Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a deliciously crispy twist on a classic Italian dish. This recipe features tender slices of eggplant coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, layered with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, all prepared in the air fryer for a healthier version that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings while offering a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb)
- 2 tsp salt (for salting eggplant)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice the eggplant into half-inch rounds and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse off the salt and pat the eggplant slices dry. Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Set up a breading station with one bowl of flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Dip each slice in flour first, then egg, followed by breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange breaded eggplant slices in a single layer and air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Layer cooked eggplant slices in an oven-safe dish with marinara sauce and additional Parmesan cheese between layers.
- Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approximately 200g
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like oregano or substituting mozzarella cheese with provolone. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.