Air Fried Baingan Bhaja. Crispy, crunchy, and delicious, this eggplant fry/baingan bhaja is a healthy alternative to traditional pan-fried eggplants. Perfectly seasoned, these eggplant discs go well as a side or appetizer. Vegan and gluten-free. These eggplant discs or baingan bhaja is my favorite side with white rice and lentils. It always makes me nostalgic, and I miss my parent’s home and childhood. My mother used to make this Bengali eggplant fry for our Sunday lunches. I enjoyed baingan bhaja so much, and it’s still my favorite.
What Type of Eggplant is Needed for Baingan Bhaja?
I always prefer to make this with large eggplants; however, if you are not getting hold of it, use the biggest round or oval-shaped eggplant you get. Look for fleshy and eggplants with less seed/no seed. It’s incredible how cooked eggplant or baingan feels crispy on the outside and soft and delicate on the inside. Furthermore, air frying makes the eggplant sweeter and tastier.
How to Make it-
Rinse the eggplants and dry them with a paper towel. Slice them into round discs. Your discs shouldn’t be either thick or thin. Then, rub these discs with spices like salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Keep them on the counter for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 380 F for 5 minutes. Just before placing them in the air fryer, brush them with oil. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Air fry them at 380 F for 3-4 minutes on each side. Time can vary depending on how many crisps you like or the thickness of your eggplant rounds—check in between. Then, please remove it from the air fryer and enjoy!
Step-by-step pictorial presentation,
You May Also Want to Check Out These Eggplant Recipes:-
Eggplant in Spicy Garlic Sauce Eggplant Tikka Masala/Baingan Tikka Masala Roasted Eggplant Mash/Baingan Ka Bharta
