Description
Crispy air fryer eggplant parmesan brings Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Simple ingredients and quick preparation create a healthier twist on classic Italian comfort cuisine you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb or 450 g)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly wash and dry eggplant, slicing into uniform half-inch medallions or cubes for consistent cooking.
- Debittering: Generously salt eggplant slices and let rest for 20 minutes to eliminate moisture and reduce sharp flavors.
- Seasoning: Rinse salted eggplant, pat dry, then transfer to a mixing bowl. Coat with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Air Frying Setup: Preheat air fryer to 375°F, creating an optimal cooking environment for crispy eggplant.
- Cooking Process: Arrange seasoned eggplant in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking midway to promote even browning and crisp texture.
- Cheese Enhancement: During the final two minutes, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the eggplant for added flavor and crispiness.
- Serving: Remove eggplant from air fryer, allow brief resting, and serve immediately with marinara sauce, tzatziki, or preferred dipping accompaniment.
Notes
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat eggplant completely dry after salting to ensure crispy, golden-brown edges without sogginess.
- Optimize Air Circulation: Arrange eggplant pieces with ample space between them, allowing hot air to circulate freely and achieve even, crunchy results.
- Customize Seasoning Profiles: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like za’atar, Italian blend, or Mediterranean seasonings to match your taste preferences.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs: Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version or use gluten-free spices to make the recipe suitable for various dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg