Name: Easy 20-minute Air Fryer Baba Ganoush (Eggplant Dip)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb – Large globe eggplant; 2 Tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt; 2 Tablespoons of Tahini Sauce; 4 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice; 2 Cloves of garlic; 2 Tablespoon of Extra virgin olive oil; ½ Teaspoon of Sea Salt; ¼ Teaspoon of sweet paprika; ¼ Teaspoon of Sumac; ½ Teaspoon of Za’atar; 2 Tablespoons of Pomegranate (For garnishing); 1 Tablespoon of Toasted pine nuts (For garnishing); 2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (For drizzling on top of the Baba Ganoush)

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Baba Ganoush is a staple in Middle Eastern mezze platters from the Levant region. Traditionally, it’s prepared by roasting eggplants over an open flame, but in my recipe today, I am taking a modern and convenient approach by utilizing the air fryer. This easy 20-minute air fryer Baba Ganoush recipe reduces cooking time and imparts a tantalizing charred flavor to the eggplant. This delightful appetizer recipe is a must-try and will add a touch of Mediterranean sophistication to any meal.

Easy 20 minute air fryer baba ganoush serving with Pita chips.

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Today, we will continue building upon the Mediterranean culinary journey from my previous posts; let’s complete your ultimate meal with the addition of Baba Ganoush. This creamy and smoky Middle Eastern eggplant dip perfectly complements my other Mediterranean recipes, such as Shish Tawook, Kofta Kebabs, Sous Vide pork tenderloin Souvlaki with Tzatziki sauce, fragrant Mediterranean yellow rice, Chicken Shawarma with Lebanese Toum Sauce then wrap in pita bread, and creamy homemade hummus. With the assistance of your trusty air fryer, you can effortlessly whip up this delectable dip in just over 20 minutes.

Let’s get ready to elevate your Mediterranean cuisine experience to the next level with this simple yet exquisite Baba Ganoush recipe.

A woman is dipping some Pita Chips into a bowl of Baba Ganoush.

Recipe Snapshot

EASE: Super easy; just air fry, blend and serve.
PROS: It is so versatile. You can serve this as a side dish, appetizer, or spread with your Shawarma wrap.
CONS: How can you even find any problem with this dip? I honestly can’t.
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? I have made it 3 times this week. My family just goes crazy about it.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

I am sure you will love this recipe for its time-saving nature, unique twist on a traditional dish, and the ability to create a versatile and delicious dip that suits your taste:

A close up photo of Baba Ganoush. A spoon is in the bowl and serving with some pita chips.

Time-Efficient Preparation:

The help of an air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional roasting methods, allowing you to enjoy this delicious eggplant dip without spending hours in the kitchen.

Unique Twist on a Classic:

By introducing the air fryer as a cooking technique, this recipe offers a modern twist on the traditional Baba Ganoush preparation. This cooking method can still impart a delightful charred flavor to the eggplant.

Impressive Flavors with Minimal Ingredients:

Experience a symphony of flavors with this simple yet remarkable recipe. With just a handful of ingredients – eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil – this dip comes alive with tangy, smoky, and creamy notes. Versatile and delightful, it effortlessly enhances mezze platters, appetizer spreads, or even sandwiches.

What is Baba Ganoush?

Baba Ganoush that garnished with Pomegranate seeds, toasted pine nuts, and olive oil.

Baba Ganoush is a famous Middle Eastern dip made primarily from roasted or grilled eggplant (aubergine). It is a classic component of mezze platters in the Levantine region, which includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. The dish is known for its smooth and creamy texture, smoky flavor, and tangy undertones. Along with eggplant, Baba Ganoush typically includes ingredients such as tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is often served as a dip with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables or as a side dish alongside Chicken or Lamb and beef Kebabs, Pork Souvlaki, and Shawarma. Baba Ganoush is loved for its rich flavors and versatility, making it a favorite among fans of Middle Eastern cuisine.

What does Baba Ganoush taste like?

putting all the seasoning and baba ganoush ingredients into a food processor.

