Air Fryer Eggplant Medallions with Black Sesame Crust, Herbed Yogurt and Pomegranate Molasses

Name: Air Fryer Eggplant Medallions with Black Sesame Crust, Herbed Yogurt and Pomegranate Molasses
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mediterránea
Ingredients: 1 large large eggplant; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp black sesame seeds; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 1/2 tbsp pomegranate molasses; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Thick eggplant rounds cooked in the air fryer until tender inside and golden outside, finished with an aromatic black sesame and breadcrumb crust. Served over fresh herbed yogurt with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a sweet-tart contrast.

20 minPrep

16 minCook

36 minTotal

4Servings

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings

500 g / 1 large g large eggplant (cut en 8 medallones of 2 cm)
6 g g salt (divided)
30 ml ml olive oil (divided)
45 g g breadcrumbs (preferiblemente fino)
18 g g black sesame seeds (lightly tostado)
25 g g grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
2 g g garlic powder
1 g g black pepper (freshly ground)
170 g g plain Greek yogurt
8 g g chopped fresh parsley
4 g g chopped fresh dill
15 ml ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
22 ml ml pomegranate molasses
0.5 g g red pepper flakes (optional)

Nutrition facts

per serving

190 kcal

Calories

6 g

Protein

16 g

Carbs

12 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

12 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairySesame

Instructions

1
1. Cut the eggplant into 8 rounds about 3/4 inch thick. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt over both sides and let rest for 10 minutes. Pat the surface dry with paper towels.
2
2. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, black sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3
3. Brush the eggplant medallions on both sides with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Press each medallion into the breadcrumb-sesame mixture to create a light crust on the cut sides.
4
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F / 190°C for 3 minutes.
5
5. Arrange the medallions in the basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F / 190°C for 8 minutes. Open the basket, brush or drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and carefully flip them.
6
6. Continue cooking at 375°F / 190°C for 8 more minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the crust looks golden and crisp.
7
7. Meanwhile, stir together the Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
8
8. To serve, spread the herbed yogurt on a platter, arrange the hot medallions on top, and finish with the pomegranate molasses. Add the red pepper flakes if you want a spicy touch.
9
9. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp crust, creamy eggplant center, and sweet-tart sauce contrast.

Chef tips

If your air fryer is small, cook in 2 batches so the medallions stay crisp instead of steaming. Toasting the black sesame seeds for 1 minute in a skillet boosts their aroma.

Substitutions

You can swap the dill for mint or chives. Pomegranate molasses can be replaced with balsamic reduction, though the flavor will be less fruity. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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Illustrative image
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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