Description
Enjoy a delicious and crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan that’s easy to make and healthier than the traditional version. Breaded eggplant slices are air-fried to perfection, topped with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplant (globe eggplant ~ 1 pound each – washed and dried (no need to peel))
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Breading:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (3.5 ounces)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (3.2 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 ½ cups Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce (or your favorite Marinara sauce)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or thinly sliced fresh mozzarella)
- Handful of fresh basil leaves (as garnish)
Instructions
- Salt eggplant: Cut the top of the eggplant and eggplant into ½-inch thick slices. Spread them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon of salt on both sides (¼ teaspoon salt for each side.) Let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Pat dry now-rested eggplant slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set them aside.
- Prepare dredging station: In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs. In a second bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Dip and coat eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice in the beaten egg, then in the panko mixture, ensuring the coating sticks. Transfer to a baking sheet.
- Preheat air fryer: Set to 350°F.
- Air fry eggplant: Place in a single layer, air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Add tomato sauce and mozzarella on each slice. Air fry until cheese melts.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, you can spray the breaded eggplant slices with cooking oil before air frying.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan, Eggplant Recipe, Healthy Eggplant Parmesan
