Cooking time
- Preparation time
- 45 mins
- Cooking time
- 15 mins
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2 people
- Meal course
- Dinner
- Posted by
- Posted on
- January 21, 2024
Ingredients
- 1 medium
- eggplants
- 2 large
- Eggs
- 1 cup
- breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup
- Parmesan cheese
- 1 Ts
- dried oregano
- 1 Ts
- Garlic powder
- 1/2 Ts
- Salt
- 1/4 Ts
- Black Pepper
- 1 cup
- marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cup
- Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Introduction
Get ready to elevate your culinary experience with our Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan—a delightful and crispy take on the classic Italian dish. This recipe combines the rich flavors of eggplant, gooey melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, all while achieving that perfect crunch thanks to the wonders of air frying. Join us on a journey to create a restaurant-worthy Eggplant Parmesan with a healthier twist.
Who is this Recipe For?
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is perfect for those who love the comforting taste of traditional Eggplant Parmesan but are looking for a lighter and crispier version. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, a vegetarian seeking a hearty meal, or someone exploring creative air fryer recipes, this dish is tailored for you. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the indulgent flavors of Eggplant Parmesan without the excess oil.
Why Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan?
This recipe takes the beloved Eggplant Parmesan to new heights by using the air fryer to achieve a golden, crispy coating without the need for deep frying. The result is a satisfying dish that retains all the classic flavors while offering a lighter and more textured experience. With layers of tender eggplant, melty cheese, and savory marinara sauce, this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a true crowd-pleaser.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you embark on your Eggplant Parmesan adventure, ensure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for that perfect crispy texture.
- Baking Sheets: For preparing and coating the eggplant slices.
- Mixing Bowls: For whisking eggs and preparing breadcrumbs.
- Tongs: For flipping and arranging eggplant slices during the air frying process.
Enhancing the flavor of this recipe
Here’s a guide to enhance the flavor of your Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Choose the Right Eggplant
- Select firm and fresh eggplants. Smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
Pre-Salting the Eggplant
- Sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplant and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Flavorful Breadcrumbs
- Mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic powder. This adds an extra layer of savory goodness to the coating.
Season the Tomato Sauc
- Enhance the tomato sauce with minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and fresh basil or oregano. Simmer the sauce to allow the flavors to meld.
Fresh Mozzarella
- Opt for fresh mozzarella slices instead of pre-shredded cheese. The creaminess of fresh mozzarella elevates the dish’s texture and taste.
Layer with Fresh Herbs
- Before stacking the layers, sprinkle each layer with fresh basil or parsley. This adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
Customize the Cheese Blend
- Combine different cheeses like Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone for a more complex flavor profile.
Experiment with Seasonings
- Add a pinch of your favorite seasonings or spices to the egg wash for the eggplant slices. Consider options like Italian seasoning, paprika, or a dash of cayenne for a hint of heat.
Marinate the Eggplant
- Allow the eggplant slices to marinate in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey for an hour before air frying. This adds a sweet and tangy note to the dish.
Fresh Basil Garnish
- Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving. The aroma of fresh basil enhances the overall dining experience.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll enrich the flavors of your Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan, creating a delectable and memorable dish.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Choosing Eggplant: Select firm eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin for the best results.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
FAQ
Q: Can I skip the salting step for the eggplant? A: Salting helps remove excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant, but you can reduce the salting time if you’re short on time.
Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? A: Absolutely! Choose your favorite store-bought marinara or make your own for a personalized touch.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan hot, straight from the oven, with a side of fresh salad or over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a complete Italian feast. Pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine for a delightful dining experience.
In Conclusion
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan offers a modern twist to a classic favorite, providing a crunchy exterior without sacrificing the flavors you love. Share this recipe with fellow food enthusiasts and subscribe to our blog for more exciting culinary creations. Discover the joy of crispy and wholesome Eggplant Parmesan with the magic of air frying. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: A Crispy Twist to a Classic Dish - 1Touch Food Culinary Center
Get ready to elevate your culinary experience with our Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan—a delightful and crispy take on the classic Italian dish. This recipe combines the rich flavors of eggplant, gooey melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, all while achieving that perfect crunch thanks to the wonders of air frying. Join us on a journey to create a restaurant-worthy Eggplant Parmesan with a healthier twist.
Type: dinner
Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Recipe Yield: 2
Calories: 350
Preparation Time: PT0H45M
Cooking Time: PT0H15M
Total Time: PT1H00M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplants
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tea Spoon dried oregano
- 1 Tea Spoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 Tea Spoon Salt
- 1/4 Tea Spoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 for garnish Fresh basil leaves
Recipe Instructions: Slicing Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Salting Eggplant: Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture. Whisking Eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl. Preparing Breadcrumbs: In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coating Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Preheating Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arranging Eggplant: Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air Frying Eggplant: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden and crispy. Layering Eggplant Parmesan: In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, air-fried eggplant slices, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers. Final Layer: Top the dish with a final layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella. Baking Eggplant Parmesan: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnishing: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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Instructions
- Slicing Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Salting Eggplant: Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture.
- Whisking Eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl.
- Preparing Breadcrumbs: In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coating Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheating Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arranging Eggplant: Place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air Frying Eggplant: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden and crispy.
- Layering Eggplant Parmesan: In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, air-fried eggplant slices, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers.
- Final Layer: Top the dish with a final layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella.
- Baking Eggplant Parmesan: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnishing: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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