These easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Slices offer a healthier and hassle-free twist on the classic Italian dish. With a crispy exterior, tender eggplant slices, and a delicious blend of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, it's a delightful and guilt-free way to enjoy this flavorful favorite.
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These easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Slices are not only a breeze to make, but they also make a perfect party appetizer or aperitivo option. These single portions of crispy eggplant slices topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese are sure to be a hit at any gathering. With the air fryer doing the work, you can effortlessly make recipes like Air fryer toast sandwich and whip up a large batch to satisfy your hungry guests.
Thanks to the quick cooking time in the air fryer, these eggplant slices can be ready in a matter of minutes, making them a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you're hosting a last-minute gathering or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, these Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Slices are a great choice. Plus, the single portions make it easy to serve and enjoy without the need for any additional prep or fuss.
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Ingredients
- Eggplant: Choose a medium-sized eggplant with a firm texture. It will be sliced into rounds to form the base of the dish.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs are used to create a coating on the eggplant slices, helping the breadcrumbs adhere and provide a crispy texture.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce provides a tangy and flavorful base for the dish. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own.
- Provolone Cheese: Sliced Provolone Cheese is placed on top of the eggplant slices, creating a gooey and melty cheese layer when cooked. You can also substitute it with Mozzarella cheese.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to coat the eggplant slices. They add a crunchy outer layer to the dish.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese is essential in any "Eggplant Parmesan" recipe, it enhances the flavors and provides a savory taste.
- Italian Herbs: A blend of dried Italian herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, adds a delightful aromatic flavor to the coating mixture.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions with photos
Slice the eggplant into slices about ½ inch thick.
On a plate, beat the eggs and season them with salt and black pepper. Coat the eggplant slices with the egg wash.
On another plate, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Coat the eggplant slices on all sides. If you want a thicker breading, coat them again in egg wash and again with breadcrumbs.
Place the slices in the air fryer tray and cook until golden. Then add the marinara sauce, Provolone, and Parmesan cheese on top and cook again for another minute to melt the cheese.
Variations
The classic Eggplant Parmesan combination is always delicious, but you can make several variations to this recipe to customize it as you prefer:
- Spicy: Add some heat to the dish by incorporating spices like crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the marinara sauce. It gives a subtle kick to the eggplant slices.
- Fresh Herbs: Instead of dried Italian herbs, use a combination of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme. Finely chop the herbs and mix them with the breadcrumbs for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Different Cheeses: While provolone and mozzarella are the traditional choices, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try using some creamy ricotta cheese between the layers for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
Feel free to get creative and adjust the recipe to your liking. These variations can add an extra layer of flavor and make your Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Slices unique and exciting.
Equipment
To prepare Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Slices, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. The star of the show is, of course, an Air Fryer. This countertop appliance cooks food quickly and evenly by circulating hot air around the ingredients, resulting in a crispy texture with less oil compared to traditional frying methods. Ensure that your air fryer is in good working condition and has enough capacity to fit the desired quantity of eggplant slices. These are the best in the market:
Additionally, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board to slice the eggplant into even rounds. A bowl or shallow dish will come in handy for beating the eggs and another bowl for mixing the breadcrumbs. A pair of tongs can be useful for flipping the eggplant slices while cooking. Lastly, a baking sheet or plate is useful for assembling the layers of eggplant, sauce, and cheese before transferring them to the air fryer.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, allow the cooked slices to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When it's time to reheat the leftovers, the air fryer is once again a fantastic option. Preheat the air fryer to a medium-high temperature and place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Alternatively, you can also reheat the leftovers in a preheated oven. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method will help restore the crispiness of the coating.
💭 FAQ & Tips
Absolutely! You can use a store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, or if you prefer, you can make your own homemade marinara sauce from scratch.
Yes, if you don't have an air fryer, you can still make Eggplant Parmesan Slices by baking them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are crispy and golden. Then add the toppings and bake another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Yes, you can certainly use other vegetables like zucchini or yellow squash to make a variation of this dish. Just ensure that the vegetable you choose has a similar texture and can be sliced into rounds for easy layering.
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📖 RECIPE
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pre-heat the air fryer to 350°F / 180°C.
- In a saucepan, drizzle some olive oil and add the minced garlic, cook for a minute, then add the tomato sauce and season with salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking, add a few basil leaves as well. Set aside.
- Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick round slices.
- In a bowl or plate, beat the eggs and season them with salt and pepper. Coat each eggplant slice with the eggs.
- In another bowl or plate, combine the breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
- Roll the eggplant slices into the breadcrumbs, coating all sides.
- If you want a thicker breading, repeat the last 2 steps by coating once more the slices in eggs and breadcrumbs.
- Place each slice into the air fryer basket keeping them a bit distant to make sure they cook evenly.
- Drizzle some olive oil or lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 12 minutes or until golden brown. If needed, flip the slices halfway through the cooking.
- Top the slices with the marinara sauce, a slice of provolone cheese, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Place back in the air fryer and cook for 1 minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately or keep in a warm oven until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Notes
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