Description
A crispy, cheesy, and healthier twist on the Italian-American classic, this air fryer eggplant Parmesan delivers golden crusted eggplant topped with melty mozzarella and marinara—perfect in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
½ cup Italian bread crumbs
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 medium eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 cup marinara sauce (or more to taste)
8 slices mozzarella cheese (or as needed)
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Place flour in a second bowl and beaten eggs in a third.
- Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then eggs, then the breadcrumb mixture. Let coated slices rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F (185°C).
- Place eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flip, and cook another 4–6 minutes until crispy.
- Top each slice with marinara and mozzarella. Air fry 1–2 minutes more until cheese melts.
- Repeat with remaining slices and serve hot.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Prep ahead, but air fry just before serving for best texture.
- Make it gluten-free with GF breadcrumbs and flour.
- Add herbs or chili flakes to customize flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
