Description
Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a guilt-free twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring crispy air-fried eggplant slices layered with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This comforting and nutritious recipe delivers vibrant flavors and delightful textures, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests while keeping health goals in check.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1 lb total)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (no added sugars)
- Olive oil spray
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice eggplants into half-inch rounds; sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour mixed with Italian seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each eggplant slice in flour, coat with egg, then press into panko until fully covered.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray. Cook breaded eggplant in a single layer for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- In an oven-safe dish, layer cooked eggplant slices with marinara sauce and cheeses. Repeat layers and top with extra mozzarella.
- Air fry assembled dish at 370°F (188°C) for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg