Creamy, smokey and ultra delicious- this Air Fryer baba ganoush is going to become your next favorite dip of all time. 

If you like hummus and Middle Eastern food in general, you’re going to fall in love with the salty and savory flavors of this baked eggplant dip.  It’s truly a symphony of flavors and comes together super quick in your Air Fryer. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free too! 

Air Fryer Baba Ganoush served with pita bread and fresh veggies.
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Truth be told, I never considered myself a fan of eggplant. And that’s exactly why I’ve always been looking for ways to make it delicious. If you feel the same, you’ve got to try my crispy eggplant fries and Air Fryer eggplant chips. In fact, I’ve even tried my hands at an Olive Garden eggplant parmigiana and I was amazed at how delicious it turned out. 

And then I thought- why just stop there? And that’s when I tried this recipe! 

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Air frying is super fun and hassle-free. If you’ve been craving for a delicious, smoky dip, this quick recipe is going to win you over! 
  • Healthy and delish: It’s so much healthier than other dips too! And let’s not forget that smoky, savory blend of flavors! 
  • Versatile: There’s so many ways you can serve it! Plus, it’s incredibly customizable too. 

Ingredients For the Air Fryer Baba Ganoush Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Baba Ganoush on kitchen table.
  • Eggplant: Also known as aubergine. Choose ones that are medium or large sized for the best flavor and texture. 
  • Tahini: For the incredibly creamy and nutty flavor. Choose the best quality you can find! 
  • Olive oil: Use good quality olive oil. Or even better, use extra virgin olive oil. 
  • Garlic: I would highly recommend using fresh garlic here. It has all the taste and flavor- garlic powder doesn’t even come close here. 
  • Lemon juice: Just a bit, to tie all the flavors together. 
  • Seasonings: To season, I just used a bit of salt and pepper. 
  • Parsley: This one’s optional, but it adds a nice touch of freshness to the dip. 

Variations & Substitutions

  • To lend the baba ganoush a bit of extra flavor, add some cumin powder and smoked paprika into the mix. 
  • If you don’t have tahini, use some Greek yogurt to add a bit of richness and creaminess to the dip, and to balance out those smoky flavors. 
  • To bring a bit of flavor variation, roast some zucchini along with the eggplant and follow the rest of the recipe as-is. 
  • You can also top the baba ganoush with some fresh pomegranate arils, a sprinkle of zaatar spice (if you have it) or sumac spice mix to lend it that authentic Middle Eastern flavor. 

How to Make Air Fryer Baba Ganoush

Roasted eggplant in the air fryer for making Baba Ganoush.

Prepare: To make the Air Fryer baba ganoush, start by preheating your Air Fryer and getting all your ingredients ready. 

Eggplant prep: Wash and dry the eggplants and prick holes into their surface using a fork to allow the heat to penetrate within the flesh. Slice them in halves and coat them with olive oil. 

Roasting eggplant in the air fryer basket.

Air fry time: Place the eggplants face up in the Air Fryer basket and cook for around 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Flip them over midway through the cooking time. 

Blended ingredients for creamy Air Fryer Baba Ganoush in a bowl.

Cool and peel: Get the eggplants out of the Air Fryer basket and allow them to cool down. Gently peel the charred skin away and set the fleshy part aside. 

Blend time: In a food processor, blitz the eggplant flesh with tahini, lemon juice, roasted garlic cloves, salt, pepper and some olive oil, until nice and smooth. Top with chopped parsley. 

Air Fryer Baba Ganoush served with pita bread and fresh veggies.

Tips & Tricks to Make Baba Ganoush in the Air Fryer 

  • Roast the eggplant just enough until the skin has all charred up nicely and the inside has turned soft and mushy. This is what will lend the dip that incredible smoky flavor. 
  • Make sure you remove all the burnt bits from the surface before you blitz the roasted eggplant. You don’t want any of those black, bitter things. 
  • To lend the air fried baba ganoush a bit of texture, top it with some crunchy toasted pine nuts and a nice drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before you serve. 
  • Allow the air fried eggplant to rest for a while before you begin peeling and mashing it. Doing this will help all the excess liquid drain away, and you’ll get that perfect thick, creamy texture you’re looking for. 
Close-up of smooth, smoky Air Fryer Baba Ganoush topped with olive oil and herbs.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store your leftover baba ganoush in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure you use a clean container with an airtight lid, or cover up the serving bowl with some plastic wrap to keep it fresh. 

Freezing: Freezing can ruin the texture of the dip, which is why I wouldn’t recommend it. 

