Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant - Effortless Flavor and Health in a Snap

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.

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 it whole to preserve its 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.