Air-Fried Eggplant Parm: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air Fryer Eggplant Parm is a delicious, healthier alternative to the classic Italian dish. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of Eggplant Parmesan without the excess oil and mess of traditional frying. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a crunchy exterior and soft, tender interior in just 30 minutes from start to finish. The key to success is in the breading process, which involves a simple three-step process of dipping eggplant slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before air frying to perfection. This dish is sure to be a family favourite and can be served as a tasty snack or a hearty meal.

Preparing the eggplant

Start by washing and drying the eggplant. Then, cut it into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick slices or rounds. Make sure the slices are of even thickness so they cook evenly. Place the slices in a colander or on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to draw out any excess moisture.

Next, prepare three separate shallow bowls for dredging. In one bowl, place flour. You can also add some Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the flour for extra flavour. In another bowl, whisk a couple of eggs with a splash of water. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and more salt and pepper, if desired. You can also add in other spices like onion powder, dried basil, or red pepper flakes.

Now it's time to dredge the eggplant. First, dip each slice into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press the eggplant into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. You can use a fork to hold the eggplant while dredging to avoid getting your hands dirty. Place the coated eggplant slices on a tray and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

At this point, you can choose to spray or brush both sides of the eggplant with oil. This step is optional but will help develop a nice golden brown crust.

Making the batter

Next, prepare three separate bowls. In one bowl, place your flour (and a little water if you like). In the second bowl, whisk your eggs. In the third bowl, mix your breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you like—feel free to add some red pepper flakes, onion powder, or black pepper. You can also add in some extra parmesan cheese for a sweeter, nuttier flavour.

Now you're ready to start dipping! Take each slice of eggplant and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each slice is thoroughly coated at each stage. You can use a fork to hold the eggplant slices to avoid getting your hands dirty.

Once your eggplant slices are coated, place them on a plate or tray and let them rest for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

Coating the eggplant

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a shallow bowl, beat two large eggs. You can also add a splash of water or a tablespoon of water to the eggs to create a thinner consistency. This mixture will act as the glue for the dry coating to adhere to the eggplant slices.

Step 2: Dry Coating Mixture

In a separate shallow bowl or plate, combine the dry ingredients for the coating. The exact measurements and ingredients may vary depending on your preference, but a typical mixture includes breadcrumbs (either Italian or plain), grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning or dried Italian herb blend, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add in red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Dip in Egg Wash

Take each eggplant slice and dip it into the egg wash, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Coat with Dry Mixture

After dipping the eggplant slice in the egg wash, it's time to coat it with the dry mixture. Place the slice in the bowl or plate with the dry coating and turn it over a few times to ensure it is completely covered. Use your fingers to pack the breadcrumbs onto the slice and help the coating stick.

Step 5: Rest and Repeat

Place the coated eggplant slices on a plate or tray and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the coating set and ensure that it doesn't fall off during the air frying process. Repeat the dipping and coating process with the remaining eggplant slices until they are all well-coated.

Tips for a Perfect Coating:

• Use a fork to hold the eggplant slices while dipping and coating to avoid getting your hands messy.
• For an even crispier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Don't be afraid to season generously. You can always taste a small amount of the dry mixture to ensure it has enough flavour.
• If you want to reduce the moisture in the eggplant, you can sprinkle salt on the slices before coating and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then, pat them dry before proceeding with the coating steps.

Cooking the eggplant

The key to getting the perfect texture for your eggplant parm is to cut the eggplant into slices of even thickness. This ensures that the slices cook evenly. Aim for slices that are around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch thick. You can peel the eggplant if you prefer, but it's not necessary—the skin will soften when cooked and adds flavour and colour.

Once you've sliced your eggplant, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for at least 15 minutes. This draws out the moisture, making the flesh more tender and removing any bitterness. However, some recipes skip this step, as modern eggplants are bred to have minimal bitterness, and salting can make the dish too salty.

Next, prepare your dredging stations. You'll need three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Some recipes also add basil, onion powder, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix the dry ingredients in the third bowl until they are well combined.

Now it's time to coat the eggplant slices. First, dip each slice in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each slice is thoroughly coated at each stage. Place the coated eggplant slices on a tray and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-380°F (185°C). Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the slices with cooking spray or olive oil to help them develop a nice golden crust.

Cook the eggplant slices for 8 to 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 4 to 7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Adding toppings

Once your eggplant slices are cooked, it's time to add the toppings! Start by spreading a generous amount of marinara sauce on top of each slice. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, whichever you prefer.

Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce. You can also use sliced fresh mozzarella if you prefer. If you want to add a little extra flavour, you can mix in some grated parmesan cheese with the mozzarella.

At this point, you can also add other toppings of your choice. Some people like to add fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley for extra flavour and colour. You could also try adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite!

Once you've added all your desired toppings, it's time to put the eggplant slices back into the air fryer. Cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook.

And that's it! Your air fryer eggplant parm is now ready to be served and enjoyed. You can serve it as a main course with a side of crusty bread and a salad, or as a delicious vegetarian option at your next gathering. Enjoy!

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