Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

5 from 43 votes

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is an easy and healthy meatless dinner or lunch ready in under 30 minutes. Tender eggplant slices are crisped up in an air fryer, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 204kcal

Author: Agnieszka

Ingredients

8 slices eggplant ½ inch thick (about one medium eggplant)
1 cup panko
⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
½ teaspoon salt plus more for sprinkling on eggplant slices
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup Marinara sauce
½ cup mozzarella cheese grated

Instructions

Air Fryer Method:

Place eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt on both sides. Set aside for 30 minutes, then pat it dry with a paper towel.
In a large soup plate or bowl stir together panko, parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Drench the eggplant slices in lightly beaten eggs and place in the panko parmesan mixture to coat on both sides. Work with all 8 slices until they are well coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple minutes. Spray with oil or non-stick spray and place 4 eggplant slices in one layer.
Air fry for 8 minutes. Next, top with a little marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Air fry for 1-2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Repeat with the remaining 4 eggplant slices.
Serve immediately on its own or with more Marinara sauce.

Oven method:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the eggplant slices coated with the panko parmesan mixture on a baking tray sprayed with oil and bake for 15 minutes.
Flip eggplant to the other side and bake 12-14 minutes more, until golden brown.
Take out of the oven, top with Marinara sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake 3-4 minutes more or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can turn the broiler on for that step, just watch the eggplant so you don't burn the cheese.

Notes

You can use homemade or store bought Marinara sauce. My favorite jarred Marinara sauce is Rao's. It's expensive but worth every penny!

To store leftovers, allow the eggplant to cool and place in an airtight container in layers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or nuke it in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition