Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Without the Oil

This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a flavorful and healthy take on the classic Italian dish. Perfect for an easy dinner recipe, it utilizes the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil, making it a lighter option for any meal.

With simple ingredients like eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic addition to your air fryer recipes collection.

Healthy and Flavorful Eggplant Parmesan in the Air Fryer

This recipe features slices of eggplant coated in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, air-fried to perfection and layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and serves 4 people, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
Coat the Eggplant: In one bowl, place the beaten eggs. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Dip each eggplant slice in the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Eggplant: Place a single layer of coated eggplant slices in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices.
Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, layer half of the crispy eggplant slices, followed by half of the marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
Finish in the Air Fryer: Return the assembled eggplant parmesan to the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.