Baba Ganoush has a distinct flavor that can be described as smoky, creamy, and tangy. The primary flavor comes from the roasted or grilled eggplant, which imparts a smoky and slightly charred essence. Then combining other ingredients, such as Tahini, adds creaminess and nuttiness, Garlic offers a pungent, savory kick, and Lemon juice brings subtle tanginess, balancing the dip’s flavor.

What are some benefits of cooking the eggplant in an air fryer?

A Globe eggplant is sliced in half sitting inside an air fryer basket.

Time efficiency: Air fryers cook eggplant faster than traditional roasting methods, reducing cooking time.
Healthier option: Air frying requires less oil than deep frying, resulting in a healthier version of cooked eggplant.
Even cooking: Air fryers provide heat distribution, ensuring the eggplant cooks evenly and consistently.
Easy cleanup: Air fryers are typically non-stick, making cleanup a breeze with minimal oil residue and easy-to-clean components.

What is the difference between Baba Ganoush and Hummus?

Both dips share Middle Eastern origins; Hummus features chickpeas as its base and has a smooth texture, while Baba Ganoush highlights roasted eggplants with a slightly chunky and smoky consistency. Each dip offers its distinct flavor, making them versatile additions to any Middle Eastern-inspired spread or meal.

Hummus

Hummus originated in the Levantine region (Lebanon, Palestine, Syria).
It is made from cooked and mashed chickpeas (garbanzo beans).
Smooth and creamy texture.
Flavors of tahini, lemon juice, and garlic create a nutty and tangy profile.
Light beige or tan in color.
It is served as a dip with pita bread and vegetables or a spread in sandwiches.
Versatile and widely popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Baba Ganoush

Also rooted in the Levantine region, particularly Lebanon and Syria.
Made from roasted eggplants.
Slightly chunky texture with a smoky quality.
Rich and slightly sweet flavor derived from roasted eggplants.
Darker hue, ranging from light brown to dark brown.
It was typically served as a dip with pita bread or as a side dish.
Offers a unique smoky and savory experience in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Which type of eggplant is best for this recipe?

When making Baba Ganoush, choosing the right type of eggplant is crucial for achieving the desired taste and texture. This recipe’s best type of eggplant is the large, globe, or oval-shaped variety with dark purple skin. This type of eggplant is commonly called the “classic” or “traditional” and is widely available in most grocery stores. Its robust flavor and meaty texture make it ideal for roasting or grilling, resulting in a rich and smoky Baba Ganoush.

Do you want to learn more about eggplants?

I stumbled upon a fascinating blog post on Myrecipes.com that dives into the diverse world of eggplants. It explores various types of eggplants and how they can be used in different recipes and cuisines. It’s an engaging read explaining why we should choose Globe eggplants for this recipe.

What is Tahini?

Tahini is a paste derived from ground sesame seeds, vital in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Its smooth and creamy consistency contributes a slightly nutty and earthy taste. This versatile ingredient adds richness and depth to various dishes, notably in dips such as Hummus and Baba Ganoush. Beyond that, tahini finds utility as a condiment, salad dressing, or flavorful addition to sauces and dressings. Its distinctive flavor and texture bestow a unique character upon numerous culinary creations.

Why do you need to add Tahini to Baba Ganoush?

Adding tahini to Baba Ganoush is essential for achieving the desired flavor, texture, and overall dip quality. It brings a unique taste and creamy texture, making it a crucial component in this beloved dish.

Flavor enhancement: Tahini brings a unique and distinctive nutty flavor to Baba Ganoush, adding depth and richness to the overall taste. It contributes to the authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile of the dip.
Creamy texture: Tahini is vital in achieving a creamy and smooth texture in Baba Ganoush. It helps bind the ingredients together and creates a velvety consistency characteristic of a well-made dip.
Balance and complexity: Tahini adds complexity to the flavor profile of Baba Ganoush, balancing the smokiness of the roasted eggplant with its distinct taste. It harmonizes the various elements of the dip, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying culinary experience.

Ingredients that you’ll need:

These ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and visual appeal, making the Baba Ganoush a delightful and well-rounded Middle Eastern dip.

