Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite by using an air fryer to achieve a perfectly golden and crispy texture without deep frying. Slices of eggplant are breaded with a seasoned mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, air fried to crispness, then layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious, comforting meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant Preparation
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or low-carb alternative)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking & Assembly
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even and quick cooking of the eggplant slices.
- Prepare Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour; the second with beaten eggs; and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This setup facilitates easy and efficient breading of the eggplant.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, shaking off excess, then coat in the beaten eggs, followed by pressing firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a good, even coating.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer without overlapping to allow proper air circulation.
- Spray Eggplant Slices: Generously spritz the tops of the breaded eggplant slices with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness during air frying.
- Air Fry Eggplant: Cook the eggplant slices in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Assemble Layers: In an oven-safe dish that fits inside the air fryer, layer a base of marinara sauce, then a layer of the cooked eggplant slices, and finally top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella cheese melts fully and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Ensure eggplant slices are uniformly 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for crispiness.
- Use an olive oil spray to avoid adding too much oil and keep the dish lighter.
- If you prefer, add fresh basil or oregano on top before serving for added flavor.
- For vegan variation, substitute eggs with plant-based milk or egg replacer and use vegan cheese alternatives.
