"This eggplant katsu is going to be your new favorite snack! It’s made in the air fryer which makes it much healthier without sacrificing the flavor (or the crunch), is naturally vegan with a gluten-free option! I mean, what’s not to like?!"
Eggplant Katsu
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A Note from Feedfeed
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this air-fried vegan take on the traditional Japanese dish, Eggplant Katsu offers a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to the classic deep-fried version. Coated in a flavorful batter and golden breadcrumbs, each slice of eggplant becomes a delightful, crunchy delight. The dish pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces, enhancing its flavors with each bite. This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile, catering to various dietary preferences by allowing options for different types of flour.
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- Recipe Card
Prep time: 15mins
Cook time: 20mins
Serves or Makes: 4 servings
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour (or gluten-free, buckwheat, chickpea flour)
- 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup water, plus more as needed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or blended gluten-free cornflakes)
Method
Step 1
Wash and dry the eggplant. Remove the stem and cut it into 1-inch thick slices.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add ½ cup of water and stir until the mixture is smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if the batter is too thick.
Step 3
In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Step 4
Dip each slice of eggplant into the wet batter, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 5
Then, coat the battered eggplant slices with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 6
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Step 7
Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket.
Step 8
Lightly spray or brush oil on both sides of the eggplant slices to help them crisp up during cooking.
Step 9
Air fry the eggplant for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 10
Once the eggplant is golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer.
Step 11
Serve the Eggplant Katsu with your preferred dipping sauce. For instance, a mix of unsweetened vegan yogurt, basil, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper can be used as a flavorful dip.