Air Fryer Eggplant

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 180°C.
2. Place the eggplants on a cutting board and carefully make approximately 8 deep slices into the top of each eggplant, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
3. Line the air fryer basket with non-stick baking paper and place the eggplants in it, cut-side down. Spray them with low-calorie cooking spray and cook for 10 minutes.
4. While the eggplants are cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing crushed garlic, diced chili, oyster or hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and most of the chopped spring onions in a bowl. Pat the tofu dry with kitchen paper.
5. Gently lift the eggplants out of the air fryer using the baking paper, place them on a cutting board, and turn them cut-side up.
6. Spoon most of the oyster or hoisin sauce mixture over the eggplants, ensuring it seeps into the cuts. Return them to the air fryer along with the baking paper base and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the eggplants become tender.
7. Remove the cooked eggplants with the help of the baking paper and increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C.
8. Insert tofu and tomato pieces into as many of the eggplant cuts as possible (it’s fine if you don’t have one of each in every cut). Spread the remaining sauce mixture over the top, return to the air fryer, and cook for 5-8 minutes or until the tofu turns golden.
9. Divide the eggplants among plates. Drizzle any cooking juices over them and garnish with the reserved spring onions and coriander leaves and sprigs. You can serve this dish with additional Speed vegetables. If you’re not on an Extra Easy SP day, it also pairs well with rice.

Tips:

1. Slicing Eggplants: When making deep slices into the eggplants, use a sharp knife and try to keep the cuts evenly spaced to ensure even cooking.
2. To make this in the oven: Roast the eggplants on a non-stick baking tray at 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7, following the same steps but adding 10 minutes to the first 2 cooking stages. ▪️ This recipe is Free if you swap the sesame oil for water.
3. Air Fryer Temperature: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the specified temperature (180°C for the initial phase and 200°C later) for optimal cooking. Preheating helps achieve a crispy texture.
4. Baking Paper: Lining the air fryer basket with non-stick baking paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup easier.
5. Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the eggplants in the final cooking phase (5-8 minutes) to prevent overcooking. You want them to be tender, not mushy.