How To Cook Eggplant (Baked, Broiled & Air Fryer Eggplant)

Step 1

After slicing and salting the eggplant, toss it with a bit of oil (cubes) or brush with oil (sliced or halved), lay out the slices/cubes on a baking tray. If using halved eggplant, then lay it flesh-side downwards.

Step 2

Roast in a preheated oven at 400ºF/200ºC for between 25-32 minutes, flipping halfway through (for the coins and cubes). Or for 35-40 minutes, not flipping - if roasting halved eggplants. This will vary based on individual ovens, so check at the shortest time and increase as needed.When ready, the baked eggplant should be a golden brown color with a tender middle. For the halved eggplant, the skin will look puckered and slightly collapsed, with a custardy middle.

Step 3

This method is excellent for when you want a super velvety, custardy eggplant for dips and spreads. Baked whole eggplant means no chance of the eggplant crisping up.Prick the eggplant just a few times all over, then transfer it to a baking tray. Roast the eggplant in a preheated oven at 400ºF/200ºC until the skin gets wrinkly and begins to collapse - which means the flesh inside has become lovely and tender - usually between 45-60 minutes.You can check the tenderness with a knife, too - it should slide through the baked whole eggplant with little resistance.Make sure not to forget to poke holes in the eggplant; otherwise, the steam can build up inside of them and lead to a messy exploding eggplant situation in the oven or across your entire kitchen.

Step 4

If I've cut my eggplant into coins, I'll often use the oven grill/broiler to cut down on the cooking time.Place the salted/rested and oiled slices in a single layer on a baking tray and broil for between 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and tender in the middle.

Step 5

Lay the eggplant slices out in a single layer, with space in between the pieces. Air fry in a preheated Air Fryer at 400ºF/200ºC for around 20 minutes, flipping once halfway (for slices) or between 15-20 minutes for cubed pieces.

Step 6

Cook the slices/cubes in batches but don't worry about the first batch going cold. Once all of the batched are ready, place them all back in the Air Fryer (no space in-between required!) and air fry for just a few minutes (3-at 400ºF/200ºC.

Step 7

Season and serve!