Large globe eggplant: The main ingredient of Baba Ganoush; look for the one that is a little over 1 lb. This style of eggplant gives a robust flavor and meaty texture.
Plain Greek Yogurt: It adds creaminess and a slight tang to the Baba Ganoush, enhancing its overall texture and taste.
Tahini Sauce: Tahini is a crucial ingredient in Baba Ganoush, bringing a nutty flavor and contributing to the dip’s smooth and creamy consistency.
Lemon Juice: It acts as a natural preservative, preventing the eggplant from oxidizing and turning brown, ensuring your Baba Ganoush stays fresh and appealing.
Garlic cloves: Adds a pungent and savory element to the dip, providing depth of flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Brush olive oil on the eggplant before air frying to prevent sticking; add flavor to the eggplant.
Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the overall taste of the dip, balancing the flavors and bringing out the natural sweetness of the eggplant.
Sweet Paprika: It adds a smoky sweetness and a vibrant reddish hue to the dip, enhancing its visual appeal.
Sumac: Sumac brings a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor, adding a unique and zesty note to the Baba Ganoush.
Za’atar: Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend containing herbs like thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a fragrant and earthy flavor, elevating the overall taste of the dip.
Garnishing Ingredients:
Pomegranate seeds: Provide a burst of sweetness, a pop of color, and a delightful textural contrast to the dip.
Toasted Pine nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Extra virgin olive oil: A final drizzle of olive oil on top of the Baba Ganoush adds richness, intensifies the flavors, and gives a glossy appearance to the dip.

How to make this delicious Middle Eastern eggplant dip in an air fryer?

Step 1 – Preparing the Eggplant: Washing, Slicing, and Seasoning:

Start by rinsing the eggplant under running water and gently drying it with paper towels. Remove the cap and bottom of the eggplant, then slice it lengthwise into halves. Drizzle the exposed flesh with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Use your hand or a baking brush to ensure that the salt and oil are evenly spread across all surfaces of the eggplant.

Using a sharp knife to cut off the cap and bottom of the eggplant.

Slicing the eggplant in half for air frying.

Using a hand to rub olive oil on to the eggplant.

Step 2 – Air fry the eggplant:

Spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the prepared eggplant in the air fryer, ensuring it is in a single layer. Set the cooking temperature to 400°F/200°C and cook for 10 minutes. Once the initial 10 minutes are up, carefully flip the eggplant over using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes to ensure even browning and a tender texture.

Using a cooking spray to spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Step 3 – Scoop out cooked eggplant flesh:

After air frying, let the eggplant cool briefly, then use a spoon to scoop out the cooked flesh, discarding the skin. Drain any excess liquid to maintain the desired texture for your Baba Ganoush.

Using a spoon carefully scoop out the eggplant flash.

Step 4 – Process all ingredients in a food processor:

Combine the cooked and drained eggplant flesh, spices, lemon juice, garlic cloves, tahini, and Greek yogurt in a food processor. Process the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and reach a smooth and paste-like consistency. Once achieved, your flavorful Baba Ganoush is ready to be served and enjoyed.

Pouring fresh squeeze lemon juice into food processor.

After processing the ingredients in a food processor to make Baba ganoush.

Step 5 – Plate, garnish, and enjoy:

Transfer the prepared Baba Ganoush from the food processor to a round dish. Spread the dip evenly across the dish using the back of a spoon, creating a swoosh or decorative pattern. Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the top. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and pomegranate seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Serve with warm pita bread, pita chips, or grilled meats for a delightful experience. Enjoy!

A close up look of a bowl of baba ganoush.

What is the best way to serve Baba Ganoush?

