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For tasty low-calorie air fryer eggplant, you need: - 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - ½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs These ingredients create a wonderful base. The eggplant provides a soft texture. The olive oil and spices add great flavor. The bread crumbs give a nice crunch. To make the eggplant even better, consider adding: - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste. It also boosts the umami flavor. This is perfect if you want a savory edge. For a fresh touch, you can garnish with: - Fresh parsley, finely chopped Garnishing with parsley adds color and freshness. It also enhances the dish's overall appeal. Consider serving with a dipping sauce like hummus for extra flavor. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This warms the air fryer, helping your eggplant bites cook evenly. It takes about 3 to 5 minutes. While it warms, gather your tools and ingredients. This makes your cooking process smooth and fun. In a large bowl, add the eggplant cubes. Pour in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper over the cubes. Mix well until every piece gets coated. In another bowl, combine ½ cup of whole wheat bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. This mix gives the bites a tasty crunch. Take each eggplant cube and roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to stick. Make sure each piece is fully covered for the best flavor. Place the coated eggplant cubes in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer. If your basket is small, cook in batches. Air fry them for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket to help them crisp up. They are done when golden brown and crispy on the outside. Carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your crispy eggplant bites as a healthy snack or appetizer! To achieve crispy eggplant bites, start with a good oil. I use extra virgin olive oil. It adds flavor and helps the crumbs stick. Make sure to coat each cube well with oil. This step is key for that crunchy texture. Also, preheat your air fryer. A hot fryer cooks the eggplant evenly and crisps it nicely. Soggy eggplant can ruin your bites. To avoid this, you must salt the eggplant first. Sprinkle sea salt on the cubes and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture. After that, rinse and pat them dry. This process helps the eggplant stay firm and absorb less oil during cooking. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model. If your fryer runs hot, check the eggplant after 10 minutes. For cooler models, you may need the full 15 minutes. Always shake the basket halfway through. This action allows even cooking. Trust your eyes; look for that golden-brown color to ensure they are ready. {{image_4}} Want a kick? Add spice! Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into your seasoning. Adjust the amount to your taste. Toss the eggplant with this mix along with the other spices. This will add heat and depth. The spicy bites are great as a snack or appetizer. Serve with a cooling dip, like yogurt or ranch. For a cheesy flavor, use nutritional yeast. Mix it with your breadcrumbs before coating the eggplant. Nutritional yeast adds a rich, umami taste without the extra calories. It’s perfect for those who love cheese but want to keep it light. Bake as usual, and enjoy the cheesy crunch. Herbs make everything better! Try adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil. Mix these into your seasoning blend. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be added before serving. This will give your eggplant a fresh and fragrant taste. These bites pair well with any dipping sauce. To keep your leftover eggplant bites fresh, place them in a sealed container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This works best for quick snacks or meals. Make sure they cool down before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. If you want to save eggplant bites for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Next, arrange the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy them anytime! To reheat and keep them crispy, use the air fryer again. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore that crunchy texture. You can also use an oven if needed, but the air fryer is best for crispiness. Enjoy them like they are fresh out of the fryer! Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Simply swap the whole wheat bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Always check labels to ensure they meet your needs. You have many tasty options for dipping sauces. Hummus is a great choice. It adds creaminess and flavor. A tangy yogurt dip also works well. You can mix yogurt with herbs or garlic for extra taste. Try a spicy sauce if you like heat. Each sauce will enhance the eggplant bites. To check if the eggplant is cooked, look for a golden brown color. The bites should feel crispy on the outside. You can also pierce them gently with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, they are done. Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them! This blog taught you about making low-calorie air fryer eggplant bites. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips for crispiness, fun variations, and storage tips. Remember, the right preparation means tasty bites every time. You can boost flavor with herbs or cheese, and sauces can add fun too. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Enjoy your crispy treats!

Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant

Discover how to make crispy air fryer eggplant bites that are perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer! With just a few simple ingredients like garlic powder and smoked paprika, these eggplant cubes are transformed into a deliciously crunchy treat. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re not only tasty but also low-calorie. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snacking game with this amazing dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy, umami flavor)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that it's hot and ready for the eggplant bites.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the eggplant cubes with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the eggplant is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.

      In a separate bowl, mix together the whole wheat bread crumbs and nutritional yeast. This will create your flavorful coating.

        Carefully take each seasoned eggplant cube and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure each piece is fully and evenly coated with the crumbs.

          Arrange the coated eggplant cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be cautious not to overcrowd the basket; if needed, cook in batches for the best results.

            Air fry the eggplant bites for 12-15 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently to allow for even crispiness. The bites are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

              Once cooked to perfection, remove the eggplant bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish generously with the finely chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.

                Enjoy your delicious, low-calorie crispy eggplant bites immediately as a healthy snack or appetizer!

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve these bites in a chic bowl or on a platter with a vibrant dipping sauce like hummus or a tangy yogurt dip for an added flavor punch!