Description
A lighter version of classic Eggplant Parmesan made crispy in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Set up a dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches if necessary.
- Lightly coat the bottom of an oven-safe dish (that fits in your air fryer basket, if possible, or use a small baking dish) with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Arrange half of the cooked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with half of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat with remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheese.
- Return the dish to the air fryer (or bake in a conventional oven at 375°F if the dish does not fit) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispness, you can lightly spray the breaded eggplant again before the first air frying cycle.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to keep the sodium content down.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 18 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: eggplant parmesan, air fryer recipe, healthy italian, vegetarian main dish, low oil eggplant