Crispy Air-Fried Eggplant with Whole Wheat Pasta and Zesty Marinara Sauce
by Tracy Shaw
Savor the perfect blend of textures and flavors with our Crispy Air-Fried Eggplant paired with wholesome whole wheat pasta and topped with a zesty marinara sauce. A delectable meal that will bring the family together at dinner to savor Italian-inspired perfection in every bite!
I am not the best gardener, I do not have a green thumb. I can definitely learn a few things from Amanda and her Beginners Gardening Tips, but the one thing that always seems to do well in my little backyard garden is eggplant. And I always seem to have them in abundance…do you live in the Tampa area? Leave a comment and I’ll share some with you 🙂
In the meantime though, I like to experiment with different ways to make eggplant dinners for the family. I have made individual eggplant parmesan crisps (the kids call these eggplant pizzas) and the team here at Healthy Family Project said that I have to try our Stuffed Eggplant Rollatini next.
But since I have been on an air fryer kick lately, I decided why not make a version of the eggplant pizzas and the rollatini and add in some whole wheat pasta. The result was delicious! And the kids loved it!
Air frying eggplant results in a crispy texture on the outside while maintaining a tender and creamy inside. The air-frying process allows the eggplant to develop a golden brown crust, providing a satisfying crunch. The flavor of the eggplant itself remains prominent, and any seasonings or coatings you add will contribute to the overall taste. Since air frying requires minimal oil (I just sprayed mine with olive oil spray before cooking), the meal is lighter compared to deep-frying.
I used whole wheat pasta, whole grains are important to a well-rounded diet. I also used jarred pasta sauce and added in some fresh veggies for added flavor as well as nutrition. Overall, this recipe is perfect for a nutritious and easy weeknight meal.
In case you have an abundance of eggplant in your garden, or maybe you don’t cook with eggplant very often, I thought I would share some tips for cooking with eggplant.
Tips For Cooking With Eggplant
- Choose the Right Eggplant:
- Look for eggplants that are firm, with smooth, shiny skin.
- Smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
- Prepping the Eggplant:
- Wash the eggplant and pat it dry before cooking.
- You can peel the skin if you prefer a softer texture, but leaving it on adds color and nutritional value.
- Salting (Optional):
- Salting eggplant slices and letting them sit for about 30 minutes can draw out bitterness and excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before cooking.
- Slicing:
- Cut the eggplant into uniform slices or cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Oil Application:
- Brush or toss the eggplant with a small amount of oil before cooking. This helps with browning and adds flavor.
- Seasoning:
- Season the eggplant with your favorite herbs and spices. Eggplant pairs well with garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, and cumin, among other seasonings.
- Cooking Methods:
- Roasting/Baking: Roast in the oven for a tender, caramelized texture.
- Grilling: Grill for a smoky flavor and nice grill marks.
- Sautéing: Quick sautéing in a pan with oil is great for smaller pieces.
- Air Frying: Achieve a crispy texture with less oil using an air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd:
- When cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
- Monitor Cooking Time:
- Eggplant cooks relatively quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. The goal is a tender texture without becoming mushy.
- Pairing:
- Eggplant works well in various dishes, such as ratatouille, moussaka, eggplant Parmesan, or simply grilled and served as a side dish.
- Experiment with Marinades and Sauces:
- Marinating eggplant before cooking can infuse it with additional flavors. Experiment with different marinades or serve with your favorite sauces.
Why does eggplant brown?
Eggplant tends to brown when exposed to air due to a process called enzymatic browning. This reaction occurs when certain enzymes present in the eggplant, particularly polyphenol oxidase, come into contact with oxygen. Keep in mind that while the browning of eggplant is a natural process, it doesn’t necessarily affect the taste or safety of the vegetable. It’s more of an aesthetic concern.
How to store your Air Fried Eggplant Pasta leftovers
Store any leftover air-fried eggplant pasta in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume the leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat the air-fried eggplant separately in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. Reheating in a microwave may make it a bit soft, but it will still be delicious.
Let’s get cooking, shall we? Here is our Air-Fried Eggplant Pasta recipe, enjoy!
Air Fried Eggplant Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup sweet onion diced
- ½ bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic diced
- 24 oz Marinara sauce
- 1 Tbsp fresh or dried basil
- ½ Tbsp Oregano or other Italian seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz whole wheat spaghetti noodles cooked and drained
- Shredded parm or mozzarella cheese optional for serving
For the eggplant:
- 1 Medium eggplant peeled and chopped into cubes
- 1 cup flour
- 1-2 eggs slightly beaten
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- In a large pot, add in the olive oil and heat until medium heat.
- Add in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Saute for a few minutes until softened.
- Add in the jar of marinara, basil and seasonings.
- Stir and let simmer as you cook the eggplant.
- Make a line up of bowls with the water, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Dip the eggplant cubes in order into the water, the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs.
- Repeat for all of the cubes. You can do this with several pieces at a time.
- Heat up your air fryer to 400 degrees and fry the pieces in batches until crispy. about 12-15 minutes total (flipping halfway through) depending on size of the eggplant cubes.
- Then serve the fried eggplant over the spaghetti with the sauce.
- Top with a little cheese if desired and enjoy.
