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How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan for a Guilt-Free Comfort Dish with VIDEO
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy the rich flavors of classic Eggplant Parmesan without the guilt using this Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan recipe! Crispy, golden eggplant slices are air-fried instead of fried in oil, then layered with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese for a lighter yet equally satisfying version of the Italian favorite. Perfect as a main dish or side, this recipe is packed with flavor, nutrients, and wholesome ingredients, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters and busy weeknights alike. This step-by-step guide—complete with an easy-to-follow video tutorial—will show you how to create this guilt-free comfort food effortlessly. Watch the video, follow along, and get ready to savor every bite of this crispy, cheesy delight!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Eggplant:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray (optional, for crispiness)
For Assembly:
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or part-skim for lower fat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Air Fry the Eggplant:
- Lightly spray the breaded eggplant slices with cooking spray (optional, for extra crispiness).
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes , flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer the air-fried eggplant slices in the dish, topping each layer with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread, or enjoy it as a standalone meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
