Low Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant (Printable)

Tender eggplant cubes air-fried to golden perfection with Mediterranean spices. A healthy, crispy side or appetizer ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium eggplant (about 14 oz), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

→ Seasonings

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or olive oil spray
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# How to Cook:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Place eggplant cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly for lower calories.
03 - Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss until eggplant is well coated.
04 - Arrange eggplant pieces in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
05 - Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on edges.
06 - Transfer to serving plate. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The exterior gets perfectly crunchy while the inside stays tender and creamy
  • One serving delivers all that satisfaction for just 82 calories
  • You can prep everything in under 10 minutes with minimal cleanup
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the fastest way to end up with soggy steamed eggplant instead of crispy cubes
  • Smoked paprika is non negotiable here as regular paprika lacks that depth of flavor that makes this recipe special
03 -
  • Pat your eggplant cubes dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help them crisp up better
  • Serve immediately as the texture softens quickly once they sit for too long