Best 2 Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

If you are seeking a scrumptious and healthier alternative to traditional eggplant parmesan, your search ends with this air fryer eggplant parmesan recipe. This innovative cooking method transforms this classic Italian dish into a delightful, crispy, and less oily treat. With just a few simple steps and pantry staples, you'll be savoring this flavorful dish in no time.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan image

These eggplant Parmesan rounds are oil free and grease free, yet they are crispy and crunchy. All due to cooking it in an air fryer. They are good eaten right out of the air fryer or topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Either way they are delicious.

Provided by Yoly

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

½ cup Italian bread crumbs
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup flour
2 large eggs eggs, beaten
1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup marinara sauce, or more to taste
8 slices mozzarella cheese, or as needed

Steps:

Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl and beaten eggs in a third shallow bowl.
Dip sliced eggplant first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumb mixture. Place coated eggplant on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
Preheat an air fryer to 370 degrees F (185 degrees C).
Place breaded eggplant rounds in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; work in batches if necessary. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flip each round, and cook until desired crispiness is achieved, 4 to 6 minutes more. Top each eggplant round with marinara sauce and 1 slice mozzarella cheese. Place basket back in the air fryer and cook until cheese has started to melt, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining eggplant, if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.9 calories, Carbohydrate 35.5 g, Cholesterol 134.6 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 1562.9 mg, Sugar 10.7 g

HEALTHY AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN

Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan image

No need to bread and fry the eggplant, because when smothered in sauce and melted cheese, there's no reason for the extra step-or the extra fat and calories. This dish combines excellent nutrition and cheesy goodness with a sneaky omega-3 crunch from walnuts.

Provided by Fancy Pants

Time 25m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

nonstick cooking spray
¾ cup walnuts, crushed
¼ cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
sea salt to taste
¾ cup marinara sauce
8 ounces shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste

Steps:

Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Liberally coat basket with cooking spray.
Combine crushed walnuts, bread crumbs, and basil in a bowl. Set aside.
Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket (slight overlapping is okay). Mist the tops of the eggplant slices liberally with cooking spray and lightly sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Top with walnut bread crumb mixture.
Air-fry the rounds until eggplant is soft and golden brown. 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove from the air fryer and top each slice with about 1 tablespoon marinara sauce and 1 heaping tablespoon mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle the slices with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Air-fry until the cheese is hot and bubbly, 5 to 7 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 845.5 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 70.7 mg, Fat 52.3 g, Fiber 18.6 g, Protein 50.3 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 1445 mg, Sugar 18.6 g

Tips:

Choose small to medium-sized eggplants - These are easier to work with and cook more evenly.
Use fresh eggplant - Avoid using eggplant that is too ripe or has blemishes.
Slice the eggplant thicknecss - This will help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Pat the eggplant slices - This will help remove excess moisture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Use a light coating of olive oil - This will help the eggplant slices crisp up without becoming greasy.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer - This will prevent the eggplant slices from cooking evenly.
Flip the eggplant slices halfway through cooking - This will ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
Add salt and pepper to taste - Season the eggplant slices with salt and pepper before serving.

Conclusion:

Air fryer eggplant Parmesan is a healthier alternative to traditional eggplant Parmesan that is just as delicious.

This air fryer eggplant Parmesan recipe is easy to follow and can be made in just a few minutes. The eggplant slices are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the Parmesan cheese adds a delicious flavor.

Serve air fryer eggplant Parmesan with a side of pasta or salad for a complete meal.