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Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

A comforting take on Italian cuisine featuring crispy roasted eggplant, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all made effortlessly in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 270
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 large Eggplant Cut into ¼ inch slices
  • 1 large Egg Whisked for coating
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs Provides crunchy texture
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds nutty flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil For freshness
  • 1 cup Marinara sauce Rich sauce for serving
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese For creamy topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the eggplant into ¼ inch slices and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
Coating
  1. Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried basil.
  2. Dip each eggplant slice in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Air Frying
  1. Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Spritz with oil and flip halfway through.
Final Assembly
  1. Remove the eggplant from the air fryer and top each slice with a teaspoon of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  2. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 1 minute, then let sit for another minute to melt the cheese.

Notes

Ensure eggplant slices are of uniform thickness for even cooking. Experiment with different herbs or make it spicy with red pepper flakes. For a gluten-free option, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.