Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients

• Olive oil spray (for greasing)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded)
• Marinara sauce (2 cups)
• Egg (2, beaten)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup)
• Eggplant (1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Season the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel.
4. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap.
7. Lightly spray the eggplant slices with olive oil.
8. Air fry the eggplant slices for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
9. Remove the eggplant slices from the air fryer and set them aside.
10. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
11. Arrange half of the cooked eggplant slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
12. Top the eggplant slices with more marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 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 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.