My air fryer eggplant Parmesan is a quick spin on a classic Italian comfort food. I love getting that crispy, cheesy, satisfying bite without having to heat up the oven or stand at the stove!
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My Easy Recipe Air Fryer Eggplant
A few summers ago, when I was at the farmer’s market, I was looking at all the beautiful eggplants available and started craving eggplant Parmesan. I didn’t want to spend hours making the traditional version, but then the idea to make air fryer eggplant Parmesan popped into my head!
When I arrived home with the funny purple squash, my kids were very skeptical. But I know the key to getting them to try anything is lots of cheese, and that’s what this dish is all about, so I wasn’t worried.
I was surprised when my kids ate their entire plates, and even my husband, Ben, said my air fryer version was even better than the dish he normally orders at our local Italian spot.
And, if you love a good air fryer vegetable recipe, try my recipes for air fryer carrots, air fryer eggplant fries, air fryer green tomatoes, and air fryer broccoli.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parm Ingredients
- Eggplant – I choose heavy and firm eggplants with no soft spots for optimal texture and minimal moisture.
- Egg – This helps the breadcrumbs stick so the eggplant slices get that amazing crunch.
- Italian breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs also work, but I like how Italian breadcrumbs already have seasoning mixed in.
- Parmesan cheese – I mix this into the breading for extra cheesiness that also gives the eggplant slices even more crispiness.
- Garlic powder – This adds another layer of flavor.
- Dried basil – I love how basil adds classic Italian herb flavor!
- Marinara sauce – I use chunky sauce for more texture and fresh tomato flavor, but any jarred marinara sauce will work.
- Mozzarella – Absolutely essential for that gooey, cheesy topping that makes eggplant Parmesan irresistible. This cheese melts so perfectly!
Eggplant in the Air fryer Variations and Substitutions
- Use panko breadcrumbs to get extra crunch. I tried it once when I was out of Italian breadcrumbs and loved the texture, although I did add some Italian seasoning and black pepper to make sure I got all the right flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, omit the breadcrumbs and just use Parmesan cheese as the “breading.” I made this version for a friend who’s gluten free, and I have to say, it turned out almost as good as the breaded version!
- I sometimes sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the eggplant Parmesan after cooking for brightness and a pop of color.
- Layer prosciutto under the cheese for an added savory note that elevates the dish. This is my husband’s favorite version!
How to Cook Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE:
Slice the eggplant, then salt it in a colander and pat it dry afterward.
STEP TWO: Dip the eggplant into the eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture.
STEP THREE: Air fry the eggplant until golden brown.
STEP FOUR: Add the marinara and cheese then air fry until melted.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Eggplant
- I salt the eggplant slices for 15 minutes and then pat them dry to reduce excess moisture. This is the key to avoiding soggy eggplant Parmesan.
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking eggplant Parmesan. This is my trick to get the coating to start crisping right away.
- I spray each breaded eggplant slice with an oil spritzer to help the breadcrumbs air fry to golden brown perfection!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket which can cause the eggplant Parmesan slices to steam instead of fry. I prefer to work in batches so each slice can crisp up properly.
What to serve With Eggplant Parmesan in the Air Fryer
With all its amazing textures and flavors, eggplant Parmesan deserves to be the star, so I usually serve it with simple sides like my chicken Caesar salad, garlic cheese bread, or air fryer garlic bread.
But I sometimes like to serve eggplant Parmesan as a tasty side dish alongside marry me chicken pasta or baked penne pasta!
Air fryer Eggplant Parmesan FAQs
How should I store leftover air fryer eggplant parm?
I let any extra eggplant Parmesan fully cool first so the cheese can set. After that, I place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to reheat eggplant in the air fryer
To reheat my leftover eggplant Parmesan, I start by preheating my air fryer to 350 degrees F. Once hot, I pop the eggplant Parmesan in the air fryer basket for 2-3 minutes until warmed through!
More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- Air fryer pork chops
- Air fryer chicken Parmesan
- Air fryer salmon
- Air fryer chicken drumsticks
- Air fryer stuffed peppers
Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 1 egg whisked
- 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cut the eggplant into ¼ inch slices and place in a colander or baking sheet. Sprinkle the eggplant with salt and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F.
- Place the egg in a shallow bowl and mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and basil in a second shallow bowl.
- Dip each slice into the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to fully coat each slice.
- Place the eggplant in the air fryer in one single layer, not touching, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, spritzing with oil and flipping over halfway.
- Put a teaspoon of marinara sauce on top of each slice and top them with mozzarella cheese.
- Close the air fryer and cook for 1 minute, turn off the air fryer and let the eggplant to sit one more minute to allow the cheese melt fully.
Video
Notes
- Salt the eggplant slices for 15 minutes, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture and prevent the eggplant from getting soggy.
- Use a shallow bowl to easily dip each slice into the eggs and breading for ease.
- Preheat the air fryer to achieve an extra-crispy breading.
- Spritz each slice with an oil spritzer halfway through cooking to help the breadcrumbs air fry to golden brown perfection!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, which can cause the eggplant Parmesan slices to steam instead of fry. Work in batches if necessary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes, until warmed.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Delicious! Thank you for the new AF recipe to add to my collection!
That was super delicious. Easy to make and healthy. We loved it. Thanks!
I loved how crisp this got in the air fryer
There is no dipping. Egg, crumbs & cheese etc are like a paste. Not able to coat both sides.
Hi Ann, the egg should be in its own bowl to dip the eggplant into first, and then the breadcrumbs and other ingredients in a second bowl. It sounds like everything was placed into one bowl and made into a paste. Please take a look at the pictures in the step-by-step process photos to see the different bowls.