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Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Two stacked pieces of crispy, breaded eggplant parmesan oozing melted mozzarella and topped with rich marinara sauce, made using a healthy air fryer eggplant parmesan recipe.
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Make a lighter version of classic Eggplant Parmesan using your air fryer for a crispy texture without excess oil. This recipe delivers comfort food flavor with simple steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce, low sugar preferred
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the eggplant: Lay the eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat them completely dry.
  2. Set up the breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish. Whisk eggs in a second dish. Combine Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
  3. Bread the eggplant: Dredge each eggplant slice first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the Panko mixture to coat both sides completely.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  5. Cook in batches: Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining slices, lightly spraying the basket before each new batch.
  7. Assemble the parmesan: In a small, oven-safe or air fryer-safe dish (if your air fryer allows broiling/baking), spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked eggplant slices. Top with sauce and half of the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
  8. Return the assembled dish to the air fryer (or oven if necessary) and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an even crispier result, lightly spray the breaded eggplant again just before placing it in the air fryer basket.
  • If your air fryer model does not allow for baking/melting cheese, transfer the layered dish to a toaster oven or broiler for the final step.
  • Use high-quality marinara sauce to improve the overall flavor of this lightened up eggplant parmesan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/healthy-air-fryer-eggplant-parmesan/