If you’re looking for a healthy twist on a classic comfort dish, air-fried eggplant Parmesan is the perfect solution. This recipe provides all the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional eggplant Parmesan but with fewer calories and less oil. The air fryer makes it easy and quick, so you can have a delicious, guilt-free meal that your entire family will love. Let’s explore how to make this lighter version of eggplant Parmesan that will become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplant
Start by slicing the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay the slices on a paper towel and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step helps the eggplant stay crispy during air frying.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and the perfect crispy texture for the eggplant.
3. Prepare the Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bread the Eggplant
Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat for all the slices.
5. Air Fry the Eggplant
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is golden and crispy.
6. Add Marinara and Cheese
Once the eggplant slices are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each slice and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the air fryer or use the oven’s broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
7. Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, remove the eggplant Parmesan from the air fryer or oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Enjoy this healthier version of a family favorite!
Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Pre-Slice the Eggplant: Prepare the eggplant slices in advance and store them in the fridge for a quick meal later in the week.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Don’t Skip Salting the Eggplant: This helps remove moisture, making the eggplant less soggy and ensuring a crispier result.