Air-Fried Stuffed Eggplant: A Fresh Home Chef Favorite

Preparing stuffed eggplant in an air fryer creates a lighter, crisp bite without the heaviness of deep frying. This approach offers a tasty, wholesome way to enjoy a classic dish. The method below presents a straightforward, quick recipe for filling eggplant with meat and baking it in the air fryer. The result feels worthy of a professional kitchen and is sure to please at home.

No chips or peanuts: This is the healthiest snack you can make in the deep fryer.

Stuffing Eggplant in the Fryer

• 2 medium eggplants

• 300 grams ground beef (beef, pork, or turkey)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• Pepper and salt to taste

• olive oil spray

• Chopped parsley to garnish (optional)

Eggplants stuffed with meat and gratin in an air fryer. [image credit: Pixabay]

Stuffed Eggplant recipe from master chefs

Air-fried eggplant: three recipes you’ll love

1. Wash and dry aubergine. Cut it lengthwise and remove the pulp, leaving a side of about 1 cm. Set aside the dough for the filling.

2. In a bowl, mix mince, onion, garlic, pepper, tomato, chopped eggplant pulp, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Preheat the fryer to 180°C.

4. Stuff the eggplants with the meat mixture, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed on each half.

5. Lightly spray the stuffed eggplants with olive oil. Place the eggplants inside the air fryer basket with the cut side up. Depending on size, cook in batches.

6. Bake the stuffed eggplants for 15-20 minutes or until tender and the meat is cooked through.

7. Remove from the fryer and sprinkle with grated cheese. Return to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and browns lightly.

8. Serve the stuffed eggplants hot, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and pair with a fresh salad or rice.

Air fryer eggplant recipe. [image credit: Pixabay]

For a meatless option, substitute tuna or another preferred protein in place of the ground meat.