Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Rounds

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved comfort food that has graced tables across the globe for generations. Traditionally made by frying breaded slices of eggplant, layering them with marinara sauce and cheese, and baking until bubbly, this dish can be rich and indulgent. However, with the rise of health-conscious cooking, many are seeking ways to enjoy their favorite recipes without the extra calories and fat. Enter Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Rounds—a healthy and delicious alternative that captures all the savory goodness of the original while utilizing the power of the air fryer.

Discover a healthy twist on a classic comfort food with Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Rounds! This recipe transforms traditional eggplant parmesan into a guilt-free dish packed with flavor and crunch, while significantly reducing calories and fat. Using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispiness without deep frying. Easy to prepare and perfect for any meal, these eggplant rounds are a delicious way to enjoy this beloved dish in a more nutritious way. Ideal for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet, this recipe is a must-try! Enjoy the delightful combination of eggplant, marinara, and cheesy goodness in a healthier format.

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Ingredients

1 large eggplant

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1 cup marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Olive oil spray (for cooking)

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by slicing the eggplant into ¼-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the slices under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Set Up Dredging Stations: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Dredge the Eggplant: First, coat each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Finally, press the eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly on both sides. Repeat this process for all eggplant slices.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Eggplant: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded eggplant rounds in a single layer in the basket. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the tops of the eggplant rounds lightly with olive oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Layer with Sauce and Cheese: Once all the eggplant rounds are air-fried, arrange half of them in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the rounds, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining eggplant rounds on top, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce and cheeses.

Final Cook: Return the baking dish to the air fryer and cook at 360°F (182°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve: Allow the Eggplant Parmesan Rounds to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your deliciously crispy air fryer eggplant parmesan!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4