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Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan recipe, served and ready to eat, easy homemade dinner
Joe Rooney

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Cozy Crispy Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy a delicious and crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan that's perfect for an easy dinner or family weeknight meal. This recipe features breaded eggplant slices cooked to golden perfection and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella for a comforting dish everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 173
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 eggplant
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

  1. Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick pieces and arrange them in a colander or on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and leave for at least 15 minutes to release moisture.
  2. Set your air fryer to preheat at 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Pour the beaten egg into a shallow dish and combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and basil in another shallow dish.
  4. Coat each eggplant slice by first dipping it into the egg, then pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even covering.
  5. Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and lightly misting with oil to get crispy edges.
  6. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over each cooked slice and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook just 1 minute more. Then turn off the air fryer and let the cheese fully melt by leaving the slices inside for another minute.

Notes

  • Salt the eggplant ahead to remove excess moisture and avoid soggy breading. Use shallow bowls for easy dipping. Preheat your air fryer to get a super crispy crust. Spritz with oil midway through cooking for golden color. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming; cook in batches if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.