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This vegan eggplant bacon recipe takes all the flavor and crispiness of bacon and packs it into thinly sliced eggplant. It’s perfect for a meat-free breakfast spread, BLTs, or just whenever you’re craving bacon. With dozens of five-star reviews, it’s sure to disappear fast!
save this recipe!Your New Breakfast BFF
Eggplant is like a flavor sponge, soaking up all the smoky, savory deliciousness we throw at it. All you have to do is slice and brush it with a simple marinade to make crispy, crunchy vegan bacon!
Cook it in an air fryer or oven, and you’ll have an eggplant bacon alternative that’s ready in less than 30 minutes! It’s great for a vegan wedge salad or just snacking straight from the pan (we don’t judge).
Reader rating
“Super mega LOVED it!!!! The kiddos and I tried it this morning for our “bacon” avo toast and it turned out spectacular!!! Easy to make, delicious to taste! Can’t wait to do it again!!” —Brittany
Key Ingredients
Unlike many vegan bacon recipes, this eggplant bacon is made without liquid smoke. Instead, we rely on just a few pantry staples. Jump to the recipe card for all measurements!
- Eggplant: Most types of eggplant work well here, but we’re going with the classic Italian eggplant, which is easiest to find in western supermarkets.
- Soy Sauce: This adds a salty/savory component (sub tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option).
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of sweetness from pure maple syrup transforms the flavor depth of this eggplant bacon!
- Worcestershire Sauce: Be sure to use plant-based Worcestershire sauce, as the traditional stuff contains anchovies.
Sarah’s Tips
- Go thin or go home: Thicker slices will stay chewy; ⅛-inch is the sweet spot.
- Don’t crowd the tray: Airflow = crisp. Work in batches if needed.
- Customize the flavor: Add chili flakes for heat or a dash of liquid smoke for even more bacon flavor.
Plays Well With
This vegan bacon is nutritionist-approved, reader-tested, and utterly snack-worthy. Try layering it on a Buffalo Chickpea Wrap or crumbling it over Vegetarian Caesar Salad for next-level flavor. Or go classic and enjoy it on Vegan Breakfast Tacos or with Eggless French Toast!
Crispy Eggplant Bacon (Air Fry or Oven)
Ingredients
- ½ eggplant
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 15 mL, or tamari for GF option
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, 15 mL
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 15 mL
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp each salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin
- 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven or air fryer to 250°F (121°C). Cut eggplant into quarters lengthwise, then thinly slice into long strips resembling bacon (about ⅛ inch thick—a mandolin slicer makes this easier).
- Flavor: In a small bowl, stir to combine all remaining ingredients. Liberally brush onto both sides of eggplant slices.
- If air frying, place bacon in a single layer in your air fryer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until dry and browned. If baking, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until dry and browned (flip each bacon slice halfway through bacon for even cooking).
- Cool: Allow eggplant bacon to cool slightly. It will continue to crisp up as it cooks!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
Just seen this although I haven’t tried it. if you use Worcestershire sauce it isn’t vegan as there’s anchovies in the sauce. If you use Henderson’s relish instead it will be vegan. Henderson’s relish has a similar flavour to Worcestershire sauce but is vegan approved
I’ve loved egg plant since I was a kid. My parents had a huge garden. We used to have what they called “garden suppers”, todays version of vegetarian. At the top of the list was egg plant for me. This version of egg plant in the air fryer is perfect for an egg plant blt hold the bread!! Thank you so much for this version of making egg plant!!!! I see many different sandwiches on the horizon!!!
Thanks for making my day with your comments Tami! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipes!
I used an air fryer, and served the aubergine in wraps with fresh avocado that had been tossed in lemon juice. I also used garlic salad dressing. Delicious.
So glad it hit the spot Jayne, thanks for sharing!
76 yo diabetic who needs low salt diet. Eggplant not crispy when salt content (low sodium soy, salt omitted) lowered. Tasty, but not bacon like
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback Alice, it’s helpful to hear what works for you.