Reheating: You don’t need to reheat the dip unless you really want to. Simply serve it at room temperature or get it out of the refrigerator for a few hours (if you’re serving refrigerated leftovers) and let it come to room temperature. If you really want to enjoy it warm, just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes and that should do the trick. 

Serving Ideas & Suggestions

This rich and creamy Air Fryer baba ganoush tastes incredible when paired with some crunchy Air Fryer pita chips or ranch chicken pita pockets. 

I also love teaming it up with other Middle Eastern style mezze like crunchy Air Fryer Mediterranean chickpeas, spicy Air Fryer chickpeas or some hummus filo cups. 

Smoky, creamy Air Fryer Baba Ganoush served with pita bread and fresh vegetables.

FAQs

Can I peel the eggplant before air frying it? While you can, I wouldn’t recommend doing it. That charred exterior skin on the eggplant is an absolute must, and is what lends that smoky flavor to the dip. You really want that. 

Can I make baba ganoush in advance? You can prepare the baba ganoush up to 3 days in advance. Just cover it up with plastic wrap or store in it an airtight container before you refrigerate it. 

How long should I roast the garlic? Aim to roast the garlic for 8-12 minutes or until it has that beautiful golden-brown char on its surface. Check your Air Fryer basket at the 8 minute mark and continue to cook if needed. 

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Air Fryer Baba Ganoush

Air Fryer Baba Ganoush

5 from 4 votes
Author: Fork To Spoon
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
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Description

Air Fryer Baba Ganoush — Enjoy a smoky and creamy Middle Eastern dip made with perfectly roasted eggplants, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic—all easily prepared in your air fryer.

Ingredients 

  • 1 large eggplant, halved lengthwise
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degree F (200˚C).
  • Brush eggplant halves with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil (cut in half again if halves don't fit it airfryer basket). Place face up in air fryer basket and cook until golden brown, about 15 minutes
  • Scoop eggplant flesh into a food processor, discarding the skin. Add remaining olive oil, garlic. Tahini, lemon juice, cumin, paprika and salt and pepper to taste. Pulse a few times until a near-smooth consistency is reached
  • Top with lemon zest and chopped parsley and serve with pita bread.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Parchment Paper, optional
  • Cooking Spray

Notes

Storing, reheating, and freezing Baba Ganoush is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Storing Baba Ganoush:
  1. Transfer the Baba Ganoush to an airtight container.
  2. Smooth the surface and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top to create a protective seal.
  3. Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering.
  4. Store the Baba Ganoush in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating Baba Ganoush:
  1. To reheat refrigerated Baba Ganoush, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soften the texture slightly.
  2. Stir the Baba Ganoush to restore its creaminess.
  3. Optionally, drizzle olive oil and garnish it with fresh herbs before serving.
Freezing Baba Ganoush:
  1. While you can freeze Baba Ganoush, remember that its texture may change slightly upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy.
  2. Transfer the Baba Ganoush to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
  3. Press out as much air as possible to minimize freezer burn.
  4. Seal the container or bag and label it with the date.
  5. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing Frozen Baba Ganoush:
  1. To thaw frozen Baba Ganoush, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
  2. Stir well after thawing to help restore the creamy consistency.
  3. Optionally, drizzle olive oil and garnish before serving to freshen up the appearance and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 592mgPotassium: 402mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 339IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

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FAQ’s:

Can I use different types of eggplants for Baba Ganoush?

While globe or American eggplants are commonly used, you can experiment with different varieties. Smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and milder flavors.

How can I make my Baba Ganoush smokier in the air fryer?

Achieve a smokier flavor by charring the eggplant skin well during air frying. Add smoked paprika or use a smoking gun to infuse extra smokiness.

Can I make Baba Ganoush without tahini?

Yes, you can omit tahini and use plain yogurt or sour cream to substitute for a different creamy texture and flavor.

How do I adjust the thickness of Baba Ganoush?

If your Baba Ganoush is too thick, thin it out with water or additional lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.

How long does Baba Ganoush stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, Baba Ganoush can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Baba Ganoush?

While Baba Ganoush can be frozen, its texture may change slightly upon thawing. Consider freezing it in small portions and stirring it well after thawing to restore its creaminess.

What are some serving suggestions for Baba Ganoush?

Baba Ganoush is deliciously served with warm pita bread, flatbread, crackers, or fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot sticks.

Is Baba Ganoush gluten-free?

Yes, Baba Ganoush is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all the ingredients you use, including spices and seasonings, are gluten-free.

Can I make Baba Ganoush in advance for a party?

Yes, you can make Baba Ganoush in advance and refrigerate it. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

How do I adjust the seasoning in Baba Ganoush?

Taste your Baba Ganoush as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice, extra tahini, or additional salt and pepper according to your preference.