Tillie Doyle
Air Fryer Eggplant Parm is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this classic Italian dish. The air fryer method is healthier than traditional frying as it uses little to no oil, resulting in a crispy, crunchy texture without the grease. The recipe is simple: coat eggplant slices in a flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, air fry in batches, add sauce and cheese, then air fry again until the cheese is melted. This dish can be served as a side, appetizer, or main course and can be paired with pasta, chicken, fish, or salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Eggplant, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Marinara Sauce, Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Olive Oil, Salt, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Fresh Herbs |
| Equipment | Air Fryer, Baking Sheet, Casserole Dish |
| Preparation | Slice eggplant, dip in flour, dip in egg, dip in breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, spray with oil, cook in air fryer, add sauce and cheese, cook until cheese is melted |
| Cooking Time | 16-20 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | 350-380°F |
| Serving Suggestions | Salad, Pasta, Chicken, Grilled Fish, Garlic Bread |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, reheat in the air fryer |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect crispy texture
To get the perfect crispy texture for your Eggplant Parm, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, choose a large, ripe eggplant or two smaller ones, ensuring they are firm and have a uniform colour. Slice the eggplant evenly into approximately 1/2-inch thick slices. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking or undercooking.
The next step is crucial for that crispy texture. Coat the eggplant slices thoroughly in a wet mixture of egg and flour, and then dredge them in a dry mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and optional seasonings. The breadcrumbs are essential for the crispy texture, and you can use traditional breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Panko breadcrumbs are also recommended for an extra-crispy coating. Spray the coated eggplant slices with olive oil or cooking spray to help them brown and crisp up in the air fryer.
Now, you're ready to cook the eggplant in your air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F. Place the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the slices and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
Finally, it's time to add the toppings. Top each slice with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, and air fry for another 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. And there you have it—perfectly crispy Eggplant Parm, made right in your air fryer!
Air Fryer Cut Potatoes: Quick, Easy, Delicious?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choosing the right eggplant
First, look for small to medium-sized eggplants. Large eggplants tend to be more bitter and have more seeds because they are given more time to mature. Therefore, opting for smaller or medium-sized eggplants can result in a less bitter taste and a better texture for your dish.
Second, look for a smooth and shiny surface. The skin of the eggplant should be taut and tight, with a vibrant, deep purple colour. A dull skin colour could indicate poor storage or low quality. Wrinkles, brown blemishes, or soft spots are also signs of old age and poor quality, so be sure to avoid those.
Third, the perfect eggplant should have a slight firmness to it. It should be somewhat firm but not too hard. If you press on it and the vegetable feels very soft, or you can easily puncture the skin, it is overripe.
Finally, when preparing the eggplant, be sure to slice it evenly. Even slices will ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from overcooking while others are still raw or undercooked.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right eggplant for your air fryer eggplant parm!
Air Fryer Chicken Wingettes: Cooking Time Perfection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The best cheeses for eggplant parm
Eggplant parm is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. It is a vegetarian-friendly dish with layers of bread crumb-coated eggplant, tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. The best cheeses to use for eggplant parm are mozzarella and parmesan.
Mozzarella is a type of cheese that is known for its stretchy, melted texture and mild flavour. It is the perfect cheese to use in eggplant parm as it melts easily and adds a creamy texture to the dish. You can use either shredded or sliced fresh mozzarella, depending on your preference.
Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, adds a nutty, savoury flavour to the dish. It is often used in the breading mixture, coating the eggplant slices, but can also be sprinkled on top of each layer of eggplant. Parmesan cheese enhances the flavour of the dish and gives it a crispy texture.
In addition to these two classic cheeses, some people also like to add ricotta cheese to their eggplant parm. Ricotta provides a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It can be spread on the baked eggplant slices before topping them with mozzarella.
When making eggplant parm, it is important to note that the type of cheese you use can vary depending on your personal preference and dietary restrictions. For example, if someone is allergic to cow dairy, you can substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan and Manchego for mozzarella.
Air Fryer Chicken Fingers: Quick, Crispy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prep your air fryer
Preparing your air fryer for cooking eggplant parm is simple and will ensure the best results. Firstly, decide if you want to use an egg-based breading or not. If you do, you will need to prepare a flour mixture in one bowl and whisked eggs in another. You can add Italian seasoning to the flour for extra flavour. If you are not using eggs, you can simply prepare a breadcrumb mixture in a bowl. This should include breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and any other seasonings you wish to add, such as garlic powder.
Next, slice your eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices. Thinner slices will cook faster and ensure even cooking. If you are using eggs, dip the eggplant slices first into the flour, then the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. If you are not using eggs, simply dip the slices into the breadcrumb mixture. Spray each side of the eggplant with cooking spray and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the eggplant from crisping up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the eggplant in batches.
Air Fryer Cooking Time for Grands Biscuits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving your air-fried eggplant parm, there are several options to consider. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course, and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
If you are serving it as a side, consider pairing it with a veggie burger, pasta, or a cooked protein of your choice. You could also serve it with a substantial salad for a lighter, yet satisfying meal. For a heartier option, serve it with a cooked protein, such as chicken or fish.
If you are serving the eggplant parm as a main course, there are several side dish options that would complement it well. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts, would make a great addition to the meal. You could also try sautéed sides, such as bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, or olives. If you're looking for something lighter, a green salad or Italian chopped salad would be a perfect pairing.
For a more filling meal, serve the eggplant parm with a crusty bread to sop up all the sauce, or try a spicy bruschetta to add a kick to your dish. If you want to offer a range of dishes, oven-baked eggplant parm pairs well with a bright broccoli salad, creamy garlic soup, or classic Italian dishes like pasta alla Norma.
Finally, don't forget that you can also experiment with different sauces and toppings for your eggplant parm. Marinara sauce is a classic option, but you could also try a pesto or alfredo sauce for a change of pace. Get creative and find the combinations that you enjoy the most!
Air Fryer Cooking: Best Foods to Try
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The most common type of eggplant is the purple Italian eggplant, but any variety will work. Look for eggplants that are firm and have a uniform colour. You'll need one large or two small eggplants.
Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch-thick slices. The slices should be even so that they cook evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, dip the slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese. Spray the slices with cooking spray or olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F. Depending on the model, the ideal temperature may differ, so check the instructions for your air fryer.
It should take between 16-20 minutes to cook Eggplant Parm in the air fryer. Flip the slices halfway through the cooking time.
