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Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan


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5 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Amy Estes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This healthy air fryer eggplant parmesan is a lighter lower calorie way to enjoy eggplant parmesan without all of the extra fat and calories. It comes out perfectly crispy, and golden topped with zesty tomato sauce and melted cheese in minutes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese + more for topping 
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Freshly chopped basil  – optional for topping

Instructions

  1. Slice the ends off of the eggplant using a sharp knife, about 1/4 inch from the stem.  Then slice the eggplant into 1/2 -inch thick rounds and place the eggplant onto a small baking sheet or plate. Pro tip: you can also place the sliced eggplant onto a paper towel to let it dry a bit after slicing it if it looks wet. 
  2. Make the breadcrumb mixture – Combine the breadcrumbs + parmesan cheese + garlic powder + Italian seasoning + salt & pepper into a medium-sized shallow bowl and mix to combine into a breadcrumb mixture. 
  3. Set up a dredging station:  crack the eggs into another medium size shallow bowl, season with salt & pepper and whisk well to combine. Then set up the breadcrumb mixture + the egg mixture+the sliced eggplant next to each other and dredge each piece of eggplant in the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs into the eggplant as you dredge them.  Then place the breaded eggplant slices back onto the baking sheet.  Continue until you have breaded all of the eggplants. 
  4. Preheat the air-fryer to 390 degrees F (this usually takes 5 minutes).  Once the air-fryer is preheated, spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray and place the eggplant pieces into the air-fryer, spraying each with olive oil cooking spray.  Close the basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping each piece over and spraying the other side with cooking spray halfway through the cooking time.
  5. Once they are done and super crispy, top each with some tomato sauce, then some shredded mozzarella cheese.  Close the air-fryer and cook for 2-3 more minutes to melt the cheese. 
  6. Remove, top with freshly chopped basil, and enjoy. 

Notes

  1. To select a ripe eggplant make sure the it is shiny and dark purple in color.  You want to use a medium size eggplant that is as even as possible all around.  The heavier it is the better. You can store the eggplant in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days after you buy it. 
  2. You can store this cooked eggplant parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Easily reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. 
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: healthy dinner ideas
  • Method: air-fryer
  • Cuisine: italian