Description
Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish. This recipe features crispy, golden-brown eggplant slices layered with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, all prepared in an air fryer for a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish combines health and flavor effortlessly. The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sauce will fill your kitchen, making it an irresistible comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplant into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Sprinkle salt over both sides of the eggplant slices and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with a splash of water, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
- Coat each eggplant slice in flour, dip in the egg wash, then coat with the panko mixture.
- Place the breaded slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spritz with olive oil spray and cook for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- In an oven-safe dish, layer marinara sauce, eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 200g
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: To enhance flavor, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the panko mixture. For gluten-free options, substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.