Eggplant Cubes
Vegetables·intermediate

Eggplant Cubes

Yield
Prep
Total
Serves 2 to 3
10m
24m
gluten-freedairy-freeveganvegetarianlow-carbwhole30sidedinnerlunchMeal-Prep

Get perfectly roasted eggplant cubes in a fraction of the time with your air fryer. The key is to salt and drain the eggplant first to remove bitterness. Follow our simple recipe for evenly cooked eggplant, complete with timing and seasoning tips.

  • 1 large eggplant
  • 1 tablespoon oil (eggplant absorbs oil like a sponge, so measure carefully)
  • Salt, pepper, and your seasoning of choice
Pairs with Simple Salt & Pepper, Garlic Parmesan, Tuscan Sun, or Za'atarSee all seasonings →
  1. 01Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes. Leave the skin on. It adds texture and color.
  2. 02Salt the cubes generously and let sit for 10 minutes in a colander. This draws out bitter liquid.
  3. 03Pat dry.
  4. 04Toss with oil and seasoning. Measure the oil. If you just pour, the eggplant absorbs everything and you use half a bottle.
  5. 05Ready for the air fryer.
The salt-and-drain step removes bitterness and excess moisture. Without it, the eggplant can taste bitter and it steams instead of roasting. 10 minutes of salting, a quick pat dry, and the difference in flavor and texture is dramatic.
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How to Air Fry It

Temp
Cook
Prep
Flip?
375°F
14m
10m
Yes
  1. 01Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 02Cut eggplant into 1-inch cubes, leaving the skin on for texture.
  3. 03Toss the cubes with a light coating of oil and seasonings.
  4. 04Arrange in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked too high.
  5. 05Cook for 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
  6. 06Cook until the cubes are deeply golden brown and very tender.
  7. 07Remove and toss into pasta, grain bowls, or flatbread.

Recipe Notes

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Season it up

Pairs well

Meal Prep

Stores 4 days. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. These release moisture, so they won't re-crisp as well as denser vegetables.

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