Print

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: 5-Step Easy Meal

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan - featured image
Print Recipe

A lighter, healthier twist on a classic comfort food, this recipe uses an air fryer to create a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown eggplant parmesan without the heavy grease of traditional deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium large eggplants (Italian preferred)
  • Coarse kosher salt
  • All-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with salt and pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Extra virgin olive oil for spraying

Instructions

  1. Slice eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds or planks. Lay on a baking sheet, sprinkle generously with kosher salt, and let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Rinse salt off eggplant slices under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour (seasoned with salt/pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with parmesan and Italian seasoning.
  4. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in egg wash, then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat both sides.
  5. Place breaded slices on a wire rack and let rest for 5 minutes to help the coating set.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Arrange eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Lightly spray tops with olive oil.
  8. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip slices and spray the other side with oil. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
  9. Remove basket, spoon marinara sauce over each slice, and top with shredded mozzarella.
  10. Return to air fryer for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure eggplant is completely dry after salting to prevent soggy breading. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. For gluten-free, use GF flour and panko. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and egg replacer.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, eggplant parmesan, healthy dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free option, crispy eggplant, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-air-fryer-eggplant-parmesan-5-step-easy-meal/