Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or Panko
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Cooking oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds. If you have time, sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures the eggplant won’t be soggy and helps the breading stick better.
- Set up three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure even flavoring.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs to coat both sides, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Press firmly so the crumbs adhere to the surface.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops of the eggplant with a little more oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the slices are crispy, spoon a tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each round and top with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes at 375°F until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Carefully remove the eggplant rounds from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.