Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal in Minutes

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal in Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplant; 3 red (or yellow or orange peppers); 2 white onions; Olive oil; 1 clove of garlic; Salt and black pepper to taste; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; Fresh parsley

Air Fryer Eggplant Salad: with just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes of active prep time, you’ll have a bright, flavorful and satisfying meal. The crisp-tender vegetables are delicious on their own, but also pair well with grilled chicken, fish or beans and grains. A perfect, easy and healthy dish for any night of the week!

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You know you want to eat healthier and lighter, but who has the time or patience? Well, get ready for a fresh and flavorful meal that comes together in minutes thanks to your trusty air fryer. This crispy air fryer eggplant salad is about to become your new favorite healthy dish. Eggplant is the star here, and when cooked in the air fryer, it gets perfectly crispy on the outside while staying light and creamy on the inside.

Paired with colorful bell peppers, red onion, basil, and a lemony dressing, each bite bursts with flavor. Best of all, this salad comes together start to finish in under 30 minutes. Your air fryer does all the work, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the sunny weather. Healthy, light, and delicious – this eggplant salad checks all the boxes. Fire up your air fryer and get ready to fall in love!

Air Fryer Eggplant, Bell pepper, onion Salad Ingredients

To make this delicious salad, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

2 medium eggplant
3 red, or yellow or orange peppers
2 white onions
Olive oil
1 clove of garlic
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Fresh parsley

Tell me the truth… you already have almost all of them in your fridge and pantry, right?

Instructions for Preparing Eggplant Salad Cooked in the Air Fryer

Prepare the vegetables

After washing and drying them, remove the two ends of the eggplants, cut them in half lengthwise and then cut them into 1cm thick strips. Do the same thing for the peppers. Thinly slice the onions and finely chop the garlic.

Cook the eggplants

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). I used this air fryer: Instant Essentials 4QT Air Fryer with EvenCrisp Technology. Add the eggplants to the fryer basket and season with olive oil, salt and pepper. Shake the basket to coat the vegetables evenly and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket once during cooking, until the vegetables are tender and golden. Transfer the cooked eggplant to a large bowl.

Cook the peppers, onion and garlic

Without washing the air fryer basket, add the peppers, onion, garlic and season with a little olive oil, pepper and salt. Cook at 200°C (390°F) until the vegetables are tender, and the onion is golden. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplants.

Prepare the sauce

While the vegetables are cooling (they should be enjoyed at room temperature, slightly warm at most!), prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, vinegar, honey and chopped parsley.

Assemble the salad

Pour the lemon sauce over the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy your crispy air fryer eggplant salad!

Ingredients with Protein to Add to Get a Perfect One-dish recipe

Adding protein to this crispy eggplant salad will turn it into a hearty, satisfying meal. Some excellent options include:

Chickpeas

Toss in 400 g of chickpeas (about a 15-ounce can), drained and rinsed. Chickpeas provide protein, fiber and a creamy texture. They pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of grilled eggplant and bell peppers.

Feta or goat cheese

Crumble 50-60 g (a few ounces) of feta or goat cheese over the top of the salad. The salty, tangy cheese complements the grilled vegetables.

Grilled chicken

Slice a chicken breast into strips and grill along with the eggplant and peppers. Let the chicken cool, then add it to the salad. The smoky flavor from the grill infuses into the chicken.

Lentils

Cook 1/2 cup lentils according to package directions, then chill before adding to the salad. Lentils add protein, texture and an earthy flavor.

Tofu

Grill or bake about 200 g (1/2 pound) extra-firm tofu, then cut into cubes and add to the salad. Grilled or baked tofu has a chewy texture and absorbs flavors from the salad dressing and spices.

Any of these options will turn this fresh and flavorful side into a hearty, satisfying main dish. Mix and match the add-ins for extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Salad

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Salad is a delicious dish that combines the crispy texture of air-fried eggplant with fresh vegetables and tangy dressing. The crispy texture of the air-fried eggplant may soften slightly when stored, but it will still be delicious. To store this salad properly, follow these guidelines:

Separation: It’s best to store the crispy air-fried eggplant separately from the rest of the salad components. This helps maintain the crispiness of the eggplant and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Air-Fried Eggplant: Place the leftover air-fried eggplant in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Ensure that the eggplant is completely cooled before storing. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To maintain its crispiness, refrain from mixing it with the dressing or other salad ingredients until you’re ready to serve.
Salad Components: The remaining vegetables and dressing can be stored together in a separate airtight container.
Dressing: If your salad dressing is homemade, store it in a separate container in the refrigerator. If it’s store-bought, you can keep it in its original bottle. Make sure to check the expiration date and follow any specific storage instructions provided on the packaging.
Assembly: When you’re ready to enjoy the salad, combine the crispy air-fried eggplant with the remaining salad components and dressing. Toss everything together gently to ensure even distribution of flavors.