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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Steaks with Chimichurri Drizzle
Try our crispy air fryer eggplant steaks with chimichurri, a vegetarian delight loaded with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a healthy, quick dinner!
Welcome to a culinary delight where crispy meets healthy in the form of air-fried eggplant steaks. This vegetarian dish is not only visually striking but also packed with nutrients. Eggplant, often underestimated, is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and magnesium. It's low in calories yet filling, making it an ideal choice for those watching their waistlines.
The use of the air fryer ensures that the eggplant steaks achieve a perfect crispiness without the need for excessive oil, preserving the natural goodness of the ingredients. Topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, this dish brings together the earthy flavor of eggplant with the fresh zing of herbs and garlic, offering a flavor profile that's both bold and refreshing. It's a dish that satisfies not just your taste buds, but also your nutritional needs, making it a perfect addition to your healthy eating repertoire.
Recipe Overview
🥗 Vegetarian
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4
Calories
350 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mexican
Try our crispy air fryer eggplant steaks with chimichurri, a vegetarian delight loaded with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a healthy, quick dinner!
Ingredients
- • medium-sized eggplants: 2, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- • olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- • salt: 1 teaspoon, divided
- • black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- • smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- • chickpea flour: 1/2 cup
- • fresh parsley: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- • fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- • garlic cloves: 3, minced
- • red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- • red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
- • extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the eggplant steaks cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
- 2 In a bowl, mix the olive oil, half of the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Brush this mixture onto both sides of the eggplant slices, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- 3 Spread the chickpea flour on a plate and dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will add an extra layer of crunch.
- 4 Arrange the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip each slice and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- 5 While the eggplant is cooking, prepare the chimichurri sauce. In a bowl, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, remaining salt, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir until well mixed.
- 6 Once the eggplant steaks are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- • These crispy eggplant steaks are perfect as the main feature of a light lunch or dinner. Pair them with a fresh mixed greens salad topped with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette for added freshness and color. For a heartier meal, serve alongside quinoa pilaf or roasted sweet potatoes, which complement the earthy flavors of the eggplant. A chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced herbal tea makes an excellent beverage pairing, enhancing the meal's flavor profiles and offering a cooling contrast to the warm, crispy eggplant.
Storage Tips
To store any leftover eggplant steaks, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness. The chimichurri sauce can be stored separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using it again to reincorporate any separated oil.
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