Name: Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 large eggplant (thinly sliced); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup milk (( or use 2 beaten eggs)); 2 cup marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Olive Oil Spray; Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is smart version of classic Italian comfort food. Golden-brown, crispy slices of eggplant with layers of molten mozzarella, rich marinara sauce, and a dusting of Parmesan create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. All without the guilt of deep-frying. It's the kind of smart cooking that leaves you questioning why you ever considered the traditional method.

A dinner plate with crispy cheesy eggplant parmesan with garnishes served for healthy Italian dinner.

My irresistible Eggplant Parmesan made in air fryer highlights how indulgence meets smart cooking. And the charm of this Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe extends beyond its guilt-free approach.

I love ordering Eggplant Parm at Italian Restaurants. Once I figured out how easy it is to make it home, I have never looked back. Similar to my Italian Risotto recipe, I make it for causal weeknight family dinners. It is also very popular item to take for potlucks or larger parties.

You can make a big batch, freeze it, meal-prep it. Love how versatile and delightful it is. The air fryer not only preserves the succulence of the eggplant but also streamlines the entire process.

We're turning simple ingredients into a flavorful comforting casserole. Slice your eggplant, dip in breadcrumbs, then let the air fryer work its magic. No need for deep-frying—just a few spritzes of oil will do.

In minutes, you'll have a golden-brown delight that's both healthier and delicious. Get ready to enjoy a no-fuss, no-mess Eggplant Parmesan that's perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Eggplant: I use purple globe eggplants. This versatile vegetable adds a hearty texture and mild flavor, making it the perfect canvas for our flavorful layers.

Breadcrumbs and flour : The crunchy coating that envelops each eggplant slice, providing that satisfying crispiness that elevates this dish to a whole new level. I prefer panko bread crumbs for their airy texture.

Seasoning : Classic store bought Italian Seasoning along with salt and black pepper is all you need. If you want to add more flavors, use garlic powder. I like a dusting of red pepper flakes for a little spice kick while serving.

Milk or Egg: The binding agent that ensures our breadcrumb mixture adheres to the eggplant, creating a golden-brown crust that's as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty goodness that ties everything together. Mozzarella adds a rich and creamy texture, transforming each bite into a delightful, cheesy experience. Fresh Mozzarella is better

Marinara Sauce: A vibrant and robust tomato sauce that infuses the dish with layers of savory flavor, harmonizing with the other elements to create a luscious, well-rounded taste.

Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that brings a nutty, salty kick to our eggplant parm , enhancing the overall depth of flavor and contributing to that irresistible cheesy pull.

How to make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan?

Prep the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Coat with Breadcrumbs: In a shallow bowl, mix the all purpose flour, breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, add the milk or egg. Dredge each eggplant slice into the milk ( or beaten eggs) ensuring it's fully wet, then press into the bread crumbs to cover evenly on both sides. Repeat the process with all the eggplant slices.

Process step collage showing 4 steps involved in making air fryer eggplant culets used in eggplant parmesan dinner.

Air Fry the Eggplant: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they're not overlapping. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden brown with crispy texture. Adjust the time based on your air fryer model.

Layer with Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the crispy eggplant. Add a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layering process until all the eggplant slices are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Air Fry: Arrange the slices on the air fryer basket. ( Use perforated liner or silicon air fryer liner for easier clean up) Put it back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Process step collage showing four additional steps in making eggplant parmesan in air fryer with marinara sauce.

Serve and Garnish: Remove from the air fryer, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and more marinara sauce and parmesan cheese on top. Serve your Air Fryer Eggplant Parm over pasta, with a side salad, or as a standalone delight. Enjoy !

💡💡💡You may have to work in batches depending upon the size of your air fryer. Use perforated parchment paper or silicon liner for easier clean up. To make gluten-free eggplant parmesan recipe, use almond flour and gf bread crumbs.

Storage

Leftovers – should be eaten within 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Freezing : If you want to freeze it, make the breaded eggplant and freeze it in air tight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it to room temperature, layer it marinara sauce and mozzarella and then air fry it before serving.

Reheat – for a couple of minutes in the air fryer. For the best results, add some extra marina sauce and cheese before heating.

Showing crispy texture of air fried eggplant with marinara sauce to make restaurant style eggplant recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pasta Pairing: Serve the golden-brown eggplant slices over a bed of al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta. A side of Pasta Fresca, Penne Rosa or Penne Pesto Primavera will be prefect.

Zesty Salad Side: Lighten up the meal by serving alongside a fresh arugula and beet salad or mixed greens House salad. A fresh offers zesty contrast to the richness of the Eggplant Parmesan.

Garlic Bread Bliss: Complete the experience with a side of Air fryer garlic bread or Air Fryer Pizza Toast. The buttery, garlicky goodness will complement the savory flavors of the dish.

Vegetarian Sandwich: Create a tempting vegetarian sandwich by placing the air-fried eggplant between slices of crusty bread. Add fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

Roasted Vegetables Medley: Elevate the veggie factor by serving alongside a medley of air fryer roasted vegetables or Air Fryer Asparagus. The roasted flavors will harmonize with the Eggplant Parmesan.

Herb-Infused Couscous or Quinoa or zoodles: For a lighter and grain-centric option by pairing with herb-infused couscous or quinoa. The fluffy grains absorb the flavors of the dish while offering a wholesome twist. It also pairs superbly with Italian Zucchini Noodles.

Our Favorite Italian Air Fryer Recipes

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