Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

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Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Indulge in the crispy, cheesy goodness of Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan, a healthier twist on the beloved Italian classic. This dish showcases tender slices of eggplant, perfectly breaded and air-fried to golden perfection, layered with rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil. It's a delightful meal that not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a taste of Italy straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive gathering, serve it alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete feast!

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Eggplant (1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil spray (as needed)
  • Egg (1, beaten)
  • Breadcrumbs (1 cup, preferably italian seasoned)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
  • Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded)
  • Marinara sauce (2 cups)
  • Fresh basil (1/2 cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds and season with salt. Let the slices sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess.
  3. After 10 minutes, pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel to remove moisture.
  4. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
  6. Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Lightly spray the top of the eggplant slices with olive oil to promote browning.
  8. Air fry the eggplant slices for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove the air-fried eggplant slices and set them aside.
  10. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  11. Arrange half of the cooked eggplant slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.
  12. Top the eggplant slices with another layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup), followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the chopped fresh basil.
  13. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
  14. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  15. Serve the Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 320 • Fat: 15g • Carbs: 30g • Protein: 18g • Sodium: 450mg • Sugar: 6g