Dip with Pita Bread: Baba Ganoush is traditionally served with warm, toasted, or grilled pita bread. Tear off a piece of pita bread and use it to scoop up the creamy dip for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Mezze Platter: Include Baba Ganoush as part of a mezze platter of several small dishes. Serve it alongside other Middle Eastern dips like hummus, tabbouleh, tzatziki, olives, falafel, stuffed grape leaves (Dolmas), and fresh vegetables. This allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and create their flavor combinations.
Sandwich or Wrap Spread: Use Baba Ganoush to spread in sandwiches or wraps. It adds a creamy and flavorful element to vegetarian or grilled meat sandwiches such as Shawama, providing a Middle Eastern twist to your meal.
Side Dish: Serve Baba Ganoush as a side dish alongside a grilled meat Souvlaki platter, Kofta kebabs, Shish Tawook (Turkish Chicken Kebabs), or roasted vegetables. It acts as a flavorful accompaniment, adding a touch of creaminess and smokiness to the main course.
Garnish or Drizzle: Garnish Baba Ganoush with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, pomegranate, sumac, or fresh herbs like parsley or mint. This adds visual appeal and enhances the flavors of the dip.

A plate of air fryer chicken shawarma with hummus, baba ganoush, and veggies.

When Air Fryer Shish Tawook are done cooking, you can enjoy it with Hummus, baba Ganoush, and Pita Bread.

Enjoying air fryer kofta kebabs for dinner. Pairing with orzo pasta salad, pita bread, hummus, and baba ganoush.

Sous Vide Pork tenderloin Souvlaki platter.

Tips & Tricks

Opt for a food processor:

When making Baba Ganoush, avoiding using a high-powered blender like Vitamix is essential, as it may over-process the dip. Unlike Hummus, which benefits from a creamy texture, Baba Ganoush is renowned for its slightly chunkier consistency. A food processor is an ideal tool for blending the ingredients to achieve the desired texture and retain the distinct eggplant texture. This ensures a successful Baba Ganoush with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Properly drain the cooked eggplant:

After cooking your eggplant in an air fryer, allow the eggplant to cool slightly, then drain any excess liquid. This step helps remove excess moisture and prevents the Baba Ganoush from becoming watery.

Let it rest, and it is best to serve at room temperature:

After processing the Baba Ganoush in the food processor, it is recommended to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to intensify and harmonize. When ready to serve, take the Baba Ganoush out of the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes beforehand, allowing it to reach room temperature. This slight softening brings out the full flavors and ensures the most enjoyable experience of the dip.

Leftover storage Tips:

Refrigeration:

To keep your leftover Baba Ganoush fresh, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before serving again, give it a quick stir to ensure the flavors are well incorporated.

Freezing:

If you have a larger batch of Baba Ganoush or want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place the dip in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Seal the container tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the frozen Baba Ganoush in the refrigerator overnight and stir it before serving.

FAQs about Baba Ganoush

No air fryer? No problem! You can still make delicious Baba Ganoush by oven-roasting or grilling the eggplant. For oven roasting, prick the eggplant and roast it at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until soft and charred. If grilling, brush the eggplant with oil and grill until charred for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. The last method is to char your eggplant on the stovetop over an open flame. This method requires close attention and flipping the eggplant carefully. These methods yield a smoky and flavorful eggplant base for your Baba Ganoush.

Certainly! While tahini sauce is a common ingredient in Baba Ganoush, it is possible to make it without tahini. Turkish cuisine has a version of Baba Ganoush that excludes tahini. GiveRecipe.com offers an alternative recipe to explore and decide if it suits your taste preferences. Feel free to try out their version, and let me know your thoughts!

Baba Ganoush is traditionally served at room temperature or chilled. It can be enjoyed both ways, depending on personal preference. Some people prefer the slightly warm and freshly made Baba Ganoush, while others enjoy it after it has been refrigerated and cooled. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Just make sure to allow it to cool to room temperature before serving if you prefer it cold.

In Conclusion:

So now you know how to make this easy 20-minute Air Fryer Baba Ganoush. This dip is a culinary delight and a true masterpiece that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your table. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the convenience of the air fryer, allows you to create this delectable dish in no time; whether hosting a gathering, enjoying a snack, or exploring new flavors, Baba Ganoush is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

A bowl of baba ganoush serving with pita chips. Garnished with pomegranate seeds, olive oil, and roasted pine nuts.

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