Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Eggplant and Pomegranate Salad
Discover a unique air fryer miso-glazed eggplant salad with pomegranate and mint. A refreshing, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Try it now!
Recipe Overview
Discover a unique air fryer miso-glazed eggplant salad with pomegranate and mint. A refreshing, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Try it now!
Ingredients
- • medium eggplants: 2, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- • white miso paste: 3 tablespoons
- • soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- • rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- • honey or maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
- • sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- • pomegranate seeds: 1/2 cup
- • fresh mint leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped
- • sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
- • salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- • black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This ensures that the eggplant will cook evenly, giving it a perfect texture inside and a slight crisp on the outside.
- 2 In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and sesame oil until smooth. This will create a rich, umami-packed glaze that enhances the eggplant's natural flavors.
- 3 Lightly salt the eggplant slices on both sides and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a firmer texture once cooked.
- 4 Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel and brush each side generously with the miso glaze. Make sure each slice is well-coated to maximize flavor.
- 5 Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and browned.
- 6 Transfer the cooked eggplant to a serving platter. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, chopped mint, and sesame seeds for a vibrant and aromatic finish.
- 7 Serve immediately, garnished with a dash of black pepper. Enjoy the contrast of the warm, savory eggplant with the fresh, sweet pomegranate seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- • This dish shines as a light vegetarian main or a stunning side. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water infused with citrus for a delightful contrast to the rich miso glaze. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple quinoa salad or a bowl of jasmine rice. The vibrant colors and diverse flavors make it an ideal centerpiece for a lunch with friends or a family dinner. Consider garnishing the platter with additional mint sprigs for a pop of green and extra freshness.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the eggplant slices back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the eggplant soggy. If freezing, do so before adding the pomegranate seeds and mint. Freeze the glazed eggplant slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer.
