Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is crispy, with a soft and tender interior without frying, and is exceptionally flavorful, quick, easy, and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect with spaghetti or made into a sandwich.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer eggplant parmesan, crispy eggplant parmesan, healthy eggplant parmesan

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings Servings

Calories 307kcal

Author Maria Doss

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 Eggplant (medium to large)

Batter

2 large eggs
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Breadcrumb coating

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese refer notes

Additional Ingredients

1 cup marinara sauce plus more for serving
1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cut the eggplant. Slice the eggplant into rounds about ¼ to ½ inch thick, keeping the slices as even as possible so they cook evenly.
Prep. Add all the batter ingredients to a shallow bowl and whisk until smooth and well combined. In a separate shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Coat the eggplant. Working with one slice at a time, dip the eggplant into the wet batter, turning it a few times to coat completely. Lift and let any excess batter drip off, then place it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press breadcrumbs onto both sides, gently packing them on so they adhere well. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining eggplant slices.
Air fry. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Once hot, arrange the prepared eggplant slices in a single layer (don't overcrowd - cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, then air fry for 5 minutes. Open the basket, flip the slices, spray again, and cook for an additional 7 minutes, or until deep golden and crispy.
Finish. Open the air fryer basket and spoon some marinara sauce over each slice, then top with shredded mozzarella. Air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

Video

Notes

Cheese - Use shredded or sliced fresh mozzarella.

Parmesan - If using pre shredded parmesan, grind ⅓ cup in a mini food processor until finely ground.

Make even slices - Make sure that the slices are of even thickness, so they cook evenly.

Nutrition