Air Fryer Aubergine: Cooking Times, Tips and Ideas
Aubergine is one of those vegetables I really like, but it can be annoyingly easy to get wrong. Fry it in a pan and it seems capable of drinking an astonishing amount of oil, while undercooked aubergine can be chewy and not particularly pleasant.
Cooking aubergine in the air fryer is much easier once you know how you want to cut it. Cubes, slices and aubergine halves all work, but they need different cooking times, so I’ve included all three methods below rather than pretending there’s one magic cooking time that works for everything.
For a quick answer, aubergine cubes take around 10–12 minutes at 200°C, while 1cm slices take around 8–10 minutes at 190°C. Aubergine halves need considerably longer at around 25–30 minutes at 180°C.
The aim isn’t necessarily to make aubergine crunchy all the way through. I like it browned around the outside but lovely and soft inside, rather than dried out in an attempt to make every edge crispy.
If you’re still getting to grips with your air fryer generally, my beginner’s guide to using an air fryer covers the basics, or you can browse all my air fryer recipes for more things to try.
How to choose an aubergine
When I’m buying aubergines, I look for one that feels reasonably heavy for its size and has smooth, glossy skin without lots of wrinkles, soft patches or brown areas. The green stem should still look fairly fresh rather than completely dried out.
Give it a gentle press too. You want it to feel firm but with a little give rather than either rock hard or decidedly squishy.
Do you need to salt aubergine before air frying?
You don’t usually need to salt modern aubergines simply to remove bitterness, so I certainly wouldn’t tell you that you have to add another 20 minutes to dinner every time you cook one.
Salting can draw out some moisture, though, so it’s something you can experiment with if you’re particularly interested in getting browned edges. Sprinkle the cut aubergine lightly with salt, leave it for around 20 minutes and then pat it thoroughly dry before cooking.
Most of the time, especially when I’m making cubes for an everyday dinner, I’d rather just cut it up and get on with cooking!
How to cut aubergine for the air fryer
How you cut it really depends on what you’re doing with it afterwards. Cubes are handy for adding to couscous, pasta dishes, curries or salads, while slices work well when you want something you can layer or serve as a side.
You can also cut an aubergine in half lengthways and air fry the two halves. This takes considerably longer, but gives you that really soft middle that’s lovely with a glaze or topping.
Tips for getting air fryer aubergine right
The main thing is not to cram too much into the basket. Air fryers rely on hot air moving around the food, so a packed basket of aubergine is much more likely to cook unevenly. If you’ve got a small air fryer and an enormous aubergine, annoying as it is, two batches may genuinely give you a better result.
I’d also use a little oil rather than drowning it. Aubergine has an impressive ability to absorb oil, but you don’t need to keep adding more every time it disappears from view.
Seasoning makes a big difference because aubergine itself is fairly mild. Garlic, oregano and black pepper work well for something simple, while cumin, smoked paprika, chilli or Middle Eastern-style spice blends give you something completely different.
If you’re experimenting with other vegetables too, my air fryer cauliflower is another easy one, while crispy air fryer chickpeas are good when you want something with a bit more crunch.
Ideas for serving air fryer aubergine
Once you’ve got the basic cooking method right, you can do quite a lot with it. I like cubes mixed through couscous with tomatoes, feta and lemon, and you can find more ideas in my couscous salad recipes.
A miso glaze also works particularly well with aubergine because you get that lovely combination of soft aubergine and a sticky savoury coating. I’d cook the aubergine until it’s nearly ready before adding anything particularly sugary, though, because sweet glazes can catch quickly in an air fryer.
Slices can be used for an aubergine Parmesan-style dish too, with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, herbs and tomato sauce. I’d treat that as a separate recipe rather than trying to squeeze the entire dish into this basic cooking guide.
How to Cook Air Fryer Aubergine
| Aubergine | Temperature | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Cubes | 200°C | 10–12 mins |
| 1cm slices | 190°C | 8–10 mins |
| Halves | 180°C | 25–30 mins |
The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on how you’ve cut your aubergine. Here are three foolproof methods:
1. Air Fryer Aubergine Cubes
- Cut the aubergine into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss the cubes in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and half a teaspoon of garlic granules.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
- Place the cubes in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The cubes are ready when they’re golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.
2. Air Fryer Aubergine Slices
- Slice the aubergine into 1cm-thick rounds.
- Brush both sides with a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The slices should be lightly browned and tender.
3. Air Fryer Aubergine Halves
- Cut the aubergine in half lengthways.
- Score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
- Brush the flesh with oil or a marinade.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
- Place the halves flesh-side up in the basket.
- Cook for 25–30 minutes until the top is charred and the middle is soft.
Top Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Aubergine
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: The air fryer works by circulating hot air. If the pieces are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
Use an Oil Spray: A light spray of oil ensures even coverage without adding too many calories.
Season Generously: Aubergine has a mild flavour, so don’t be shy with your spices and herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I Need to Peel Aubergine?
No, the skin is edible and helps the aubergine hold its shape during cooking.
Why Did My Aubergine Turn Out Dry?
This usually happens if you overcook it or don’t use enough oil. Lightly coat the pieces in oil and keep an eye on the cooking time.
Can I Cook Frozen Aubergine?
Frozen aubergine can be cooked in an air fryer, although the extra moisture means you may not get quite the same browned texture as you would with fresh aubergine. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and shape of the frozen pieces, so I’d follow the packet instructions where available and check it regularly rather than simply adding a fixed amount of time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the aubergine cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Can I Make It Spicy?
Absolutely! Toss the aubergine in chilli powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
Ready to Get Cooking?
Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it’s time to grab an aubergine and fire up your air fryer. Whether you’re making crispy cubes for a salad or a sticky miso-glazed half, you’ll love how easy and delicious this vegetable can be.
Remember, the key to perfect air-fried aubergine is choosing a fresh vegetable, not overcrowding the basket, and being generous with your seasonings. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked aubergine any other way!
If you found this guide helpful, let me know in the comments—or share your favourite aubergine recipes. Happy cooking!
