Looking for a delicious and fuss-free way to enjoy aubergines? These air fryer aubergines turn beautifully golden and tender, paired with a smoky, nutty Romesco dip for extra flavour. Quick to make and packed with Mediterranean goodness, this dish is perfect as a starter or a light meal. Enjoy a crispy, flavourful bite with every dip!
Air Fryer Aubergines: Crispy, Quick, and Delicious
Deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer aubergines are served with a vibrant romesco dip. This is a quick and easy recipe, perfect as an appetiser, snack, or side dish that everyone will love.
To make the aubergines extra crunchy, I coat them in a mixture of mayonnaise and panko breadcrumbs. Mayonnaise is the perfect substitute for eggs. To make this recipe 100% plant-based you can use dairy-free mayonnaise or even dairy-free yoghurt like in my “Thai Salmon (or no-salmon) Cake” recipe on page 204 of my cookbook “Less Meat, More Plants“.
While the aubergines are cooking, you can make the romesco dip in a food processor or blender. I like to blend it until it has a smooth yet chunky consistency, then I loosen it up by adding some extra virgin olive oil.
Romesco originates from Spain, where it is typically served as a dip, spread, or sauce. I like to think of it as the hispanic cousin of muhammara.
Romesco has a rich and smoky taste that pairs so well with aubergines as well as many other food. Make sure to try my Asparagus Bruschetta (with Romesco Spread)!
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Watch out to make this air fryer aubergine with romesco dip recipe
In this post
How to make air fryer aubergines
Ingredients needed
To make this recipe you will need:
- 2 aubergines
- mayonnaise of choice
- panko breadcrumbs
- roasted red pepper from jar,
- almonds
- 2 garlic cloves
- sundried tomatoes
- sherry vinegar
- smoked paprika
- cayenne pepper
- salt
- extra virgin olive oil
Step 1: Cut the aubergines
Cut the aubergines into thin slices (about 1/4 cm ( 0.1 inch) thickness).
Step 2: Breading Process
Place the mayonnaise and breadcrumbs in two separate shallow plates. Dip each aubergine slice into mayonnaise and then breadcrumbs until coated all over.
Step 3: Air fry the aubergines
Arrange to breaded aubergine slices at the bottom of air fryer basket.
Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crispy all over. Flip the aubergines slices around half-way through.
Step 4: Make the romesco dip
In the meantime, make the romesco dip. Except for the olive oil and salt, place of the dip ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until you have a smooth yet chunky consistency.
Season the romesco dip with salt and adjust the consistency by adding up to 125ml (1/2 cup) of extra virgin olive oil.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the air fried aubergines with the romesco dip on the side.
Common questions about these air fryer aubergines
Yes, you can also make this recipe in the oven. Simply place the coated aubergine slices on an oven tray lined with baking paper and bake the aubergines at 180°C (350°F) for around 25 minutes until golden and crispy all over. Don’t forget to flip the aubergines slices around half-way through.
Romesco dip pairs well with a variety of vegetables such as asparagus, peppers, carrots, courgette, broccoli, and cauliflower.
You can make the romesco dip in advance, and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I do not recommend making the aubergines ahead of time as they will lose their crispiness.
I hope you enjoy these air fryer aubergines with romesco dip as much as I do. If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
Air fryer Aubergines with Romesco Dip
Equipment
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Ingredients
- 2 medium aubergines
- 125 ml mayonnaise of choice
- 100 g panko breadcrumbs
- 200 g roasted red pepper from jar, roughly chopped
- 100 g almonds
- 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 30 g sundried tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt
- 125 ml extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the aubergines into thin slices (about 1/4 cm ( 0.1 inch) thickness).2 medium aubergines
- Place the mayonnaise and breadcrumbs in two separate shallow plates.125 ml mayonnaise of choice, 100 g panko breadcrumbs
- Dip each aubergine slice into mayonnaise and then breadcrumbs until coated all over.
- Arrange to breaded aubergine slices at the bottom of air fryer basket.
- Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crispy all over. Flip the aubergines slices around half-way through.
- In the meantime, make the romesco dip: Except for the olive oil and salt, place of the dip ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until you have a smooth yet chunky consistency.200 g roasted red pepper from jar, roughly chopped, 100 g almonds, 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped, 30 g sundried tomatoes, 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Season the romesco dip with salt and adjust the consistency by adding up to 125ml (1/2 cup) of extra virgin olive oil.Salt, 125 ml extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- Serve the air fried aubergines with the romesco dip on the side.
Video
Nutrition
Find this recipe online:
Air fryer Aubergines with Romesco Dip
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/air-fryer-aubergines-with-romesco-dip/
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