Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan takes the beloved comfort food to a healthier level with its crispy, golden exterior and perfectly melted mozzarella. The eggplant is tender inside while still holding its shape, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor.

It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a family gathering. Not only does it cut down on the frying oil, but it’s also just as delicious, if not more! The crispy eggplant slices, paired with the rich marinara and bubbly cheese, create a dish that feels indulgent without the guilt. Serve it with a side of pasta or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 large egg

• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh basil for garnish

• Olive oil spray

Directions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle them with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops of the eggplant slices with olive oil.

6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

7. Once the eggplant slices are done, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce over each slice. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

8. Return the eggplant slices to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Choose Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan?

While traditional eggplant parmesan is undeniably delicious, it’s often associated with excess oil and calories from deep frying. By using the air fryer, you’re able to reduce the amount of oil needed, making this version much lighter and healthier. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the eggplant slices, ensuring they turn crispy without being drenched in oil. This also means less mess and cleanup, as there’s no greasy splattering or need for a large pot of oil.

Additionally, air fryer eggplant parmesan is much faster to prepare than the traditional oven-baked or fried versions. The cooking time is significantly reduced, and you can achieve that same great texture and taste with less effort. The air fryer works by efficiently circulating hot air around the food, ensuring that the eggplant cooks evenly, getting golden and crispy without the need for flipping the slices in oil.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The beauty of air fryer eggplant parmesan lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. While there are many variations, this recipe sticks to the basics, ensuring that every component plays a crucial role in achieving the best flavor and texture.

• Eggplant: The star of the dish, eggplant provides a soft, tender interior with a mild, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating and melty cheese. When choosing eggplant, globe eggplant works well for this recipe, though Italian eggplants can be a great alternative.

• Eggs: Used as a binder to help the breadcrumbs stick to the eggplant slices, eggs are essential for creating a golden, crispy coating. For those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be used as an egg replacement.

• Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are known for their light, airy texture, which helps create a crispier, crunchier coating on the eggplant. They provide a perfect contrast to the tender eggplant inside. For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free panko or almond flour can be used instead.

• Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture, while mozzarella, either shredded or sliced, is placed on top of the eggplant before air frying to melt into a gooey, cheesy topping. For a more authentic taste, fresh mozzarella can be used in place of shredded cheese.

• Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce brings the flavors of Italy to this dish. A homemade basil tomato sauce can elevate the flavor profile, but store-bought marinara works just as well for a quicker option.

• Herbs and Seasonings: The seasoning mix of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt ensures that the eggplant slices are flavorful before being air-fried. Fresh basil and oregano are typically used for garnish, adding a touch of fresh, aromatic flavor to the finished dish.

The Preparation Process: Tips and Techniques

Preparing eggplant for air frying can be a little different than other cooking methods. The first step involves cutting the eggplant into even slices. This is crucial to ensure the eggplant cooks uniformly. One tip to prevent the eggplant from becoming too soggy or bitter is to salt it before cooking. This process, known as “sweating,” draws out excess moisture from the eggplant, making it firmer and more flavorful. Although salting is optional during peak eggplant season, it can help improve texture when eggplants are out of season.

Once salted and dried, the next step involves preparing your dredging station. This is where you’ll coat the eggplant slices with a mixture of egg and breadcrumbs. It’s important to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the eggplant to ensure they stick properly. Don’t rush this step—properly coated eggplant slices will result in a crispier final product.

When it comes to air frying, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer for optimal crispness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the slices in batches to prevent them from overlapping. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy eggplant, so it’s better to air fry in smaller portions.

Serving and Storing Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Air fryer eggplant parmesan is best served immediately after it’s cooked, as the crispy texture is most pronounced when fresh. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the eggplant parm back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. Reheating in the microwave might make the crust soggy, so it’s best to use the air fryer for a more satisfying result.

If you’re making this dish for a crowd, it’s easy to scale up the recipe by using more eggplant or doubling the breadcrumb mixture. For an added twist, you can serve air fryer eggplant parmesan with a side of spaghetti, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread for a full Italian meal experience.

Variations for Different Diets

One of the great things about air fryer eggplant parmesan is how easily it can be adapted for various dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan: Simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this dish that’s just as crispy and delicious.

• Vegan Eggplant Parmesan: For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with aquafaba and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as vegan mozzarella and vegan Parmesan. This makes the dish suitable for those following a plant-based diet while maintaining its classic flavor.

• Low-Carb Version: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or a mixture of ground almonds and Parmesan cheese to keep the dish crunchy without the carbs.

Conclusion

Air fryer eggplant parmesan is an easy, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, offering all the rich flavors and textures you love without the added calories and oil. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a crispy, golden, and cheesy dish that is lighter, faster, and healthier than the classic method.

By adjusting ingredients to suit different dietary needs, you can make this recipe work for anyone—whether they follow a gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb diet. No matter which variation you choose, this air fryer eggplant parmesan is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy this delicious, guilt-free comfort food.