Aubergine (eggplant) cooking times
How long to cook aubergine: 25–30 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 12–15 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 10–15 min pan-fried and 4–5 min per side under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook aubergine
Times are for 1 large aubergine (about 300 g).
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven Cubes | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss with 2–3 tablespoons of oil and turn halfway. |
| Oven Halves | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Score the cut side in a criss-cross, brush with oil and roast cut side up. |
| Air fryer Cubes | 12–15 min | 200°C (400°F) | Toss with a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| Pan-fry Cubes | 10–15 min | over a medium-high heat | Fry in oil, turning, until golden and soft. |
| Grill Slices | 4–5 min per side | under a hot grill | Brush slices with oil. |
| Barbecue Slices | 3–4 min per side | over direct heat | Brush slices with oil. |
| Deep-fry Slices | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Dust slices in flour or batter first. |
| Microwave Whole | 5–8 min | on full power | Prick all over first. Good for a dip like baba ganoush. |
Before you start
Cut into 2–3 cm cubes, 1 cm slices or halves. There’s no need to salt modern aubergines, but they soak up a lot of oil.
How to tell it’s done
Soft and creamy all the way through, and golden on the outside. Undercooked aubergine is spongy.
Questions
How long to cook aubergine in the oven?
Cubes: 25–30 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Toss with 2–3 tablespoons of oil and turn halfway. Halves: 35–45 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Score the cut side in a criss-cross, brush with oil and roast cut side up.
How long to cook aubergine in an air fryer?
Cubes: 12–15 min at 200°C (400°F). Toss with a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway.
How long to pan-fry aubergine?
Cubes: 10–15 min over a medium-high heat. Fry in oil, turning, until golden and soft.
How long to grill aubergine?
Slices: 4–5 min per side under a hot grill. Brush slices with oil.
How long to barbecue aubergine?
Slices: 3–4 min per side over direct heat. Brush slices with oil.
How long to deep-fry aubergine?
Slices: 2–3 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). Dust slices in flour or batter first.
How long to microwave aubergine?
Whole: 5–8 min on full power. Prick all over first. Good for a dip like baba ganoush.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.