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Embarking on a culinary adventure with the Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan opens up a world of flavor and texture without the guilt of traditional frying. This modern twist on a classic Italian dish utilizes the air fryer to achieve that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the eggplant tender and flavorful. In this article, we will delve into the details of this delightful recipe, exploring its ingredients, preparation steps, and the rich history behind eggplant parmesan, ensuring you can create this dish in your own kitchen with confidence.

Air Fryer Breaded Eggplant Parmesan

Discover the cozy comfort of Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan, a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite! This easy weeknight dinner recipe combines tender eggplant with a crispy coating, all while being a healthier option thanks to the air fryer. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight or save it for later—your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Olive oil spray

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant: Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle salt on both sides. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

    Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning in the third bowl.

      Bread the Eggplant: Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the breaded eggplant.

          Air Fry the Eggplant: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange a single layer of breaded eggplant slices in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

            Assemble the Dish: Once all eggplant slices are cooked, spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Layer half of the eggplant slices over the sauce, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Top with additional marinara sauce and repeat with the remaining eggplant and cheeses.

              Final Air Fry: Place the assembled dish back into the air fryer (you can do this in batches if necessary) and cook at 375°F (190°C) for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then slice and serve warm.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings