Best Air Fryer Eggplant Parm Recipes

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AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN MINI PIZZAS



Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Mini Pizzas image

Eggplant Parmesan meets pizza for a handheld treat that is sure to please. The best part is that these are not deep fried, but made in an air fryer for a much healthier alternative.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2- inch rounds
salt to taste
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
cooking spray
4 ounces pizza sauce
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

  • Line eggplant rounds up on a large cutting board and lightly salt both sides. Let sit 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
  • Meanwhile whisk egg and water together in a mixing bowl. Mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together on a flat plate. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top.
  • Dip each eggplant round in beaten egg and then coat in bread crumb mixture.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place as many eggplant rounds into your basket as space allows without overcrowding. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes. Transfer rounds to the cooling rack and place in the preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining eggplant.
  • Spoon pizza sauce over each eggplant round. Add olive slices and cover with mozzarella cheese.
  • Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler to high.
  • Broil eggplant slice pizzas for 4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.6 calories, Carbohydrate 16.4 g, Cholesterol 43.6 mg, Fat 7.6 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 11.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 486.3 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARM



Air Fryer Eggplant Parm image

Eggplant Parmesan is a dish I grew up eating-both at my Nonna's house in the Bronx and any red checkered tablecloth Italian joint. This version is lightened up thanks to the air fryer, but still delivers on the promise of crispy eggplant smothered in red sauce and ooey gooey cheese. The best part: it comes together in a snap and there is no oil to clean up after dinner. So, pour yourself a glass of chianti and enjoy!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups panko or plain dried breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning
3 teaspoons garlic powder
One 1-pound eggplant, peeled and very thinly sliced crosswise
2 cups jarred tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more leaves for serving if desired
16 ounces fresh pre-sliced mozzarella
Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Whisk together the flour, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk together the eggs and a splash of water in a second shallow bowl. Whisk together the panko, Parmesan, dried Italian herb seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a third shallow bowl.
  • Dip the eggplant slices into the flour mixture and shake off any excess. Place into the egg wash and flip to evenly coat. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then press in the panko mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Gently place half of the breaded eggplant into the air fryer basket, shingling to create a single layer. Cook, shaking the tray halfway through to separate any rounds that may have stuck together, until golden brown and crispy, 13 to 15 minutes. Place the cooked eggplant on the prepared baking sheet, then repeat with the remaining uncooked breaded eggplant.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the tomato sauce, the remaining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and the chopped basil in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until simmering and warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  • Line the air fryer basket with parchment, then add half of the cooked eggplant in a single layer. Cover the eggplant to the edges with 1 cup of the seasoned tomato sauce. Top with 8 ounces of the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining cooked eggplant, 1 cup seasoned tomato sauce and 8 ounces mozzarella to create a second layer. Cook until the edges are deeply golden brown and the cheese melts, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Remove to a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately, although it will be even better the next day!

INSIDE-OUT AIR-FRIED EGGPLANT PARM



Inside-Out Air-Fried Eggplant Parm image

Gooey, rich, flavorful, and indulgent, this eggplant is super tender, especially around the edges. Marinara sauce and cheese are the perfect rich complements to hide any slight bitterness left behind from the eggplant.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 medium eggplant, halved lengthwise
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pinch kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Score eggplant all the way through the flesh lengthwise, being careful not to cut through the skin. Score again widthwise to create cubes. Gently turn the eggplant inside out. Repeat with second half. If eggplant breaks, manipulate the outer edges to stand up or use a long skewer to hold it open.
  • Drizzle both halves with 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place in an air fryer basket.
  • Air-fry at 390 to 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
  • Open the air fryer and top each eggplant with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, trying to fill each groove. Air-fry 5 minutes longer.
  • Serve immediately sprinkled with fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 579.7 calories, Carbohydrate 34.9 g, Cholesterol 43.1 mg, Fat 41.3 g, Fiber 12.6 g, Protein 20.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.3 g, Sodium 1145 mg, Sugar 18.1 g

HEALTHY AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan image

No need to bread and fry the eggplant, because when smothered in sauce and melted cheese, there's no reason for the extra step-or the extra fat and calories. This dish combines excellent nutrition and cheesy goodness with a sneaky omega-3 crunch from walnuts.

Provided by Fancy Pants

Time 25m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 13

nonstick cooking spray
¾ cup walnuts, crushed
¼ cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
sea salt to taste
¾ cup marinara sauce
8 ounces shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Liberally coat basket with cooking spray.
  • Combine crushed walnuts, bread crumbs, and basil in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket (slight overlapping is okay). Mist the tops of the eggplant slices liberally with cooking spray and lightly sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Top with walnut bread crumb mixture.
  • Air-fry the rounds until eggplant is soft and golden brown. 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the air fryer and top each slice with about 1 tablespoon marinara sauce and 1 heaping tablespoon mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle the slices with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  • Air-fry until the cheese is hot and bubbly, 5 to 7 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 845.5 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 70.7 mg, Fat 52.3 g, Fiber 18.6 g, Protein 50.3 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 1445 mg, Sugar 18.6 g

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: A Healthy and Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve probably heard of Eggplant Parmesan, also known as Parmigiana di Melanzane. It’s a classic dish that consists of layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. While it’s undeniably delicious, traditional Eggplant Parmesan is not exactly the healthiest meal on the menu. Enter the Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan. This dish offers all the taste and comfort of the original version, but with a fraction of the calories and fat. By using an air fryer instead of the oven or stovetop, you can achieve that crispy texture without having to deep fry the eggplant slices in oil. The result is a lighter, healthier, and more flavorful dish that you can enjoy without the guilt.
Ingredients
To make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan, you’ll need the following ingredients:
  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Here’s how to make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan:
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
  4. Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated slices on a plate or tray.
  5. Working in batches, place the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them with cooking spray or brush them with oil. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove the cooked eggplant slices from the air fryer and set them aside.
  7. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of eggplant slices, then top with more sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the eggplant slices, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
  8. Bake the eggplant Parmesan in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a healthier, more delicious twist on a classic Italian dish. Using an air fryer to cook the eggplant slices not only reduces the amount of oil and fat but also gives them a crispy texture that’s hard to resist. With the right seasoning and a generous layer of marinara sauce and cheese, you end up with a satisfying and low-calorie meal that you can enjoy anytime. Give this recipe a try and impress your taste buds and your guests!
Making air fryer eggplant Parmesan recipes can be an exciting adventure for chefs and food enthusiasts. It is a perfect dish for meatless Mondays or any such event where you want to indulge in a vegetarian delight. The crispy and flavourful eggplant in the air fryer adds an extra layer of crunchiness to the dish. Here are some valuable tips that can help you make the best air fryer eggplant Parmesan recipe ever.

Choosing the Right Eggplant

The key to making a perfect eggplant Parmesan is selecting the right eggplant. Choose eggplants that are smooth, firm, and glossy with a deep shade of purple. Avoid eggplants that are wrinkled or have soft spots as they may not be fresh. It is always better to pick smaller eggplants as they have less seeds and are less bitter than larger ones.
Cutting the Eggplant Evenly
When you begin to cut your eggplant, ensure that your slices are even in thickness. Unevenly sliced eggplants will cook unevenly and result in some pieces being overcooked and others undercooked.
Salt Your Eggplants
After slicing your eggplants, coat them in a generous layer of kosher salt and let sit for 30 minutes. Salting the eggplant helps draw out the bitter juices, resulting in a sweeter and less bitter flavour.

Preparing the Breading Station

The breading station is where you coat your eggplant slices in breadcrumbs, eggs, and parmesan cheese. It is essential to keep the three components separate and organized, ensuring that there are no mix-ups.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs gives your eggplant a much crunchier and crispier texture.
Mix Parmesan Cheese with Breadcrumbs
Adding grated Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumb mixture will impart a rich and cheesy flavour to your eggplant. Ensure that you use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it will have a higher salt content than pre-grated cheese.
Use Enough Eggs to Coat Your Eggplants
Whisk enough eggs to coat your eggplants thoroughly. The more effectively your eggplants are coated in egg, the more uniformly they will come out crispy.

Using the Air Fryer

The air fryer is an efficient and healthy way to cook your eggplant, producing crispy and delicious results with minimal oil.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer helps the eggplant cook quickly and evenly.
Spray Nonstick Cooking Spray on the Air Fryer Basket
Spraying nonstick cooking spray on the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking and ensures that your eggplant is crispy.
Cook in Batches
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will interfere with the air circulation, resulting in unevenly cooked eggplant. Cook the eggplant in batches, ensuring that there is enough space between each piece of eggplant.
Flip Eggplants Halfway
Flipping the eggplant halfway through cooking ensures that both sides are crunchy and cooks evenly.

Assembling the Eggplant Parmesan

Assembling the eggplant Parmesan requires layering breaded eggplant slices with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Cook the Tomato Sauce
Cooking the tomato sauce before assembly enhances its flavour, making it much richer and delicious.
Add Fresh Basil
Adding fresh basil to the tomato sauce not only enhances the flavour but also complements the eggplant's earthy taste.
Alternate Layers Evenly
Alternate breaded eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese evenly, ensuring that each bite has the perfect balance of flavour.

In Conclusion

Making air fryer eggplant Parmesan recipes may seem intimidating, but with the right tips, anything is possible. Begin slicing your eggplants evenly, salt for sweetness, and use Panko breadcrumbs for crunch. Preheat your air fryer, cook in batches, and be sure to flip halfway. Finally, assemble your eggplant Parmesan with care and enjoy with your family and friends.

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