Crispy Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe for Healthy Snacking

If you're looking for a healthy, satisfying, and low-calorie snack that's also incredibly delicious, this Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant recipe is for you. It transforms a simple eggplant into a crunchy, savory chip-like snack that is so good, you won’t miss the greasy potato chips. The air fryer is the perfect tool for the job, creating a crispy exterior with minimal oil.1

The secret to this recipe is a simple pre-baking step that draws out the moisture from the eggplant, which is the enemy of a crispy texture. With a light coating of oil and a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings, you can create a guilt-free snack that's perfect for a light lunch, a party appetizer, or a delicious side dish.

Crispy Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant

Yields: 2-3 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 20 minutes for salting)

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant

  1. Slice & Salt: Slice the eggplant into rounds. Lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them with the salt and let them sit for 20 minutes. The salt will draw out the moisture and bitterness.

  2. Rinse & Pat Dry: Rinse the eggplant slices under cool water to remove the salt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is a crucial step for a crispy result.

2. Season and Air Fry

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Toss with Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the dried eggplant slices with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.

  3. Arrange in Basket: Arrange the eggplant slices in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket. You will likely need to cook in batches.

3. Cook Until Crispy

  1. Air Fry: Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Cook until the eggplant is golden brown and crispy.

  2. Cool: Let the chips cool for a few minutes before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Chip

  • The Salting Method: Don't skip the salting step. It's what prevents the chips from becoming soggy. The salt pulls the water out and helps to tenderize the eggplant.2

  • The Right Thickness: Slice the eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking. If some slices are thicker than others, they will not crisp up at the same time.

  • Don't Overcrowd: Give the eggplant slices plenty of space in the air fryer basket. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of crisping up.

  • Customize Your Seasoning: You can easily change the flavor profile. Try a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, chili powder, or a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

  • Eat Them Fresh: These chips are best enjoyed right out of the air fryer, while they are at their crispiest.