Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan! This guilt-free dish features crispy, golden layers of air-fried eggplant, savory marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy the nostalgia of family meals while savoring a lighter version of this classic favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplant into ¼-inch thick rounds and sprinkle with salt; let sit for 30 minutes and rinse.
- Prepare three bowls: one with ½ cup flour, another with 2 beaten eggs mixed with 1 tbsp water, and the last with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread each eggplant slice by dipping in flour, then egg wash, and finally coating with panko.
- Arrange half of the breaded slices in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with olive oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked eggplant with marinara sauce, mozzarella slices, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering.
- Return to the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 piece (150g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg