Description
Crispy air fryer eggplant parmesan delivers a lighter, healthier twist on classic Italian comfort food. Layers of golden-brown eggplant, rich marinara, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant:
- 1 medium eggplant (sliced into 0.25 inches / 0.64 centimeters rounds)
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or low-carb alternative)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients and equipment, ensuring the air fryer is clean and ready for use.
- Configure the air fryer to 375°F, allowing it to fully heat while assembling the breading components.
- Create a systematic breading sequence using three shallow dishes: seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and a combined mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and aromatic Italian herbs.
- Meticulously coat each eggplant slice by first dredging in flour, thoroughly dipping in beaten eggs, then generously covering with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent potential sticking and ensure optimal crispiness.
- Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a precise single layer, avoiding overcrowding to promote even cooking.
- Delicately mist the top of each eggplant slice with additional olive oil spray to enhance golden browning.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating the slices midway to guarantee uniform crispness and attractive coloration.
- Select an oven-safe dish and construct a layered composition: initial marinara sauce base, crispy eggplant slices, and generous scattered mozzarella cheese.
- Return the assembled dish to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a luxurious, bubbling texture.
Notes
- Choose firm, fresh eggplants without blemishes for the best crispy texture and even cooking.
- Pat eggplant slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut uniform eggplant slices, helping them cook evenly and look professional.
- Gluten-free alternative: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed almond meal for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg