Easy Miso Eggplant Recipe (Air Fryer)
This air fryer version of Nasu Dengaku is a game-changer! The umami-packed miso glaze combined with the soft eggplant flesh creates a truly delicious dish. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish or a savoury appetiser, this miso eggplant recipe will impress.
Servings 4 people
Calories 196kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp white miso
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp oil divided
- 2 eggplants medium (or several Japanese eggplants)
- 1 scallion chopped
- 2 tsp white sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, mirin, sake, sugar, and oil until smooth.
- Slice the eggplants in half and then cut into thick strips, approximately 2cm (1 inch) thick and 7cm (3 inches) in length.
- Toss cut eggplant into 1 tbsp of oil.
- Prep air fryer by preheating if required and spray basket with oil.
- Place eggplant chips in the basket on a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Cook at 180°C or 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until the eggplant is soft and lightly browned.
- Remove the eggplant from the air fryer, brush the miso glaze generously, and return to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the glaze caramelise.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Video
Notes
- Substitute white miso with red miso for a deeper, more robust flavour.
- Substitute sake with water if you don’t have it.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Larger eggplants can taste slightly bitter, so opt for younger, smaller varieties that are known for their milder flavour. Or try salting the eggplant before cooking to help draw out some of those bitter compounds.
- If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the eggplant in batches to allow for even air circulation, ensuring they cook properly and become crispy.
- Apply a generous layer of the miso glaze to ensure maximum flavour.
Nutrition
Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 355mg | Potassium: 556mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg