AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN

5 from 1 vote

Lightened-up crispy air fryer eggplant parmesan recipe with no eggs or milk! A healthy and easy twist on a classic, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Main

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: air fryer eggplant parmesan, eggplant parmesan air fryer, eggplant parmesan in the air fryer, eggplant parmesan recipe air fryer, healthy eggplant parmesan air fryer

Servings: servings

Equipment

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant
olive oil spray
3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup light shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. Optional: Sprinkle both sides with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.
In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Lightly spray both sides of each eggplant round with olive oil spray. Press each slice firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray them with oil for extra crispiness before air frying. Don’t overlap the slices. You will need to cook them in batches.
Air fry at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Add a spoonful of marinara and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese to each slice. Return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan if you like, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Olive Oil Spray Substitute: You can replace olive oil spray with egg wash if preferred. Instead, dip the eggplant slices in a shallow bowl with one beaten egg before coating them in the breadcrumb mixture.
What Breadcrumbs to Use: We used plain breadcrumbs for this recipe. You can swap them for one cup of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you have Italian-style breadcrumbs on hand, those work too, just reduce the added seasonings by half since they’re already seasoned.
Marinara Options: You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe. Or, make our homemade healthy marinara sauce, slow cooker tomato sauce, or roasted tomato sauce!
Remove Excess Moisture: Eggplant has a lot of moisture. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry. This helps reduce sogginess. You don't have to do this, but it's great if you have time.

WW Points: 5 points per serving

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Nutrition