I’ll be honest—eggplant wasn’t exactly a regular in my kitchen. For years, I kinda just ignored it at the grocery store, walking right past it like it didn’t exist. But then, I got an air fryer. And suddenly, I was on a mission to throw everything into it, hoping for some magic. That’s how I discovered Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan, and let me tell you—this recipe is a game-changer.
If you’ve been looking for the Best Air Fryer Recipes, especially for eggplant, you’re in the right place. This dish is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in just the right amount of sauce and cheese. Think Crispy Eggplant Parmesan, but without the mess of deep frying. And if you’ve never tried Air Fried Eggplant Parmesan before, trust me—it’s one of the easiest Air Fry Recipes to master.
I love that this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s a great way to get more vegetables into my kids (because calling it Eggplant Parm makes it sound fancy). It’s perfect for busy weeknights, makes a great Italian appetizer, and works as a main dish or even a sandwich filling. Plus, the Best Air Fryers make everything taste better with way less oil, which means I can enjoy my Eggplant Parmesan Air Fryer Recipe without feeling like I just deep-fried my dinner.
So if you’re wondering how to cook eggplant in an air fryer, looking for easy Eggplant Parmesan Recipes, or just need some new Eggplant Lunch Ideas, grab that air fryer and let’s make something delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium eggplant (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko is best for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought is fine, no shame)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking spray
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Eggplant
Eggplant can be a little bitter, which I feel like is its way of testing our patience. But don’t worry, we’ve got a trick for that. Lay the slices on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This draws out extra moisture and makes the texture better.
After 15 minutes, pat them dry with another paper towel. If your toddler happens to steal one during this process, just go with it.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Grab two shallow bowls. In one, beat the egg. In the other, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
You now have two choices: let the kids “help” and mentally prepare for breadcrumbs to be everywhere, or do it yourself in peace. I usually pick option two.
Step 3: Bread the Eggplant
Take each eggplant slice and dip it into the beaten egg first, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated so it gets that perfect crisp.
Pro tip: Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry, unless you enjoy having clumpy breadcrumb fingers.
Step 4: Air Fry Like a Boss
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray (or else things will get sticky real fast).
- Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer. If they overlap, they won’t get crispy, and that’s just sad.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
If you’re like me, this is the part where you use those 8-10 minutes to break up an argument over LEGOs or fold exactly one shirt before getting distracted.
Step 5: Add the Good Stuff (AKA Sauce & Cheese)
Now for the fun part. Spoon a little marinara sauce onto each crispy eggplant round, then sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top.
Pop them back in the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. If you let them go too long, the cheese might start to crisp up—and while that’s still delicious, it’s not exactly what we’re going for here.
Step 6: Serve It Up & Watch It Disappear (Hopefully)
Serve them as-is, over pasta, or even in a sandwich if you’re feeling fancy. I usually just plop them onto a plate and call it a win.
If your kids ask what it is, just say “pizza bites” and move on before they get suspicious.
FAQs About Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
Nope! The skin is totally edible and helps the eggplant slices hold their shape. If your eggplant is on the older side and the skin seems tough, you can peel it, but it’s not necessary.
Why do I have to salt the eggplant?
Salting the eggplant helps draw out excess moisture and cuts down on any bitterness. It also helps make the eggplant slices crispier when air fried. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the texture may be a little softer.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko gives the best crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be as crunchy. If that’s all you have, try mixing them with a little grated Parmesan for extra texture.
What’s the best temperature to cook eggplant in an air fryer?
375°F (190°C) is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to crisp up the breading without overcooking the inside.
How long does it take to cook eggplant in an air fryer?
About 8-10 minutes for the crispy base, then another 2-3 minutes after adding sauce and cheese. Timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Prep the Eggplant
- Lay eggplant slices on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Pat dry with another paper towel.
Set Up the Breading Station
- In one bowl, beat the egg.
- In another, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Bread the Eggplant
- Dip each slice into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Air Fry the Eggplant
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange slices in a single layer and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Add Sauce & Cheese
- Spoon marinara sauce onto each crispy eggplant slice.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top and air fry for another 2-3 minutes until melted.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve on its own, over pasta, or in a sandwich.
Alright, so there you have it—Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan that’s crispy, cheesy, and actually easy to make. I know firsthand how chaotic dinner time can be (I mean, I’ve had to cook while holding a baby and stopping a crayon war at the same time), so finding Air Fry Recipes that don’t take forever is a total win.
This Eggplant Air Fryer Recipe has definitely earned a spot in our family’s meal rotation. It’s one of the Best Air Fryer Recipes because it gives you that Crispy Eggplant Parmesan crunch without frying in a gallon of oil. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get more veggies in—because let’s be real, calling it Eggplant Parm just makes it sound way more kid-friendly.
If you’ve been wondering how to cook eggplant in an air fryer, this is the way to do it. It’s perfect as a main dish, a quick Italian appetizer, or even a next-day Eggplant Lunch Idea. And if you’re still debating which one to buy, just know that the Best Air Fryers make all the difference when it comes to getting that crispy eggplant texture just right.
So go ahead, grab that Air Fryer Eggplant, give this a try, and let me know—did your family love it? Or did your kids do that thing where they peel off the cheese and leave the rest? Either way, I won’t judge.
