This Air Fried Stuffed Eggplant recipe is a perfect vegetarian or side dish for dinner!
Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the savory, earthy notes of the eggplant and the smooth, savory filling. The spinach adds a vibrant green freshness, while the artichokes bring a slight tanginess that elevates the entire dish. Melted cheese and a touch of garlic infuse the filling with a rich, comforting warmth that will leave you craving more.
Feeds 2-4 people
Prep time 10-15 minutes
Cook time 20-25 minutes
Why Air Fried Stuffed Eggplant Works
Even Cooking: The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and browning. This helps the eggplant become tender and the stuffing to cook through without needing excessive oil.
Crisp Texture: The air fryer’s convection heat helps create a crispy exterior on the eggplant and the stuffing. This is similar to frying but uses significantly less oil, making it a healthier option.
Enhanced Flavor: The high heat of the air fryer can help caramelize the ingredients, intensifying their flavors. The eggplant absorbs the seasonings and flavors of the stuffing better when cooked this way.
Reduced Oil Usage: Unlike traditional frying methods that require a lot of oil, air frying uses minimal oil, which can make the dish lighter while still achieving a crispy texture.
Convenience: Air fryers often cook food faster than conventional ovens, which can be a time-saver. They also usually require less cleanup, as they’re easier to clean than deep fryers.
In short, using an air fryer for stuffed eggplant provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while still delivering great taste and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 large Eggplant
- ½ yellow onion chopped fine
- 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of shredded parmesan cheese
- 6 ounces of marinated artichoke hearts (Diced)
- 8 ounces of spinach
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon of all purpose Seasoning
- Salt, Pepper & garlic seasoning
- Olive oil
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach
First, cook your spinach over medium heat until it wilts. Next, squeeze out the spinach to remove excess moisture. This ensures a perfect texture for your stuffing.
Prepare the Eggplant
Meanwhile, cut your eggplant in half. Score the flesh in a crisscross pattern, which helps the seasoning penetrate deeply. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning.
Add Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the seasoned eggplant. Massage the oil into the cuts to ensure even coverage and enhanced flavor.
Cook the Eggplant
Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit(190°C). Place the seasoned eggplant halves in the air fryer or oven and cook for 15-17 minutes. This will make the eggplant tender and ready to be stuffed.
Prepare the Stuffing
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, sour cream, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Season the mixture with all-purpose seasoning. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors together.
Mash the Eggplant
Once the eggplant is done cooking, carefully pull it out of the air fryer or oven. Lightly mash the inside of the eggplant with a fork, being careful not to rip the skin. This creates a nice base for your stuffing.
Stuff the Eggplant
Spoon the spinach and artichoke mixture on top of the eggplant.
Broil the Eggplant
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and shredded Parmesan cheese over the mixture & place the stuffed eggplant in your air fryer or oven on a low broil setting. Broil until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, plate up your delicious spinach and artichoke stuffed eggplant with some chips on the side. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy dish as an appetizer or a main course.
Air Fried Stuffed Eggplant
Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the savory, earthy notes of the eggplant and the smooth, savory filling. The spinach adds a vibrant green freshness, while the artichokes bring a slight tanginess that elevates the entire dish. Melted cheese and a touch of garlic infuse the filling with a rich, comforting warmth that will leave you craving more. For best results i recommend cooking this in an air fryer but your oven will work as well
Ingredients
- 1 large Eggplant
- ½ yellow onion chopped fine
- 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of shredded parmesan cheese
- 6 ounces of marinated artichoke hearts (Diced)
- 8 ounces of spinach
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- ½ Tablespoon of All purpose Seasoning
- Salt, Pepper & garlic seasoning
- Olive oil
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook your spinach down on medium heat
- Squeeze out your spinach to drain some of the moisture
- Cut your eggplant in half
- Score the eggplant in a crisscross pattern
- Season the eggplant with salt, pepper & garlic seasoning
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the seasoning and massage into cuts you made
- Place in your air fryer or oven at 375 degrees(190°C) for 15-17 minutes
- In a mixing bowl add spinach, sour cream, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and season with all purpose seasoning
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly so all the flavors meld together
- Pull your eggplant out of the air fryer and mash the inside very lightly so it doesn't rip the skin
- Add your spinach & artichoke mixture on top of the eggplant
- Add shredded mozzarella and shredded parmesan cheese on top
- Place in your oven on low broil till cheese becomes golden brown
- Plate up with some chips and enjoy!
Notes
Why Air Fried Stuffed Eggplant Works
Even Cooking: The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and browning. This helps the eggplant become tender and the stuffing to cook through without needing excessive oil.
Crisp Texture: The air fryer’s convection heat helps create a crispy exterior on the eggplant and the stuffing. This is similar to frying but uses significantly less oil, making it a healthier option.
Enhanced Flavor: The high heat of the air fryer can help caramelize the ingredients, intensifying their flavors. The eggplant absorbs the seasonings and flavors of the stuffing better when cooked this way.
Reduced Oil Usage: Unlike traditional frying methods that require a lot of oil, air frying uses minimal oil, which can make the dish lighter while still achieving a crispy texture.
Convenience: Air fryers often cook food faster than conventional ovens, which can be a time-saver. They also usually require less cleanup, as they’re easier to clean than deep fryers.
In short, using an air fryer for stuffed eggplant provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while still delivering great taste and texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 365Total Fat: 15gCholesterol: 17mgCarbohydrates: 13gSugar: 12gProtein: 26g
3 Responses
Absolutely amazing!
This is insanely good!
Thank you!