Air Fryer Recipe
Aubergine Meatball Skewers
Aubergine meatball skewers make a lovely vegetarian swap for traditional meat skewers, and they’re just right for cooking in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 large aubergines
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- Olive oil spray
- Skewers
Method
- Wash and dry the aubergines, dice them into small pieces, sprinkle with salt, and leave to sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse the aubergine pieces and pat them dry, then cook in olive oil over a medium heat until soft and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
- Tip the cooked aubergine, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper into a bowl. Add the egg and mix until it binds together.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, adding extra breadcrumbs if it feels too wet.
- Thread the meatballs onto skewers, then spray with olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F), then cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer uses convection to circulate hot air around the skewers, ensuring even browning and crisping of the meatballs' exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Equipment notes
Assumes a standard 3.5-litre basket; in dual-zone models, cook skewers in a single layer to ensure even airflow, potentially reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Common pitfalls
- Aubergine pieces not softening? Increase stovetop cooking time by 3-5 minutes until they are fully tender.
- Meatballs falling apart on skewers? Ensure the mixture is not too wet; add more breadcrumbs if necessary.
- Not browning evenly by minute 6? Rearrange skewers for better air circulation and continue cooking.
Variations & substitutions
- Substitute courgettes for aubergines for a milder flavour; reduce stovetop cooking time by 2 minutes.
- Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, which may require an additional minute in the air fryer.
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino for a sharper taste, adjusting salt levels accordingly.
Storage & reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-4 minutes; keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
