Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan delivers the same crispy, crunchy, tender eggplant parmesan you know and love, minus the fat and calories of the deep-fried version!
Looking for more lightened-up favorites? You will love Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, and Air Fryer French Fries.
The Easy (& Healthier) Way to Enjoy Classic Eggplant Parmesan
From the crispy eggplant to the rich marinara to the gooey mozzarella cheese, classic Eggplant Parmesan is undeniably delicious, yet anything but light.
Enter the Air Fryer.
Just as the air fryer works to crisp up chicken parmesan and make crispy chicken wings without excessive oil, this appliance makes crispy, decadent-tasting eggplant parmesan without the need to deep fry the eggplant, significantly cutting down on the fat and calories.
How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Peel, Slice, and Salt Eggplant
Eggplant can be very bitter if not prepared correctly. The way to combat this heavily salt, peeled and sliced eggplant slices and let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. As the eggplant sits, the salt will draw out the eggplant's natural bitter liquid.
Use a Three-Step Breading
Unlike my recipe for low-carb baked eggplant, this recipe uses a classic breading which consists of seasoned flour, an egg wash, and a parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to season every layer of the breading to ensure flavorful results.
Air Fry The Eggplant
To achieve a crispy exterior that you know and crave in eggplant parmesan, you will want to spray the eggplant with an olive oil cooking spray and then flip mid-way through air frying the eggplant. Also be sure to not overlap the breaded eggplant in your air fryer basket or tray--you want the air to be able to evenly circulate around the eggplant.
Top with Marinara and Cheese
Once the eggplant is nice and browned, top each slice with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce and one slice of mozzarella cheese. Continue to air fry until the cheese is just melted.
Serve
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is delicious when served with a side of Instant Pot Spaghetti, Baked Rotini, Italian Roasted Vegetables, or a seasonal Corn and Tomato Salad or Caprese Salad.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover eggplant parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Air fry the eggplant for 3 minutes at 360 degrees F, or until warmed through.
More Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas
- Air Fryer Summer Squash
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
If you enjoyed this Air-fried Eggplant Parmesan, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
Instructions
- Peel the eggplant and slice into ½ inch thick slices. Lay the sliced eggplant on a rack over a baking sheet and heavily salt both sides of the eggplant with kosher salt. Let the eggplant sit for at least 30 minutes and up to an hour. After the eggplant sits, run the slices under water to rinse away the salt and pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
- Set up 3 shallow dishes in which to prepare the breading station for the eggplant. In the first dish, mix the flour with a ½ teaspoon each of salt and garlic powder. In the second dish, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. In the final dish, combine the panko, â…“ cup parmesan cheese, remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Dredge each slice of the eggplant in the four mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing the excess egg mixture to drip off the eggplant. Finally, coat the eggplant slices in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere the breading to the eggplant.
- Spray the breaded eggplant with cooking spray and then place it sprayed side down into the basket or tray of the air fryer. Be careful to not overlap the eggplant, so that it cooks and browns evenly. Spray the top of the eggplant slices with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 370 degrees F for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, remove the basket, flip the eggplant, spray again with cooking spray and return back to the air fryer and cook for an additional 6 minutes at 370 degrees F.
- Remove the basket and top each slice of eggplant with 1-2 tablespoons of tomato sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese, or 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a couple teaspoons of parmesan cheese.
- Return the air fryer, and air fry for 3-4 minutes at 370 degrees F, or until the cheese is melted and browned.
Gail Martin
Can I cut the eggplant in the morning or will it turn brown. Trying to do some prep work before I go to work.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Gail! Unfortunately it will brown. BUT, it will still be delicious! I would actually recommend cutting the eggplant, placing it on a baking rack over a sheet tray sprinkling with salt and then keeping it in the fridge while you work. No one will care if it is browned under the crispy coating and sauce!
Julie
This recipe is FABULOUS!! I used a vodka sauce. The eggplant cooks perfectly if you follow the directions. One of my new favorite meals.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed so much! Thanks for sharing!
Linda
Delish- The air fryer is an excellent choice to keep fat intake down.
The eggplant was crispy outside and tender inside.
This is a repeat recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! I love hearing this will be on repeat Linda!
Sommer
This is one of my favorite ways to eat eggplant, especially when you press dry the eggplant before frying it!
Kristen Chidsey
It does add so much crunch! Thanks for sharing your review Sommer!
Beth
We love this recipe! Such a healthier way to enjoy eggplant! Great for a light lunch and so easy in the air fryer!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for taking the time to share Beth!
Andrea Thueson
My kids don't typically like eggplant, but they loved these! I am so happy I found a way for them to enjoy eggplant!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing that your kids even enjoyed this recipe for Eggplant Parm.
Kat
Hi Kristen, Should I assume your Nutrition info is per serving?
Thanks
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Kat! That is correct!