Best 2 Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipes
**Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: A Guilt-Free Indulgence**
Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a healthier take on the classic Italian dish that won't compromise on taste. This guilt-free indulgence starts with tender eggplant slices coated in a light breadcrumb mixture and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Layered with tangy marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and fresh Parmesan, each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
The recipe includes three variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes:
1. **Classic Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan:** This version stays true to the traditional recipe, using wheat flour for breading and mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for the topping.
2. **Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan:** For a lighter option, this variation uses almond flour for a gluten-free breading and a blend of mozzarella and light ricotta cheeses for a reduced-fat topping.
3. **Vegan Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan:** This plant-based version uses a combination of panko breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast for the breading and a dairy-free cheese alternative for the topping, making it a delicious option for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
With step-by-step instructions for each variation, this recipe ensures a hassle-free cooking experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, you'll find it easy to create this crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even as an impressive appetizer.
AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN
These eggplant Parmesan rounds are oil free and grease free, yet they are crispy and crunchy. All due to cooking it in an air fryer. They are good eaten right out of the air fryer or topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Either way they are delicious.
Provided by Yoly
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Cheese
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl and beaten eggs in a third shallow bowl.
- Dip sliced eggplant first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumb mixture. Place coated eggplant on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat an air fryer to 370 degrees F (185 degrees C).
- Place breaded eggplant rounds in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; work in batches if necessary. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flip each round, and cook until desired crispiness is achieved, 4 to 6 minutes more. Top each eggplant round with marinara sauce and 1 slice mozzarella cheese. Place basket back in the air fryer and cook until cheese has started to melt, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining eggplant, if necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.9 calories, Carbohydrate 35.5 g, Cholesterol 134.6 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 1562.9 mg, Sugar 10.7 g
HEALTHY AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN
No need to bread and fry the eggplant, because when smothered in sauce and melted cheese, there's no reason for the extra step-or the extra fat and calories. This dish combines excellent nutrition and cheesy goodness with a sneaky omega-3 crunch from walnuts.
Provided by Fancy Pants
Time 25m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Liberally coat basket with cooking spray.
- Combine crushed walnuts, bread crumbs, and basil in a bowl. Set aside.
- Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket (slight overlapping is okay). Mist the tops of the eggplant slices liberally with cooking spray and lightly sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Top with walnut bread crumb mixture.
- Air-fry the rounds until eggplant is soft and golden brown. 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and top each slice with about 1 tablespoon marinara sauce and 1 heaping tablespoon mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle the slices with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Air-fry until the cheese is hot and bubbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 845.5 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 70.7 mg, Fat 52.3 g, Fiber 18.6 g, Protein 50.3 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 1445 mg, Sugar 18.6 g
Tips:
- Choose the right eggplant: Use a medium-sized eggplant that is firm and free of blemishes.
- Slice the eggplant evenly: This will help it cook evenly in the air fryer. If the slices are too thick, they will not cook through properly. If they are too thin, they will burn.
- Coat the eggplant slices in bread crumbs: This will help them get crispy in the air fryer. You can use plain bread crumbs, or you can add some herbs or spices to taste.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Leave some space between the eggplant slices so that they can cook evenly. If you overcrowd the air fryer, the eggplant will not cook properly.
- Cook the eggplant slices in batches: If you are making a large batch of eggplant parmesan, you may need to cook the eggplant slices in batches. This will help ensure that they all cook evenly.
- Serve the eggplant parmesan immediately: Eggplant parmesan is best served hot and fresh. It can be served with a side of pasta or salad.
Conclusion:
Air fryer eggplant parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is a healthier alternative to traditional eggplant parmesan, which is fried in oil. Air fryer eggplant parmesan is also a good source of fiber and vitamins. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time.
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