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit). Air fry the whole eggplant at this temperature for approximately 15 minutes.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
While the eggplant is air frying, take a moment to prepare the delectable garlic sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, small chili pepper (if using), chili flakes, sesame seeds, hot oil, and oyster sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a robust and aromatic sauce that will complement the eggplant’s natural flavors.
Add the Garlic Sauce:
Once the eggplant is done air frying, make a lengthwise cut in the middle, and then use a fork or chopsticks to gently open and flatten it.
These cuts will help the garlic sauce penetrate the eggplant, infusing it with delightful flavors.
Spread the prepared garlic sauce generously over the top of the eggplant, ensuring it seeps into the cuts and covers the surface.
The combination of the tender eggplant and savory garlic sauce will tantalize your taste buds.
Return it to the air fryer and air fry at 180 degrees Celsius for an additional 5 minutes to further enhance the flavors and achieve the perfect finishing touch.
To elevate the flavors of the Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant even further, sprinkle 10g of chopped green onion over the dish before serving.
Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2 Eggplants
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Small chili pepper optional for spiciness
- 1 tbsp Chili flakes adjust to your desired level of heat
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp Hot oil you can use chili oil or any preferred hot oil
- 1 tsp Oyster sauce
- 10 g chopped green onion
Instructions
Preparing the Eggplants:
- Begin by washing the eggplants thoroughly and cutting off both ends.
- There's no need to slice the eggplants at this stage; we'll leave them whole to preserve their natural shape and make the process even simpler.
Air Frying the Eggplant:
- Place the whole eggplants directly into the air fryer basket.
- Once the eggplant is in the basket, brush the surface with oil, ensuring it is lightly coated.
- Set the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit). Air fry the whole eggplant at this temperature for approximately 15 minutes.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- While the eggplant is air frying, take a moment to prepare the delectable garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, small chili pepper (if using), chili flakes, sesame seeds, hot oil, and oyster sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a robust and aromatic sauce that will complement the eggplant's natural flavors.
Add the Garlic Sauce:
- Once the eggplant is done air frying, make a lengthwise cut in the middle, and then use a fork or chopsticks to gently open and flatten it.
- Spread the prepared garlic sauce generously over the top of the eggplant, ensuring it seeps into the cuts and covers the surface.
- Return it to the air fryer and air fry at 180 degrees Celsius for an additional 5 minutes to further enhance the flavors and achieve the perfect finishing touch.
- To elevate the flavors of the Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant even further, sprinkle 10g of chopped green onion over the dish before serving.
