Oh, the life of busy mums - a never-ending whirlwind of to-dos, school runs, appointments, and errands. Yet, despite all the chaos, these supermums find ways to tick everything off their to-do lists and serve up a delicious, healthy meal for the whole family every day. Their secret formula? Strategic choices!
Be it whipping up several dishes at once for a gathering or assembling afternoon nibbles, mums today have to be creative in their approach to cooking. So instead of dashing off to the nearest grocery for that last-minute meal or slaving over a hot stove for hours, they strategically plan what to cook, when to cook it, and how much time they'll spend in the kitchen. And if you're really crunched for time, let us clue you in on a total game-changer: an air fryer!
Air fryers have earned their rightful place on countless kitchen countertops, and for excellent reasons! These nifty gadgets are not only convenient and user-friendly, but they also help you reduce calories and fat through their speedy cooking process. The magic begins when you toss virtually anything into the basket without oil and end up with scrumptious results in mere minutes!
From classic snacks like french fries and chicken nuggets to full-blown meals like salmon and chicken breasts, you'll never run out of pantry items to experiment with in an air fryer!
But before you go and look for ready-to-fry items, remember that the air fryer alone will not make your meals healthy. Everything will still have to rely on your ability to select the right ingredients!
Fortunately, there are several air fryer recipes today that you can try out to sneak in some extra health benefits, like our incredibly fast and simple Crispy Garlic and Basil Eggplant recipe!
By now, you're probably saying, "Eggplant? Really?" We get it since it's not exactly the most popular one among children, but hear us out - this underdog is a true powerhouse in the health department! With low caloric content, an abundance of antioxidants, and a reputation for aiding with weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease, this purple wonder is the ultimate winner.
Our Crispy Garlic and Basil Eggplant recipe has proudly earned its spot in WMBT's latest Air Fryer recipe collection, owing to its irresistibly addictive flavour without the usual guilt that accompanies fried treats. Picture a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips – sans the extra calories. Add to that its unique savoury flair thanks to the combo of garlic and basil, and you've got a mouth-watering recipe that'll be enjoyed even by the pickiest of eaters.
Sounds exciting? Let's get started!
Crispy Garlic And Basil Eggplant Recipe
Makes 12 slices | Prep 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant, washed and cut into 1cm-thick discs
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 60 g (½ cup) spelt flour
- 30 g (½ cup) panko breadcrumbs
- 25 g (¼ cup) parmesan, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp basil
- salt and pepper
- olive oil for drizzling
Method
- Place eggplant slices on a large plate. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15 minutes. Flip the eggplant slices and salt again. Let sit again for 15 minutes.
- When you see fluid rising to the surface, rinse the slices off with water and pat them dry.
- Add spelt flour, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper to a bowl and mix until combined.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the whisked egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides.
- Cook in the air fryer at 185° C for 15-20 minutes or until crispy. Turn halfway through cooking time. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Once your crunchy treats are ready, be sure to serve them with WMBT's Stickie Plates for a mess-free eating experience. These versatile silicone snack boxes also double as air-tight containers - just pop on the lid if you'd like to save some for later or take your snacks on the go. Additionally, each Stickie Plate comes with three sections, making it a perfect platter for dips to match your Crispy Garlic and Basil Eggplant.
Got leftovers? Maintain their freshness for up to five days by storing them in the refrigerator. Just let them cool down to room temperature before stashing them in an air-tight container with a paper towel. You see, the paper towel trick is super useful since it will soak up any moisture and will help ensure ultimate crispiness.
Ready for round two? Give them a quick re-fry in your air fryer for two to three minutes, and they'll be as fresh and delicious as when you first made them!
Isn't this air fryer vegetable recipe a winner? With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can effortlessly whip it up alongside your kids. Encourage them to dive in and get hands-on as they dip each slice into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs. It's a fantastic opportunity to teach them cooking skills while keeping the process fun and interactive! And who knows – this might even be the perfect chance to introduce them to the wonders of air frying.
Need Substitutes?
Here at WMBT, we understand that every kid has a different palate, so we've rounded up below some modifications that you can make to this recipe.
- Italian Herb: Add a dash of oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram seasoning to the breading mixture for an extra boost of flavour.
- BBQ Flavour: Mix in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp onion powder for a smoky, savoury twist.
- Asian Kick: Sprinkle some salted egg powder for that irresistible salty-yet-sweet touch!
- Spicy Surprise: Combine 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of chilli powder, and ½ tsp of ground coriander for a flavorful Tex-Mex spin!
With these simple additions, both you and your little ones will undoubtedly be coming back for seconds. And if they're in the mood for an extra burst of flavour, don't forget you can always serve this scrumptious snack with a tasty dip. Whether it's the timeless marinara or the adventurous pesto, your kids will consistently discover new reasons to relish this delightful treat.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up your air fryer, and let's get cooking, momma! And if you're looking for more culinary inspiration for your next meal, be sure to check out our latest collection of air fryer recipes. You never know what amazing dish you might discover next!
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