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Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Close-up of three crispy air fryer eggplant parmesan slices stacked on a plate, topped with melted cheese and marinara sauce.
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A lighter, crispy take on classic eggplant parmesan made in the air fryer. This recipe offers tips for achieving crispiness, including salting the eggplant and timing for sauce and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large eggplant, about 1.5 lbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Lay the rounds on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper.
  3. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Spray lightly with olive oil.
  6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the eggplant from the air fryer. Top each slice with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Return the eggplant to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Salting the eggplant is crucial for removing excess moisture and preventing sogginess.
  • For a no-breading option, simply spray the salted and dried eggplant slices with olive oil and air fry until tender and lightly browned, then top with sauce and cheese and air fry for a few more minutes.
  • To keep the eggplant crispy, add the sauce and cheese only during the last few minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestokeep.com/air-fryer-eggplant-parmesan-crispy/