Eggplant Parmesan, also known as Eggplant Parmigiana, is a classic Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Traditionally, this recipe involves deep-frying the eggplant slices, resulting in a heavy and greasy dish.
However, with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy a healthier and equally delicious version of this beloved dish. In this article, we will explore the best air fryer eggplant parm recipe that will leave you with perfectly crispy eggplant slices and layers of mouthwatering flavors.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parm Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Air fryer (recommended product)
- Baking sheet (recommended product)
- Mixing bowls (recommended product)
- Tongs (recommended product)
- Serving dish (recommended product)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
Start by slicing the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If desired, you can peel the skin, although it is not necessary. Lay the slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry with additional paper towels.
Step 2: Breading the Eggplant
In separate bowls, set up a breading station. Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the third bowl.
Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage. Place the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Air Frying the Eggplant
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Working in batches, arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked slices to a plate or baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining slices.
Step 4: Assembling the Eggplant Parmesan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of the cooked eggplant slices on top, followed by a generous amount of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layering process until all the eggplant slices are used, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 5: Baking the Eggplant Parmesan
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the baked eggplant Parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for an extra pop of freshness and flavor. Serve the air fryer eggplant Parmesan warm, either as a main course or as a delightful side dish alongside a salad or crusty bread.
The crispy texture of the air-fried eggplant combined with the savory marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese will surely tantalize your taste buds. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors and a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version.
Experiment with variations by adding slices of fresh mozzarella or sprinkling some grated Parmesan on top during the final baking stage. You can also incorporate other herbs and spices into the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
