Air Fried Chinese Eggplants Recipe

This Air Fried Chinese Eggplant recipe is quick, flavorful, and makes an easy veggie side dish. The eggplants are marinated in a savory soy-garlic-ginger mix, then air fried until tender and slightly crisp on the edges. Finished with scallions for freshness, this dish is a tasty way to enjoy eggplant with less oil than traditional stir fry.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 medium Chinese eggplants, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons thick soy sauce (aka soy paste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned
• 1 scallion, chopped

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1(Optional step) Salt the eggplant: Cut eggplants into...: (Optional step) Salt the eggplant: Cut eggplants into 1-inch cubes, sprinkle generously with salt, and toss. Let sit 30–40 minutes to draw out bitterness and reduce sponginess. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
2. 2In a mixing bowl, combine eggplant with vegetable...: In a mixing bowl, combine eggplant with vegetable oil, salt, rice vinegar, thick soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Toss well to coat.
3. 3Place eggplant in the air fryer basket. Cook...: Place eggplant in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
4. 4Remove from basket, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and...: Remove from basket, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and serve hot.