Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Crispy, flavorful, and quick to make, air fryer eggplant is a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Coated with parmesan and Italian seasoning, these tender slices make a perfect snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant (sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Step 2: Slice the eggplant crosswise into circles about 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Keep the leafy end on until you finish slicing to hold the eggplant steady. Pat the slices dry with paper towels.
- Step 3: Brush both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil. Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan on both sides in that order.
- Step 4: Arrange the seasoned eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and the cheese turns golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices in batches.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, lightly dust the slices with breadcrumbs before adding parmesan.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a brighter flavor.
- Try serving with a dipping sauce such as marinara or garlic aioli for added taste.
Storage
Store leftover air fryer eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F until warmed and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the eggplant slices on a baking sheet at 400 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
Should I salt the eggplant before cooking to reduce bitterness?
It’s optional. Salting and letting the slices sit for 20 minutes can reduce any bitterness and excess moisture, but this recipe works well without that step if you prefer quicker prep.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
This Air Fryer Eggplant recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, perfectly cooked eggplant slices with a crispy, golden parmesan crust. Ideal as a snack or a side dish, these seasoned eggplant rounds are air-fried to perfection for a healthy, flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Eggplant Preparation
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick circles
Seasoning & Coating
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat to ensure even cooking.
- Prep the eggplant slices: Slice the eggplant into 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick circles. Cut off the leafy end only after slicing, using this part to hold the eggplant when cutting. Pat the slices dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the eggplant: Brush both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil. Then, sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese evenly on both sides in that order to maximize flavor.
- Air fry the eggplant: Place the seasoned eggplant slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the parmesan cheese turns golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat if necessary: If cooking in batches, transfer the cooked slices to a plate and repeat the air frying with the remaining slices until all are cooked.
Notes
- Patting the eggplant dry is essential to prevent sogginess and help the cheese adhere better.
- For extra crispiness, consider flipping the slices halfway through cooking.
- You can substitute parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Air Fryer Eggplant, Parmesan Eggplant, Healthy Eggplant Recipe, Easy Side Dish, Air Fryer Vegetables
