Air-Fried Eggplant Parm: A Tasty, Healthy Classic

Yes, you can make eggplant parmesan in an air fryer! This method is healthier than the traditional fried version, as it requires less oil and fat. The result is a delicious, crispy dish that can be served as a snack or side.

How to prepare the eggplant

Preparing the eggplant is a straightforward process, but it does require a few steps to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare the eggplant for your Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan:

Step 1: Salting the Eggplant (Optional)

Some recipes suggest that salting the eggplant before cooking helps to remove excess moisture, resulting in a richer flavour and smoother texture. If you decide to do this, sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them rest for about 15-30 minutes. After that, pat the slices dry with a kitchen or paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

You'll need three separate shallow bowls for this step. In one bowl, whisk an egg or two, depending on the recipe's quantity. You can also add a little water to the egg mixture if desired. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients like flour, breadcrumbs (regular or panko), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, dried basil, or dried oregano to the mixture. The third bowl will be used for dipping the eggplant in flour before coating it with the egg mixture.

Step 3: Dipping and Coating the Eggplant

Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it with the egg mixture, ensuring it's completely covered. Finally, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the eggplant slices and arrange them on a baking sheet or tray.

Step 4: Drizzling with Oil (Optional)

Some recipes suggest drizzling or spraying the coated eggplant slices with extra-virgin olive oil or cooking spray. This step is not mandatory but can add to the crispiness of the final product.

Step 5: Air Frying the Eggplant

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-380°F. Place the coated eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Your eggplant is now ready to be topped with your favourite sauce and cheese to complete your Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan!

How to make the breading stick

To make the breading stick when making eggplant Parmesan in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Prepare the Eggplant

First, slice your eggplant into rounds or strips, depending on your preferred shape. For rounds, slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick pieces. For strips, cut the eggplant into uniform strips.

Next, sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and place them in a colander to drain for about 30 minutes. This step is optional, especially if your eggplant is in season, but it helps to enhance the flavour and improve the texture of the eggplant. After draining, pat the eggplant slices dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.

Prepare the Breading Station

While the eggplant is draining, set up your breading station. You will need three shallow bowls. In one bowl, place some flour. You can also use egg whites or beaten whole eggs instead of flour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg or egg whites. The egg acts as a binder, helping the breading stick to the eggplant. For a vegan option, you can use aquafaba instead of eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breading mixture. This typically includes panko or Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add almond flour to the breading mixture for extra crunch and a nuttier flavour.

Bread the Eggplant

Now it's time to bread the eggplant. First, dip each eggplant slice into the flour or egg, making sure it's well coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the eggplant with the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the eggplant slices and place them on a tray or plate to rest for a few minutes.

Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-370°F. Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching. You may need to work in batches. Drizzle the eggplant with olive oil or lightly spray with olive oil spray to help the breading crisp up. Air fry for about 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is crispy and golden brown.

Add Toppings and Serve

Once the eggplant is crispy, carefully remove it from the air fryer and add your desired toppings. For eggplant Parmesan, top each slice with marinara sauce and shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Serve hot and enjoy!

What temperature to set the air fryer to

The optimal temperature to set your air fryer to when making eggplant parmesan is between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while others recommend a higher temperature of 370 or 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the temperature you choose. For example, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take about 16 minutes to cook the eggplant parmesan. On the other hand, if you choose to cook at a higher temperature of 370 degrees Fahrenheit, the cooking time will be shorter, ranging from 8 to 14 minutes.

Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the eggplant parmesan while it is cooking in the air fryer to ensure that it does not overcook or burn. You may also need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your air fryer model and the size of your eggplant slices.

How long to cook the eggplant for

The cooking time for the eggplant in an air fryer eggplant Parmesan recipe depends on the thickness of the eggplant slices and the temperature of the air fryer.

For a 350°F air fryer, it takes about 16 minutes to cook eggplant Parmesan. This includes air frying the breaded eggplant slices for 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then air frying for another 1-2 minutes after adding the toppings.

For a 370°F air fryer, it takes about 13 minutes to cook the eggplant Parmesan. This includes air frying the breaded eggplant slices for 8 minutes, flipping them, and then air frying for another 3 minutes. After adding the toppings, air fry for an additional 2 minutes.

For a 380°F air fryer, it takes about 9 minutes to cook the eggplant. This includes air frying the breaded eggplant slices for 5 minutes, flipping them, and then air frying for another 4-5 minutes. After adding the toppings, air fry for a final 2-3 minutes.

The eggplant slices should be cut to a thickness of around ¼-½ inch. Thicker slices may require a longer cooking time.

Some recipes also include an additional step of salting the eggplant slices and letting them rest for 15-30 minutes before breading and air frying. This step helps to remove excess moisture and improves the flavor and texture of the eggplant.

How to reheat and store eggplant parmesan

Storing Eggplant Parmesan

Leftover eggplant parmesan should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. This prevents bacterial growth and preserves the dish's flavor and texture. For longer-term storage, you can freeze eggplant parmesan by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and placing it in a freezer bag or container. Label it with the date and contents, and it will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Eggplant Parmesan

The best way to reheat eggplant parmesan is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the eggplant parmesan in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying and heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of cooking to crisp up the top.

If you're short on time, you can also use a microwave or a skillet. To use a microwave, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and rotating the dish as needed. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the dish is warmed to your liking.

To use a skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant parmesan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, covering the pan with a lid to help melt the cheese. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of marinara sauce to the pan to create steam and prevent sticking.

You can also use an air fryer to reheat eggplant parmesan. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the eggplant parmesan in the basket, ensuring the pieces don't overlap. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then check if it has reached your desired temperature and crispiness. Add an extra 1-2 minutes if needed.

Frequently asked questions