Vegan Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant (Printer-Friendly Version)
Golden, crispy air-fried eggplant slices with a flavorful gluten-free coating and rich seasoning.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 -
2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-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
→ Wet Ingredients
07 -
1½ cups unsweetened soy milk
08 -
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
09 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Dry Ingredients
10 -
2 cups plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
11 -
5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
→ Sauce
12 -
2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Slice eggplants evenly into ½-inch rounds. Sprinkle both sides with salt and place in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness.
02 -
Combine unsweetened soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a shallow bowl. Stir and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
03 -
In a separate bowl, combine gluten-free breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
04 -
Rinse salted eggplant slices to remove excess salt and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
05 -
Dip each slice into the soy milk mixture, allow excess to drip off, then press both sides into the breadcrumb mixture for an even coating.
06 -
Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat before cooking.
07 -
Lightly brush or spray olive oil on both sides of each breaded slice. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlap.
08 -
Cook for 14 to 16 minutes, flipping slices halfway through, until exterior is golden and crisp and interior is tender.
09 -
Transfer air-fried eggplant to serving plates, spoon warmed marinara sauce over, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Press breadcrumb coating firmly on eggplant slices to maximize crispiness and prevent coating loss during air frying.
02 -
Pat eggplant dry thoroughly after rinsing to avoid sogginess and enhance browning.
03 -
Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
04 -
Adjust smoked paprika and nutritional yeast amounts to taste for a personalized smoky and cheesy flavor profile.