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This is an overhead image of a plate with caramelized, glazed eggplant pieces. The eggplant has sesame seeds and scallions on it. The plate sits on a white counter. Recipe
GF Gluten-Free DF Dairy-Free V Vegan VG Vegetarian EF Egg-Free

25 Min Meal: Sweet & Sticky Air Fryer Eggplant

Air fryer eggplant is sweet, sticky, and so easy to make! You’ll love how caramelized and sweet the eggplant gets in the air fryer!

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Prep: 5 minCook: 18 minTotal: 23 min
Servings: serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant, cut in chunks or cubes
  • 5 tablespoons agave nectar, divided (honey or maple syrup works too)
  • 4 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 scallion, chopped
  • sprinkle of white sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer (if it requires it) to 400F.
  2. Cut the eggplant into 2 inch pieces that are about 1/2 inch thick. I did a combo of triangles and rectangles. 
  3. Place the eggplant in a large bowl and toss with 3 tablespoons agave nectar and 3 tablespoons sesame oil.
  4. Arrange the eggplant pieces in your air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching.
    This is an overhead image of an air fryer tray with raw eggplant pieces on it. The eggplant is sprinkled with salt.
  5. Sprinkle with the kosher salt.
  6. Place the basket or tray into a preheated air fryer and air fry for 8 minutes.
  7. While the eggplant is air frying, whisk together the sauce with the remaining 2 tablespoons agave nectar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, and hot sauce.
  8. After the 8 minutes, if you are using trays, switch the trays so the eggplant cooks evenly.
  9. Brush the eggplant with the sauce.
  10. Air fry for another 5 minutes.
  11. After the 5 minutes, use tongs to flip the eggplant and brush the other side with the sauce.
  12. Air fry for another 3 – 5 minutes until caramelized and golden-medium brown.
    This is a side view of an air fryer tray with caramelized and glazed eggplant pieces.
  13. Transfer to a plate or bowl and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
    This is an overhead image of a plate with caramelized, glazed eggplant pieces. The eggplant has sesame seeds and scallions on it. The plate sits on a white counter.

Nutrition Info:

  • Serving Size: 1/4 batch
  • Calories: 227
  • Sugar: 23.5g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 13.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 4.1g
  • Protein: 1.6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
© The Toasted Pine Nut