Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan – Easy & Oil-Free Recipe

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Make this crispy and cheesy air fryer eggplant Parmesan with no oil! A healthy twist on a classic, ready in minutes with marinara and mozzarella.

Looking for a healthier take on classic Eggplant Parmesan? This air fryer version is your answer! It’s crispy outside, tender inside, and totally oil-free—thanks to the air fryer.

Rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella make it extra satisfying. It’s a great vegetarian meal or a side dish that everyone will love. New to air frying or already love it? This recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite.


1. How to Cook

I’m so excited to finally share this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan with you! If you’ve followed my recipes for a while, you probably know I love cozy, comforting meals—but I also love anything that gets crispy without the mess of frying. That’s why I adore this recipe.

Honestly, I used to think eggplant parmesan had to be fried in tons of oil to be delicious. But once I tried making it in the air fryer… game changer. The eggplant rounds get beautifully golden and crispy with zero grease. And when you top them with marinara and melty mozzarella? It’s chef’s kiss good.

2. Easy Recipe

And let’s talk about how easy this is. Bread the eggplant, throw it in the air fryer, top with sauce and cheese, and done! It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy, but is secretly super simple.

When I first tested this, I wasn’t totally sure how it would turn out (eggplant can be tricky), but it turned out so well that I’ve made it three times since. It’s that good. I honestly think it might become one of your go-to weeknight dinners too.

This oil-free air fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a lighter and quicker option than frying. It keeps all the flavor without the extra oil. Serve it as a main dish. Or pair it with pasta, salad, or even use it in a sandwich. Give it a try—you might never go back to the oven version!


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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

yavuz
ake this crispy and cheesy air fryer eggplant Parmesan with no oil! A healthy twist on a classic, ready in minutes with marinara and mozzarella.If you’re looking for a healthier version of classic Eggplant Parmesan, this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is the perfect solution! It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and completely oil-free thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
prep time
15
cooking time
20
servings
4
total time
35

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

  • Three Shallow Bowls

  • Cutting Board and Sharp Knife

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

  • Tray or Plate

  • Spatula or Tongs

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Italian-style bread crumbs

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (or more, to taste)

  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese (as needed)

Instructions

1

Step 1

In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Place flour in a second bowl and beaten eggs in a third.
2

Step 2

Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside and let rest for 5 minutes.
3

Step 3

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (185°C).
4

Step 4

Place the breaded eggplant rounds in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes or until crispy.
5

Step 5

Top each eggplant round with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella. Return to the air fryer and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the cheese starts to melt.
6

Step 6

Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Choose the Right Eggplant: Select a firm, medium-sized eggplant with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overly large or old eggplants as they can be bitter.Slice Evenly: Cutting the eggplant into uniform ½-inch rounds ensures even cooking and consistent crispiness.Let the Coated Eggplant Rest: After breading, resting the slices for 5 minutes helps the coating set, preventing it from falling off during cooking.Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer without overlapping to allow hot air to circulate and achieve maximum crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.Adjust Cooking Time for Your Air Fryer: Air fryer models vary; check the eggplant around the 8-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed to reach desired crispiness.Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality marinara sauce make a big difference in flavor.Optional Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a different taste.Serving Suggestions: Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or alongside pasta for a complete meal.Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.