Coated in a panko and Parmesan crust, this air fryer eggplant is crispy on the surface, tender within the center, and full of wealthy, nutty taste.
Should you like eggplant Parmesan, you then’ll be loopy for this air fryer eggplant recipe! I coat eggplant slices in a mix of panko bread crumbs, almond flour, and Parmesan cheese after which air fry them to golden brown perfection.
The slices are crispy on the surface, silky {smooth} within the center, and crammed with wealthy, nutty taste. I’m all the time a fan of eggplant recipes, however undoubtedly, this air fryer eggplant is certainly one of my new favorites.
Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe Elements
You solely want a handful of substances to make this air fryer eggplant recipe:
- Eggplant, in fact! You’ll want 1 massive globe eggplant, or 2 small eggplants, to make this recipe.
- Panko bread crumbs – They provide the eggplant’s coating its scrumptious crispy texture.
- Almond flour and Parmesan cheese – They make the coating wealthy and nutty. Don’t do dairy? My vegan Parmesan will work right here too.
- Further-virgin olive oil – It helps the air fryer eggplant turn out to be crisp and golden brown because it cooks. Don’t fear! You’re nonetheless utilizing manner much less oil than you’d be when you had been frying the eggplant.
- An egg – It binds the bread crumb combination to the eggplant slices. Discover my vegan substitution within the recipe beneath.
- Sea salt and recent black pepper – To make all of the flavors pop!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Find out how to Prepare dinner Eggplant within the Air Fryer
Okay, I’ve a confession: although I haven’t been one for salting eggplant and letting it drain earlier than cooking it in the past, I do discover that it makes a distinction right here. This step provides some additional time to the recipe, but it surely’s virtually completely hands-off. As well as, the eggplant’s taste is richer, and its texture is extra-smooth. Completely value it, when you ask me.
So, very first thing’s first! You’ll begin by salting the eggplant. Toss the eggplant slices with a beneficiant pinch of salt and organize them in a colander within the sink. Permit them to empty for half-hour whilst you combine up the crispy coating and beat the egg.
After half-hour, it’s time to bread the eggplant. Pat it dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Then, dip every slice into the egg, adopted by the panko combination. Be certain that to get it properly coated on all sides!
Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and organize them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. When you have too many slices to rearrange in a single layer, you’ll must work in batches. Stack the eggplant rounds on prime of each other, they usually received’t crisp up as they bake!
Subsequent, prepare dinner. Drizzle the breaded eggplant generously with olive oil, and switch it to a 370° preheated air fryer (P.S. I’ve tried many air fryers and this one is my favourite to this point). Prepare dinner the eggplant till it’s crispy and well-browned, about 17-20 minutes, flipping midway via the cooking time.
That’s it! Good luck not consuming all of it straight out of the air fryer basket.
Serving Ideas
This air fryer eggplant recipe is a ridiculously tasty aspect dish. It pairs effectively with all kinds of dishes – veggie burgers, pasta, a cooked protein of your alternative… Currently, I’ve liked serving it with a considerable salad for a lightweight, but satisfying, meal. It will be incredible with any of those salad recipes:
However there are additionally instances after I need to make this air fryer eggplant the primary occasion. To serve it as an entree, I organize it over pasta tossed with olive oil and recent herbs. Then, I dollop on marinara or my recent tomato sauce and prime if off with cashew cream. I can’t get sufficient of this mixture!
Extra Favourite Air Fryer Recipes
Should you love this air fryer eggplant recipe, strive certainly one of these air fryer recipes subsequent:
On the lookout for extra eggplant recipes? Find 12 of my favorites here!
Air Fryer Eggplant
Serves 4
- 1 massive globe eggplant, sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1 egg*
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, pecorino cheese, or Vegan Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly floor black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
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Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
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Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on each side and place in a big colander to empty for half-hour.
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In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In a medium bowl or rimmed plate, mix the panko, almond flour, pecorino, salt, and several other grinds of pepper.
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Pat the eggplant slices dry, dip them into the egg, after which into the panko combination. Place on a plate as you’re employed after which drizzle the slices with olive oil. Place in a single layer within the air fryer and air fry for 17 to twenty minutes, or till crisp and golden brown, flipping midway via cooking. Work in batches if vital.
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Make the eggplant a full meal by serving it with pasta, scoops of tomato sauce, dollops of cashew cream, basil, purple pepper flakes, and drizzles of olive oil.
I’ve this Instant Pot Air Fryer and it is nice.
