Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: Crispy, Cheesy, and So Easy

Renan
Jul 22
3 min read

Crispy and tasty eggplant parmigiana made in the Air Fryer, easily made with simple ingredients and without frying.

Looking for a no-fuss dinner that hits the spot? This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is your go-to. It's crispy on the outside, tender inside, and layered with rich marinara and melted cheese—without the heaviness of deep-frying.

At Quick & Tasty, we believe in making flavorful meals fast, and this one fits right in. Whether you're cutting down on oil, avoiding meat, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You can find everything at your local grocery store—nothing fancy, just fresh and simple.

1 large eggplant (about 1 lb), sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking spray (olive oil preferred)
Fresh basil (optional, for topping)

How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Step 1: Prep the Eggplant

Slice the eggplant into ½-inch rounds.
Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 20–30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness.
Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one bowl, whisk the eggs.
In a second bowl, place the flour.
In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

Step 3: Bread the Eggplant

Dredge each slice in flour, then dip in the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Lightly spray each side with cooking spray for a crispier finish.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Place slices in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble and Melt

Spoon a bit of marinara on each slice and top with mozzarella.
Return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.

Tips for Best Results

Choose firm eggplant with smooth skin. It holds up better when air fried.
Don’t skip salting the eggplant—it prevents sogginess.
Use fresh mozzarella if you want a creamier texture.
If your air fryer is small, work in batches. Don’t overcrowd or the eggplant won’t crisp.

Why This Recipe Works

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan gives you the satisfying crunch of a restaurant-style dish without the mess of frying or the extra calories. It’s a great fit for busy weeknights, vegetarian dinners, or anyone trying to eat a little lighter.

The team at Quick & Tasty loves how versatile it is—serve it over pasta, in a sandwich, or enjoy it on its own.

Share the Flavor

If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan recipe, share it with a friend or post your results online. Tag Quick & Tasty—we love seeing what you’re cooking.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bread and air fry the eggplant in advance, then reheat and top with sauce and cheese before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze them, but for best texture, reheat in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs?
Use plain breadcrumbs and add dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based egg substitute, vegan Parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella.
Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it GF-friendly.