Air Fryer Fusion Grilled Eggplant
Air Fryer Fusion Grilled Eggplant
Is there a more delicious eggplant dish? Fusion Sauce Grilled Eggplant in the Air Fryer
Butter and tomato sauce seasoned grilled eggplant! This dish is incredibly flavorful and perfect for a side dish or a special meal, made easily and quickly in your air fryer.
Main Ingredients- 2 eggplants
- Butter, as needed (approx. 20-30g)
Fusion Sauce- 6 Tbsp tomato pasta sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar or corn syrup
- A little chopped green onion (for garnish)
- 6 Tbsp tomato pasta sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar or corn syrup
- A little chopped green onion (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare two eggplants. Wash them thoroughly, then cut them in half lengthwise, and then into 2-3 large pieces. The seeds will deepen in color over time, so it’s best to prepare them just before cooking.
Step 2
Score the surface of the eggplant pieces with a crosshatch pattern. Make cuts about halfway through the thickness of the eggplant, being careful not to cut all the way through. This scoring not only makes the dish visually appealing but also allows the butter and sauce to penetrate deeply, ensuring delicious flavor throughout.
Step 3
Brush the scored surfaces with melted butter. Eggplant absorbs fat very quickly, so don’t be shy with the butter. You can either brush on a generous amount or place small pieces of butter on top of the eggplant. While you could use cooking oil, butter adds a superior flavor profile. It’s highly recommended to use butter for the best taste.
Step 4
While the eggplant is cooking, let’s prepare the sauce! Place the buttered eggplant in the air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 220°C (425°F) and cook for another 5 minutes. You don’t need to flip them; the cuts allow the heat to reach the inside effectively.
Step 5
To make the fusion sauce, combine the tomato pasta sauce, gochujang, and sugar (or corn syrup) in a bowl according to the ingredient list. Mix them well. The tangy sweetness of the tomato sauce combined with the spicy kick of the gochujang creates an irresistible fusion flavor.
Step 6
Transfer the cooked eggplant to a large bowl. Pour the prepared fusion sauce over the eggplant and gently toss to coat. Ensure the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies of the scored eggplant. Your delicious eggplant dish is almost ready!
Step 7
Arrange the fusion grilled eggplant on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. This dish is wonderful served with rice, and it’s a fantastic option when you’re craving a unique and easy eggplant recipe!
