Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
This healthy air fryer eggplant parmesan offers a lighter, lower-calorie alternative to traditional eggplant parmesan. Utilizing an air fryer, it achieves a perfectly crispy and golden crust while keeping the dish less oily. Topped with zesty tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, it’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian-inspired comfort food with less guilt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Eggplant and Coating
- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
Toppings
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly chopped basil (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the ends off the eggplant about ¼ inch from the stem, then cut it into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on a baking sheet, plate, or paper towel to help dry if they look wet.
- Make Breadcrumb Mixture: In a medium shallow bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Set up Dredging Station: Crack eggs into another shallow bowl, season with salt and pepper, and whisk to combine. Dip each eggplant slice first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing breadcrumbs onto each slice. Arrange coated slices on the baking sheet.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Eggplant: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket, spraying the tops lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side as well.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Once the eggplant is crispy, top each slice with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the eggplant parmesan from the air fryer, top with freshly chopped basil if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Select a ripe eggplant that is shiny and dark purple in color and as evenly sized as possible. A heavier eggplant indicates better quality.
- Store the eggplant in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days after purchase for best freshness.
- Cooked eggplant parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to regain crispiness.
