Imagine a dish that combines the crispy perfection of air-fried eggplant with the classic flavors of a traditional Caprese salad - sounds irresistible, right? This Air Fryer Eggplant Caprese is about to become your new favorite quick and elegant meal that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, but can be prepared in just 35 minutes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience, this recipe promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Wash and dry the eggplant. Slice it into 1/2-inch thick round pieces, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Lightly brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a crisp exterior and tender interior for the eggplant.
- Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the eggplant slices for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- While eggplant is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and slice fresh mozzarella into thin rounds.
- Once eggplant is cooked, remove from air fryer and arrange on a serving platter.
- Top each eggplant slice with a slice of mozzarella, followed by halved cherry tomatoes.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the assembled eggplant caprese.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the dish just before serving.
- Serve immediately while the eggplant is still warm and mozzarella is slightly melted.
Tips
- Choose a firm, glossy eggplant for the best results - avoid ones with soft spots or wrinkled skin.
- Slice eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent crispy texture.
- Don't skip brushing with olive oil - it helps achieve that golden, crisp exterior.
- Work in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the creamiest, most authentic flavor.
- Tear basil leaves instead of cutting to release more aromatic oils.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the warm eggplant and slightly melted mozzarella.
- For a gourmet touch, use a high-quality balsamic glaze to elevate the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 263kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
