Crispy Eggplant Parm: Air Fryer Magic!

Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that can be easily adapted for an air fryer, making it a healthier and quicker option. This recipe combines the crispy, golden-brown topping of breadcrumbs and herbs with a tender, flavorful eggplant slice, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the eggplant moist and tender inside, resulting in a healthier version of this beloved comfort food. Here's a guide on how to cook eggplant parm in an air fryer, ensuring a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying dish.

Ingredients: Gather eggplant, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, and tomato sauce

To begin your eggplant parmesan journey, you'll need to gather a few key ingredients. First, you'll require a medium-sized eggplant, preferably firm and meaty. Look for one that is free of any large bruises or soft spots. Next, you'll want to prepare some breadcrumbs. Fresh breadcrumbs are ideal, but if you're short on time, you can use stale bread and pulse it in a food processor to create fine crumbs.

Eggs are another essential component. You'll need two or three large eggs, depending on the number of eggplant slices you plan to coat. These eggs will act as a binder, helping to hold the eggplant slices together during cooking. Additionally, you'll require some all-purpose flour. This will be used to coat the eggplant slices before they are breaded.

Tomato sauce is a crucial element in this dish. You can use your favorite store-bought tomato sauce or opt for a homemade version. If you choose to make your own, consider using a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs like basil and oregano. The tomato sauce will provide moisture and flavor to the eggplant parm, creating a delicious, saucy masterpiece.

As you gather these ingredients, ensure that they are fresh and of good quality. The eggplant should be firm and free of any bitterness, which can be a sign of age. The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure they cook evenly. And the tomato sauce should have a rich, vibrant color and a tangy flavor that complements the eggplant.

With these ingredients assembled, you're well on your way to creating a mouth-watering eggplant parmesan. Remember, the quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final dish, so take the time to choose the best produce and sauces available to you.

Preparation: Slice eggplant, dip in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs

To begin preparing your eggplant parmesan in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer heats up, you can get your ingredients ready.

First, take an eggplant and slice it into thin, even rounds. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. These slices will be the base of your eggplant parmesan. Rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are free of excess moisture.

Next, set up your breading stations. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another, beat an egg with a fork or whisk. Finally, in a third dish, mix some breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination will create a crispy, golden coating for your eggplant.

Now, it's time to bread the eggplant slices. Take each slice and lightly dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring an even coating. Finally, press the slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides. Repeat this process for all the eggplant slices.

After breading all the slices, you can either place them directly in the air fryer basket or line them up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the eggplant slices in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Cooking: Place in air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes

To cook eggplant parmesan in an air fryer, start by preparing the eggplant. Slice the eggplant into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. You want to ensure the slices are evenly thin to cook evenly in the air fryer. Place the eggplant slices on a plate or baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy in the air fryer. After 15 minutes, rinse the slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Now, it's time to assemble the eggplant parmesan. Dip each eggplant slice in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then coat them evenly in your choice of breadcrumbs mixed with herbs and spices. You can use a simple blend of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Press the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant to create a crispy coating.

Arrange the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray the eggplant with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil to ensure even browning. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

While the eggplant is cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. Sauté garlic in olive oil in a pan, then add crushed tomatoes, basil, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Simmer the sauce until it thickens. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use a store-bought tomato sauce and add your desired herbs and spices.

Once the eggplant is cooked to a golden brown, carefully place it on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Layer the cooked eggplant with your tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are used, creating a few layers. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the eggplant parmesan immediately, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful dish!

Assembly: Layer eggplant, sauce, and cheese in air fryer basket

To prepare eggplant parmesan in an air fryer, start by slicing the eggplant into thin, even rounds. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch; this ensures even cooking and a crispy texture. Rinse the slices and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this can lead to sogginess. Season both sides of the eggplant slices with salt and pepper, allowing the seasoning to sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture.

In a shallow dish, set up a breading station. Place the eggplant slices in the dish and coat them evenly with the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured eggplant into the beaten egg, ensuring an even coating. Finally, press the slices into the breadcrumbs, again shaking off any excess. This breading process will help create a crispy exterior.

Now, it's time to assemble the air fryer basket. Start by placing a layer of breaded eggplant slices in the basket, arranging them in a single layer. Next, add a generous amount of your favorite tomato-based sauce, such as marinara, over the eggplant. Be careful not to over-sauce, as this can make the dish soggy. Then, sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of cheese.

For the final touches, lightly spray the assembled layers with cooking oil to promote browning. You can also add a few more breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Once cooked, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer and let the eggplant parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious, crispy eggplant parmesan with a perfectly melted cheese top. Enjoy your air-fried masterpiece!

Final Touches: Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly

Once your eggplant slices are coated in the breadcrumb mixture and placed in the air fryer basket, it's time to add the final touches to your eggplant parmesan. The key to a crispy, golden-brown crust and a melted, bubbly cheese topping is a quick broil under the heat of your air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, typically around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This intense heat will help create a crispy exterior on the breaded eggplant. Place the air-fried eggplant slices back into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer to allow even cooking.

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the eggplant. The cheese will act as a protective layer, preventing the bread crumbs from burning and adding a delicious, savory flavor. Be generous with the cheese, as it will melt and create a bubbly, golden topping.

Close the air fryer lid and set the timer for 2-3 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the desired level of browning. Keep an eye on the eggplant to ensure it doesn't burn. You want the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a crispy, golden-brown top.

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the air fryer and check the eggplant. If the cheese is melted and bubbly, with some golden-brown spots on the eggplant, you've achieved the perfect finish. If not, give it a quick minute or two more, keeping a close watch to avoid over-browning. Serve immediately, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful eggplant parmesan!

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