Emilie Meyer
Air Fryer Eggplant Parm is a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative to the classic comfort meal. It is made by breading and air-frying eggplant slices, then topping them with tomato sauce and cheese. The air fryer uses much less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a crispy exterior without the greasiness. The cooking time for Air Fryer Eggplant Parm ranges from 13 to 20 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and the number of batches cooked.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 350-370°F (185°C) |
| Cooking time | 8-10 minutes, flip, then 4-6 minutes |
| Final cooking time | 1 minute |
| Resting time | 1 minute |
| Reheating time | 2-3 minutes |
| Freezing time | 1 hour, then up to 3 months |
| Cooking time (frozen) | 4-5 minutes |
| Batch size | 4 large slices |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-cooking preparation
To make eggplant parm in an air fryer, there are several preparation steps to follow before cooking. Firstly, decide on the type of eggplant you will use. You can use either one large globe eggplant or two small eggplants.
Next, prepare the eggplant slices. The size of the slices will depend on the size of your air fryer. For example, if you have a Ninja dual air fryer, you may need to slice the eggplant into 4-inch pieces. However, if you have a larger air fryer, you may be able to fit larger slices. It's important to note that the slices should not be too thick, as this will affect the cooking time and the overall crispiness of the dish.
After slicing the eggplant, some recipes recommend salting the slices and letting them rest for a few minutes. This step helps to draw out the water from the eggplant, resulting in a softer texture after cooking.
Now, it's time to prepare the breading station. You will need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some flour. You can use regular flour, wheat flour, gluten-free flour, or even almond flour for a nuttier flavour. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, and you can add a splash of water to this. The third bowl should contain the breadcrumb mixture. This mixture typically includes panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also add other spices like basil, oregano, rosemary, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.
Once you have your breading station set up, it's time to start breading the eggplant slices. First, dip the slices in the flour, coating them evenly, and shake off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the slices evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant slices gently to ensure an even and thorough coating.
Place the breaded eggplant slices on a tray or plate and let them rest for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This will help the coating adhere better to the eggplant. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
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Air fryer temperature and duration
The temperature and duration for cooking eggplant parm in an air fryer depend on the stage of the cooking process and the size of your air fryer.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before placing any food in the air fryer, preheat it for a few minutes. The ideal temperature for preheating the air fryer is between 350 degrees Fahrenheit and 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking the Breaded Eggplant
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the breaded eggplant slices inside. The number of slices you can cook at once depends on the size of your air fryer. For best results, arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in multiple batches.
Cook the eggplant slices for about 8 minutes. Then, take them out, flip each slice, and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved. The total cooking time for the breaded eggplant slices is about 12 to 16 minutes.
Melting the Cheese
After spreading marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top of each eggplant slice, place the slices back in the air fryer. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat leftover eggplant parm in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the leftover eggplant in the air fryer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed through.
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Ingredients and coating
The ingredients for Air Fryer Eggplant Parm are simple, yet each component plays a vital role in creating a healthier version of this Italian dish. The coating is what gives the dish its delicious crispy texture.
For the coating, you will need breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal as they give the eggplant a crispy texture. You can also use almond flour, which adds nuttiness and crunch. Regular flour or gluten-free flour can also be used. Combine the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. You can also add an egg to the coating mixture, which will help bind the breadcrumbs to the eggplant slices.
Before coating the eggplant slices, dip them in flour and then in beaten eggs so that the coating sticks to the eggplant. Finally, coat the eggplant with the breadcrumb mixture, and let it rest for a few minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
Some recipes also suggest spraying the coated eggplant slices with olive oil to help achieve an even golden brown colour when cooked in the air fryer.
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Post-air fryer cooking
Once you've cooked your eggplant parm in the air fryer, it's important to let it cool slightly before serving. This will allow the cheese to cool down so you don't burn yourself, and it will also give the dish a chance to rest and settle, improving the texture and flavour.
The length of time you should leave your eggplant parm to cool for will depend on your preference and how hungry you are! Leaving it for around 5 minutes should be sufficient to allow the cheese to cool down enough to eat, but you can leave it for longer if you want it to cool fully to room temperature.
If you have any leftovers, air fryer eggplant parm will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, as long as you store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, then put the leftover eggplant parm in the basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
You can also freeze cooked eggplant parm for a quick and easy meal at a later date. To do this, cook the eggplant parm as directed, but leave off the marinara sauce and cheese. Place the cooked eggplant slices on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a storage bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, take out the number of slices you need, add sauce and cheese, and cook in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes, or until hot.
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Serving suggestions
Air Fryer Eggplant Parm is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It can be paired with a variety of dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
Main Course
- Veggie Feast: Serve the Eggplant Parm with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts. This option is perfect for vegetarians or those who want a meatless meal.
- Protein Boost: For meat lovers, pair the Eggplant Parm with a cooked protein of your choice. Chicken, fish, or tofu would go well with the dish.
- Pasta Night: Eggplant Parm also goes well with pasta. Try serving it with your favorite pasta dish, such as spaghetti or penne.
Side Dish
- Salad Sensation: For a light yet satisfying meal, serve the Eggplant Parm with a substantial salad. This could include a mix of leafy greens, vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
- Burger Buddy: If you're in the mood for something more indulgent, pair the Eggplant Parm with a veggie burger. The crispiness of the Eggplant Parm will complement the juiciness of the burger.
- Appetizer Option: You can also serve the Eggplant Parm as an appetizer or starter. Simply cut the eggplant into smaller pieces and serve them as bite-sized treats, with marinara sauce as a dip on the side.
Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! The beauty of Eggplant Parm is that it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and discovering your favorite ways to enjoy this delicious dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook eggplant parm in an air fryer for around 17-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
First, you need to preheat your air fryer to 360-370°F. Next, you should prepare your eggplant slices by coating them in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Place the slices in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the slices, then cook for another 4-10 minutes. Top the slices with marinara sauce and cheese, then cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Yes, you can reheat eggplant parm in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then place the leftover eggplant inside and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Place the frozen eggplant parm in the air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes or until hot.
For the best results, arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer to avoid overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in multiple batches.
