Description
This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring crispy breaded eggplant slices topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Using an air fryer ensures a perfectly golden crust with less oil, making it a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant and Breading
- 1 large eggplant (or two small)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- â…” cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Assembly
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus additional for serving if desired)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the eggplant.
- Prepare Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick slices. Use a paper towel to dry each slice gently to remove excess moisture.
- Mix Breading: In a medium bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder thoroughly.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl, and the whisked eggs in another to create a three-step breading station.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, ensuring full coverage, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Air Fry First Side: Lightly spray both sides of the breaded eggplant slices with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
- Cook and Flip: Air fry for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each slice over and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each cooked eggplant slice, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, then continue cooking in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the eggplant parmesan from the air fryer, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if using, and serve hot alongside additional marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping; cook in batches if necessary.
- To reduce moisture, you may salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before drying and breading.
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh herbs like basil add bright flavor but can be substituted or omitted based on availability and preference.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
