Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to regular potato chips, then look no further than eggplant chips. These crispy and flavorful snacks are easy to make in an air fryer, and they’re packed with nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or just looking to switch up your snack routine, these eggplant chips are sure to become a new favorite.
To make eggplant chips in an air fryer, start by slicing the eggplant into thin rounds. This can be done using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for more even slices. Then, lightly salt the slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the eggplant, resulting in a crispier chip.
After the eggplant slices have rested, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will remove any excess moisture and ensure that the chips cook evenly in the air fryer. Next, drizzle the slices with olive oil and sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings. Whether you prefer a simple salt and pepper blend or want to get creative with herbs and spices, the choice is yours.
Once the eggplant slices are seasoned, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the chips in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Once the eggplant chips are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will become even crispier as they cool down. Serve the chips as a healthy snack or as a side dish with your favorite dip. These eggplant chips are a tasty and nutritious alternative to regular potato chips, and they’re sure to satisfy your cravings.
Preparing Eggplant for Chips
Before making eggplant chips in an air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the eggplant to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes crispy. Here are the steps to prepare the eggplant:
- Choose a firm and fresh eggplant from your local grocery store or farmers market. Look for eggplants that are shiny, smooth, and have no blemishes or bruises.
- Wash the eggplant under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Trim off the ends of the eggplant using a sharp knife.
- Using a vegetable peeler or a knife, peel the skin off the eggplant. Alternatively, you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic texture.
- Slice the eggplant into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are around 1/4 inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, it can be helpful to achieve uniform slices.
- Place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle them generously with salt. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the eggplant and prevents it from becoming soggy. Let the slices sit for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse the eggplant slices under cold running water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step will remove any excess salt and moisture.
- Your eggplant slices are now ready to be air-fried into crispy and delicious chips!
Preparing the eggplant properly will result in perfectly crispy and flavorful eggplant chips. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy and tasty snack!
Choose the Perfect Eggplant
When making eggplant chips in an air fryer, it’s important to choose the perfect eggplant for optimal results. Here are a few tips to help you select the right one:
1. Look for firmness: Pick an eggplant that feels firm and has smooth, shiny skin. Avoid ones with soft spots or wrinkled skin, as they may be overripe.
2. Size matters: Opt for smaller to medium-sized eggplants, as they tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor. These are ideal for making crispy chips.
3. Check the stem: The stem of the eggplant should be green and fresh-looking. Avoid ones with a dry or withered stem, as this can indicate age.
4. Consider the color: While the deep purple eggplants are the most common, other varieties like Japanese, Italian, or graffiti eggplants can also be used to make chips. Choose the color that appeals to you the most.
5. Organic or conventional: If possible, choose organic eggplants to minimize exposure to pesticides. However, conventional eggplants can also be used as long as they are fresh and of good quality.
By following these tips, you will be able to select the perfect eggplant for making delicious and crispy eggplant chips in your air fryer.
Slice the Eggplant
Before making eggplant chips in an air fryer, you need to prepare the eggplant by slicing it into thin rounds. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Wash the Eggplant
Start by washing the eggplant under cold running water. This helps remove any dirt or residue from the skin.
Step 2: Remove the Ends
Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the eggplant.
Step 3: Slice the Eggplant
Now, slice the eggplant into rounds with a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for more precise and even slices.
Tip: If you prefer thicker or thinner eggplant chips, adjust the slice thickness according to your preference.
Make sure to avoid slice thicknesses greater than 1/2 inch, as they may not cook evenly in the air fryer.
Once you have sliced all the eggplant rounds, you are ready to move on to the next steps of making eggplant chips in an air fryer.
Salt the Eggplant Slices
Before air frying the eggplant slices, it’s important to remove excess moisture from them. This will help the chips become crispier. Start by slicing the eggplant into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick.
Next, sprinkle salt generously over both sides of each eggplant slice. The salt will draw out any excess water from the eggplant, which will be released as the salt sits on the slices. Let the salted eggplant slices sit for about 15-20 minutes.
During this time, you may notice beads of moisture forming on the slices. This is a good sign that the salt is working to extract the water from the eggplant. After the 15-20 minutes have passed, use paper towels to pat the slices dry.
Make sure to remove any visible salt from the eggplant, as this could make the chips too salty. The eggplant slices are now ready to be air fried to perfection!
Let the Eggplant Sweat
Before you start making your eggplant chips, it’s important to let the eggplant sweat. Sweating the eggplant helps remove the bitterness and excess moisture, resulting in crispier chips.
To sweat the eggplant, start by slicing it into thin rounds or strips. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle them generously with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes.
During this time, the salt will draw out the moisture from the eggplant. You’ll notice small droplets of liquid forming on the surface. This process helps remove any bitterness and prevents the chips from turning soggy.
After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the excess salt. Pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
Now that your eggplant slices are sweated and ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: seasoning and air frying!
Cooking Eggplant Chips in Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, look no further than eggplant chips cooked in an air fryer. Not only are they delicious, but they also pack fewer calories and less fat. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized eggplant
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Optional: your favorite seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Wash and slice the eggplant into thin chips, about 1/8 inch thick.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and any other desired seasoning.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the oil mixture, ensuring it’s well coated on both sides.
- Place the coated slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the eggplant chips in batches, if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for about 10-12 minutes or until the chips turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade eggplant chips as a healthy snack or a tasty side dish!
Experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred flavor profile. You can try smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added taste. These eggplant chips are sure to become a new favorite in your household!
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed to make eggplant chips in the air fryer?
The ingredients needed to make eggplant chips in the air fryer are eggplants, olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings or spices of your choice.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer to make eggplant chips?
Yes, you can use a regular oven instead of an air fryer to make eggplant chips. Simply follow the same instructions but adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
