Hey y'all! If you're craving a crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible dish that's lighter than the classic version, this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is about to be your new favorite recipe. It's perfect for cozy family dinners, impressive date nights, or when you want to sneak more veggies into your meals without sacrificing flavor. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Perfectly crispy without deep frying for a lighter, healthier meal.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with classic Italian flavors and melty cheese in every bite.
- Vegetarian-friendly and a great way to enjoy more veggies.
- Less mess and minimal oil thanks to the air fryer!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 lb), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or a mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade see recipe)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking spray (olive oil or neutral spray)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Step 1: Prep the Eggplant
Arrange the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out bitterness, then rinse and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 2: Bread the Eggplant
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian herbs. Dip each eggplant slice first in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Air Fry the Eggplant
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 2-3 minutes. Spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and air fry another 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Top each slice with a spoonful of marinara and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 5: Serve
Let cool for a minute, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan as a main dish or hearty side!
Notes for Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Success
- For crispier results, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket—work in batches if necessary.
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy texture.
- Homemade marinara adds a fresh, flavorful touch—check out this easy recipe.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax "eggs" and use plant-based cheeses.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat!
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Colander and paper towels
- Cooking spray
How to Store Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispness. Freeze cooked (without sauce and cheese) eggplant slices for up to 2 months; assemble and air fry when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Serve over spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a classic Italian meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
- Enjoy as a sandwich in a toasted hoagie roll for a satisfying lunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Slice eggplant evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Let the breaded slices sit for 5 minutes before air frying—this helps the coating stick better (see this breaded eggplant guide).
- Don't skimp on seasoning—taste your breadcrumb mixture before breading!
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan FAQ
- Can I use Japanese or globe eggplants?
- Yes! Both types work well; globe varieties are classic for larger slices, while Japanese eggplants are slightly sweeter and thinner.
- Do I need to peel the eggplant?
- No need to peel unless you prefer a softer texture—leaving the skin adds color and some nutrients (see more on cooking eggplant).
- Can I make this recipe ahead?
- You can bread and air fry the eggplant slices ahead of time; assemble with sauce and cheese and air fry for 2-3 minutes just before serving for the best texture.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
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2In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
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3Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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4Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and air fry for an additional 7-8 minutes until golden and crisp.
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5Top each eggplant slice with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
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6Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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