Teresa's Recipes
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!
Ingredients
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds Eggplant
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Olive oil spray
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1 cup, preferably Italian seasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups, shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish Fresh basil
Dietary Notes
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- 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.
- After 10 minutes, pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel to remove moisture.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 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.
- Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Lightly spray the top of the eggplant slices with olive oil to promote browning.
- Air fry the eggplant slices for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the air-fried eggplant slices and set them aside.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange half of the cooked eggplant slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.
- 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.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Feel free to mix in some Italian herbs like oregano or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic dish.
- You can prepare the eggplant slices ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before air frying.