Air Fryer Miso Aubergine

Ready in about 26 minutes.

Updated 7 September 2026

Silky aubergine glazed with a sweet-salty miso sauce that caramelises into a sticky lacquer. Known as nasu dengaku, this Japanese dish turns meltingly soft in the air fryer while the glaze blisters at the edges.

Ingredients

  • 2 aubergines, halved lengthways
  • 2 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 spring onion, sliced

Method

  1. 1Score the cut sides of the aubergine in a criss-cross pattern.
  2. 2Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
  3. 3Air fry cut-side up for 10 minutes until soft.
  4. 4Whisk miso, maple, vinegar, soy, sesame oil and ginger into a glaze.
  5. 5Brush the glaze thickly over the aubergine and air fry 4-8 minutes more until bubbling.
  6. 6Top with sesame seeds and spring onion to serve.

Tips for the best results

  • Scoring helps the flesh cook through and soak up the glaze.
  • Watch the last minutes closely as the miso can catch.
  • Serve over rice to soak up the sticky sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature and time for air fryer miso aubergine?+

Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 14-18 min, flip halfway.

Which miso is best?+

White (shiro) miso is milder and sweeter, ideal here; red miso gives a stronger, saltier glaze.

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