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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, flavorful eggplant parmesan made in the air fryer, perfect for healthy and fuss-free dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large eggplant (about 1 to 1.5 lbs / 450–680 g), sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
  • Salt, for salting eggplant slices
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100 g) Italian-style breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko crumbs)
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides lightly with salt. Let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
  3. Dredge each eggplant slice first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Lay coated slices on a baking sheet.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant slices lightly with olive oil spray. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  6. Preheat the oven broiler. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on a baking dish. Arrange a layer of air-fried eggplant slices, top each with marinara, and scatter torn fresh mozzarella over them.
  7. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese bubbles and just starts to brown.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh torn basil leaves on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Salting the eggplant slices is essential to reduce bitterness and moisture. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness. Spray lightly with olive oil to mimic frying without excess grease. Broil cheese carefully to avoid burning. Breaded eggplant can be refrigerated up to 4 hours before cooking. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggplant parmesan, air fryer, crispy eggplant, healthy dinner, vegetarian, easy recipe, Italian, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-eggplant-parmesan-recipe-perfect-for-easy-healthy-dinners/