Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan – Ready in 20 Minutes!
A lightened-up, golden, and cheesy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan that’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick Italian-style meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned or panko
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare Coating: In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then coat evenly with breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fry: Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Spoon marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top of each slice.
- Finish Cooking: Air fry again for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm with a side of pasta or salad.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cheese swap: Try provolone or fontina for a bolder flavor.
- Add spice: Sprinkle crushed red pepper for a touch of heat.
- Full meal idea: Layer over cooked spaghetti or serve with zucchini noodles.
- Make ahead: Air fry slices in advance, then add sauce and cheese right before serving.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze breaded (unbaked) slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to crisp up again.