Best 3 Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

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Air fryer eggplant parmesan is a healthier version of the classic Italian dish that provides a delicious and nutritious meal. Made with simple ingredients and minimal oil, this air fryer recipe offers a crispy and flavorful eggplant parmesan that is perfect for those who are looking for a lighter alternative to traditional fried eggplant parmesan. It is a delightful dish that is sure to please the whole family and is easy to make.

Here are our top 3 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

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

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

AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARM



Air Fryer Eggplant Parm image

Eggplant Parmesan is a dish I grew up eating-both at my Nonna's house in the Bronx and any red checkered tablecloth Italian joint. This version is lightened up thanks to the air fryer, but still delivers on the promise of crispy eggplant smothered in red sauce and ooey gooey cheese. The best part: it comes together in a snap and there is no oil to clean up after dinner. So, pour yourself a glass of chianti and enjoy!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups panko or plain dried breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning
3 teaspoons garlic powder
One 1-pound eggplant, peeled and very thinly sliced crosswise
2 cups jarred tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more leaves for serving if desired
16 ounces fresh pre-sliced mozzarella
Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Whisk together the flour, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk together the eggs and a splash of water in a second shallow bowl. Whisk together the panko, Parmesan, dried Italian herb seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a third shallow bowl.
  • Dip the eggplant slices into the flour mixture and shake off any excess. Place into the egg wash and flip to evenly coat. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then press in the panko mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Gently place half of the breaded eggplant into the air fryer basket, shingling to create a single layer. Cook, shaking the tray halfway through to separate any rounds that may have stuck together, until golden brown and crispy, 13 to 15 minutes. Place the cooked eggplant on the prepared baking sheet, then repeat with the remaining uncooked breaded eggplant.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the tomato sauce, the remaining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and the chopped basil in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until simmering and warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  • Line the air fryer basket with parchment, then add half of the cooked eggplant in a single layer. Cover the eggplant to the edges with 1 cup of the seasoned tomato sauce. Top with 8 ounces of the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining cooked eggplant, 1 cup seasoned tomato sauce and 8 ounces mozzarella to create a second layer. Cook until the edges are deeply golden brown and the cheese melts, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Remove to a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately, although it will be even better the next day!

Tips:

  • To ensure the eggplant absorbs less oil, slice it thinly and sprinkle it with salt. Let it rest for 30 minutes, then pat it dry before cooking.
  • Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or grill pan for the best results. This will help create a crispy crust on the eggplant.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the eggplant. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.
  • Be careful not to overcook the eggplant. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. You can also make your sauce if you have the time.
  • Top the eggplant with plenty of cheese. This will help it melt and become gooey.
  • Serve the eggplant parmesan immediately with a side of pasta or vegetables.

Conclusion:

Air fryer eggplant parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is a healthier alternative to traditional eggplant parmesan, which is fried in oil. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the eggplant, resulting in a crispy crust and a tender inside. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

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