If you're a fan of eggplant, then you're in for a real treat! I recently discovered this amazing crispy air fryer eggplant recipe that has quickly become one of my favorite dishes. I especially love this recipe because of the added flavor of the Parmesan cheese and seasoning mix.
If you’ve ever wondered how to air fry eggplant, this is the method I come back to again and again. It works as a hands-off healthy appetizer, an easy side dish, or even put into sandwiches with marinara and mozzarella. P.S. If you are a fan of mozzarella, try this Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe too.
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Video Instructions
Try This Crispy Breaded Eggplant Air Fryer Recipe
I love making this when I want something crispy but don’t feel like frying.
The Parmesan coating adds so much flavor, and the air fryer gives the eggplant a yummy crunch with very little oil needed to make it so.
Why You’ll Love It
- Super crispy: The breadcrumb and Parmesan coating become nice and crunchy in the air fryer.
- Perfect Texture: What you get is crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.
- Healthy appetizer: It is delicious, and uses far less oil than you would if you were deep-frying this.
- Versatile: I serve it as a snack, side dish, or I like to add it to sandwiches, and you can add different spices, like Tamari, as an example. Add some sesame seeds on the top as a decorative, yet tasty addition.
Ingredients
- Eggplant: Choose a firm, glossy eggplant with a smooth skin. Fresh eggplant is the best choice for the best texture once cooked.
- Breadcrumbs: These are what make the crisp coating. Panko works well, too, if you want even more crunch.
- Parmesan cheese: I love using Parmesan as it adds a salty, savory flavor that works well with eggplant.
- Egg: The egg helps the coating stick to every slice.
- Dried herbs: Basil and oregano add a classic Mediterranean flavor. I sometimes finish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant
1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
2. Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1.5–2 cm thick.
TIP: You can use a paring knife to remove some of the blemishes on the skin, or you can leave as is. You can drain some of the eggplant juices by tapping them dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, whisk the egg.
4. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Dip each of the slices of eggplant into the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
Tip: You can do this on a tray to avoid messing the breadcrumbs all over the place.
6. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil (olive oil can work too) and arrange the slices in a single layer.
7. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes, until golden and crispy.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and black pepper if you like.
Recipe Tips
- I highly recommend this simple and delicious air fryer eggplant recipe, which offers a range of health benefits as well. However, if you're using an air fryer to cook eggplant, it's important to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your specific air fryer model and personal preferences.
- For those who prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes or lower the temperature by 25°F (14°C). Conversely, if you prefer a crunchier texture, you can increase the cooking time or temperature slightly.
- If your eggplant tends to taste bitter, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry before breading.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. I usually cook in batches so every slice gets evenly crisp.
- A light spray of oil halfway through cooking helps create an extra golden crust.
- To prevent soggy eggplant, sprinkle salt on sliced eggplant and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before air frying.
- Air frying can sometimes result in dry eggplant if cooked too long or at a very high temperature. To prevent dryness, monitor the cooking time closely and adjust accordingly based on the size and thickness of the eggplant slices. Consider reducing the cooking time or temperature if needed.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Fresh salad
- Wraps
- Sandwiches
FAQs
The coating should be crisp and golden, and the inside should feel soft when pierced with a fork.
Yes. It will still be delicious, though the cheese adds extra flavor and helps the coating brown.
Leftover cooked eggplant is great in sandwiches, wraps, or reheated as a quick snack.
Recipe
Air Fryer Eggplant
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- 2 Bowls (for eggplant dipping and breading)
- Vegetable oil spray
- Serving dish or plate
- Whisk
- Hot plate trivet
- Cooking tongs
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant (1 large or 2 medium)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1.5–2 cm thick.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
- In another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and salt.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it's fully coated.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the eggplant slices evenly in the basket.
- Air fry the eggplant for 12 minutes, flipping the slices every 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. After the second turn, you can spray more oil for a crispier crust.
- Serve the eggplant hot, topped with more Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 12 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes.Taste & Texture
Crispy and golden outside with soft, creamy eggplant inside and lots of savory flavor.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the eggplant in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Air fryer: Place the eggplant in an air fryer basket and cook at 350ºF (175ºC) for 5-7 minutes.
Serving Recommendations
I love serving this as a healthy appetizer with marinara, but it’s also wonderful layered into sandwiches with mozzarella and roasted peppers.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Breadcrumbs: If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use alternatives like almond flour, crushed crackers, or cornmeal for a crunchy coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: Swap Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a similar savory flavor. You can also skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Seasonings: If you don't have specific dried herbs like basil or oregano, feel free to experiment with your preferred seasoning blend or herbs, like thyme or rosemary. Season with smoked paprika or chili flakes for a warmer version.
Proper Storage Tips
- Let the slices cool completely before storing.
- Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
Pro Tips
- Salt the eggplant first if it tastes bitter.
- Cook in a single layer.
- Finish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Video
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nina
simplicity in making it