Air Fryer Eggplant (Begun Bhaja)

Name: Air Fryer Eggplant (Begun Bhaja)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 large eggplant; 2 tbsp oil; ½ tsp turmeric powder; Salt (to taste)

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Air fryer eggplant is an easy and delicious side dish made with just 4 ingredients. They are ready in less than 15 minutes and pair very well with your meals. Gluten-free, vegan and suitable for most dietary requirements.

Air fryer eggplant (begun bhaja) step-by-step recipe with photos.

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About this recipe
Ingredients
Variations
Tips and tricks
FAQs
Bonus
Step by step instructions
Recipe card

About this recipe

Begun bhaja or fried eggplant is an easy-to-make Bengali side dish made with just 4 ingredients (including salt). This delicious eggplant dish pairs very well with your meals. They are traditionally shallow fried but here, I am making them in an air fryer. This way, they soak way less oil and are a healthier alternative without compromising on the taste.

This air fryer eggplant is gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, dairy-free, nut-free - making it suitable for any of your dietary requirements. Enjoy it with rice and dal or pair it with dalia khichdi for a perfect meal.

The classic version of fried eggplant is seasoned using just salt and turmeric. Read on for variations, tips, and FAQs to make this super easy side dish.

Ingredients

Eggplant: Use large, oval eggplant with shiny and glossy skin. Read FAQs below to see how to select the eggplant.

Oil: I use olive oil to make them. However, it can be replaced with any cooking oil of your choice.

Salt and turmeric: The eggplant slices are seasoned with salt and turmeric.

Variations

The recipe I am sharing here is the classic version and uses just salt and turmeric as seasoning. Here are some delicious variations you can add to give it a twist.

Spicy: Make a spicy version of these chips by tossing the classic chips in some chili powder or pepper.

Tandoori masala: Add 1 teaspoon of tandoori masala to give it a smoky flavor.

Chili lime: Toss some chili powder with the seasoning and add lime juice just before serving to make a spicy-tangy version.

Rice flour: Add 1-2 tablespoons of rice flour along with other seasonings. This will create a crunchy coating on the eggplants. Make sure to rub the rice flour well and there are no dry bits. Adding 1 tablespoon extra oil will ensure the eggplant slices are well coated.

Tips and tricks

Cut the eggplants into even-sized discs to ensure they are cooked at the same time. You may also cut them into thick fingers similar to fries.

It is important to preheat the air fryer for 2 minutes before brushing oil. Do not skip this step. Preheating will ensure the eggplant slices do not stick to the basket.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the eggplant in a single layer and air fry in batches.

The time taken for the eggplants to be cooked depends on the air fryer and also the size of the eggplant. Keep an eye after 7-8 minutes.

FAQs

How to select eggplant?

Use eggplants that have smooth and glossy skin. If the skin is dull, the eggplant is not fresh and may have a lot of seeds. The eggplant should feel slightly heavy for its size and should be firm. When you cut the eggplant, it should have white flesh. Fresh eggplant will have minimal seeds. As the eggplant matures, the seeds increases and if an eggplant has too many seeds, it may be unusable.

How to cut eggplant?

For this dish, you can cut the eggplant either into round discs or thick fingers (like fries). I prefer to cut them into ¼-inch round discs.

Should I peel the eggplant before frying?

While it is not necessary, you can do it.

How to store eggplant fry?

They can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375 F (190 C).

Which eggplant should I use to make eggplant fry?

Use large purple eggplants to make this dish. I have not tried them with any other variety.