Description
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a deliciously healthy twist on a classic Italian dish. This recipe features perfectly air-fried eggplant slices layered with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. The crispy texture and comforting flavors make it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy this guilt-free comfort food that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (approx. 1 lb), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray (olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice eggplants into 1/2-inch rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness.
- Rinse salted slices under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in the egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with olive oil, and cook for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese; repeat layers finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Return the layered dish to the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg