Description
This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic Italian comfort dish, featuring crispy breaded eggplant slices topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all made quickly and easily in the air fryer for a deliciously golden finish.
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
Sauce and Toppings
- 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 the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the eggplant.
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into ½ inch thick slices and pat each slice dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Breading Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder evenly.
- Prepare Flour and Egg Baths: Place the flour in one bowl. In another separate bowl, whisk the two eggs until thoroughly beaten.
- Bread the Eggplant Slices: Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, ensuring an even coating, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the bread crumb mixture to coat both sides well.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Spray both sides of each breaded eggplant slice lightly with cooking spray to help with browning. Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Initial Cooking: Cook the eggplant slices in the air fryer for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip each slice and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each cooked slice, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the eggplant parmesan from the air fryer, garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley as desired, and serve warm with additional marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
- Drying the eggplant slices thoroughly before breading helps achieve a crispier crust.
- Use seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor or substitute with panko for a crunchier texture.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs.
- Serve with a side salad or pasta for a complete meal.
