Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a healthier, yet equally delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, air-fried until golden brown, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium eggplant (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
Breading
- 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
Others
- 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 perfect temperature for crisping the eggplant slices evenly.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls or plates: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This setup will help coat each slice uniformly.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well on both sides.
- 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, making sure they don’t overlap to allow even air circulation.
- Add Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spritz the tops of the eggplant slices with olive oil spray to help them crisp up and achieve a golden color.
- Air Fry the Eggplant: Cook the eggplant slices in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the Dish: In an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer, layer some marinara sauce at the bottom, followed by a layer of the air-fried eggplant slices, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- Use a low-carb breadcrumb alternative if you prefer a healthier or keto-friendly option.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning or fresh basil on top before serving.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
- This recipe works well as a main dish served with a side salad or pasta.
