This Air Fryer Japanese Eggplant Recipe Is So Easy & Delicious
I still remember the first time I tried nasu dengaku—a Japanese miso-glazed eggplant dish. It was at a cozy izakaya-style restaurant during a girls’ trip to San Francisco. I wasn’t expecting to fall head-over-heels for something as humble as eggplant, but wow—each bite was sweet, savory, silky, and perfectly caramelized. Since then, I’ve been hooked.
The good news? You don’t need a flight to Tokyo—or even a reservation—to enjoy this dish. With a few pantry ingredients and an air fryer, you can make your own Japanese eggplant recipe that’s easy, healthy, vegan, and absolutely delicious.
Let’s dive into one of my favorite ways to cook aubergine that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing your foodie friends.
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What Is Japanese Eggplant?
If you’ve only used the standard globe eggplant, it’s time to meet its more delicate cousin: Japanese eggplant. These slender, deep purple beauties are known for their tender flesh, thin skin, and subtly sweet flavor.
They cook quickly, absorb marinades like a dream, and are ideal for dishes like stir-fries, curries, or our star recipe today: air fryer nasu dengaku.
Also known as aubergine in some parts of the world, Japanese eggplant is a great option when you’re looking to add more veggies to your meals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Eggplant
Before I had an air fryer, I used to roast eggplant in the oven. While tasty, it took longer and required more oil for that caramelized finish. The air fryer, though? It creates crispy edges and silky centers with just a light brush of oil—and in half the time.
This method:
It’s one of the best ways to cook eggplant, especially if you're trying to simplify your weeknight routine without sacrificing taste.
What Is Nasu Dengaku?
Let’s talk about the miso glaze that makes this dish shine.
Nasu dengaku is a traditional Japanese side dish made by broiling or grilling eggplant and slathering it in a rich, umami-packed miso glaze. The name loosely translates to “temple-style eggplant,” and it’s a common dish in Japanese home cooking.
The glaze combines white miso, a touch of sweetness (like maple syrup), a splash of rice vinegar, and mirin—creating that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy. And yes, it’s totally vegan.
Ingredients (Exact Measurements)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe. It serves 2 as a main, or 4 as a side.
For the Eggplant:
For the Alcohol-Free Miso Glaze:
Optional Garnishes:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Eggplant
Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise. Score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern without cutting through the skin—this helps the glaze absorb and speeds up cooking.
Brush the cut sides with sesame oil.
Step 2: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the eggplant halves cut side up in the basket (you may need to work in batches).
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and the edges are golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Alcohol-Free Miso Glaze
While the eggplant is cooking, whisk together the miso paste, rice vinegar, maple syrup (both tablespoons and teaspoons), soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Remove the eggplant from the air fryer. Brush the tops generously with the miso glaze.
Return to the air fryer for 2–3 more minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Can I Use the Oven Instead?
Absolutely. If you don’t own an air fryer, simply place the oiled eggplant halves on a baking sheet and roast in a 400°F oven for 20–25 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes after adding the glaze.
But for the crispiest results with less oil and faster cooking, the air fryer still wins for me!
Why This Recipe Is So Good for You
This dish checks all the boxes:
It’s a go-to for me when I want something comforting but not heavy—and it keeps really well for leftovers.
3 Amazon Must-Haves for This Recipe
I’ve tested a few air fryers, but the Ninja AF101 delivers the crispiest eggplant and is super easy to clean. It has a wide basket that’s perfect for laying eggplant halves flat—and it preheats in under 2 minutes.
Shop the Ninja Air Fryer on Amazon
“Turn your kitchen into a healthy cooking powerhouse—no deep-frying required!”
2. Hikari Organic White Miso Paste
Not all miso is created equal. This one by Hikari is organic, smooth, and balanced—ideal for glazes, soups, and dressings. Once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything.
Grab a tub of Hikari White Miso on Amazon
“Flavor bomb in a spoonful—add it to your pantry now.”
3. Shun Classic 6-Inch Chef’s Knife
Scoring and slicing eggplant is so much easier with a sharp knife. The Shun Classic is my favorite for prepping delicate veggies like Japanese eggplant—it’s lightweight, precise, and stunning to look at.
Slice with precision—get the Shun Chef’s Knife on Amazon
“A must-have tool that makes vegetable prep feel luxurious.”
How to Serve & Customize
Here are my favorite ways to turn this dish into a meal:
Serve With:
Add to:
The miso glaze also works well on roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even mushrooms. It’s endlessly adaptable!
Final Thoughts
This air fryer Japanese eggplant recipe has become a mainstay in my kitchen—not just because it’s quick and easy, but because it feels like a little celebration of flavor every time I make it. I love how a few humble ingredients and simple cooking techniques can transform a veggie into something crave-worthy and elegant.
Whether you’re trying to eat more veggies, cut back on meat, or just love trying new dishes, this is one to bookmark. It’s cozy, healthy, and totally customizable.
So if you’re looking for an easy, vegan, and delicious new dish that feels like something special, this nasu dengaku will absolutely deliver.
And hey—if you make it, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to see your creations and hear about any creative twists you put on it.
Happy cooking
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