Name: Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 medium globe eggplants (~1 pound each), washed and dried; ½ teaspoon Kosher salt; 2 large eggs; 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (3.5 ounces); ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (3.2 ounces); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ cups Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce or Marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese or thinly sliced fresh mozzarella; Handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish

Jump to Recipe·4 from 40 reviews

If you have been craving a comforting Italian classic with a delightful twist, this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender, perfectly crispy eggplant slices coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, topped with luscious tomato basil sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. Using the air fryer cuts down on oil, giving you that satisfying crunch without feeling heavy, making it a fresh, healthier take on the traditional baked version. Whether you’re cooking for family or sharing with friends, this dish is sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for cooking arranged neatly on a white marbled surface with a blue textured cloth underneath some bowls. In the center at the bottom, two dark purple eggplants with green tops lay side by side. Above the eggplants, there is a medium white bowl filled with two raw yellow egg yolks in clear egg white. To the left, a small white bowl holds a thick red tomato sauce with little bits of texture. Above it, a small white bowl contains a mix of black pepper, salt, and a light beige powder. To the right of the eggs, a medium white bowl filled with shredded white cheese curls sits. Below this, a white bowl is filled with grated pale yellow cheese, and next to it is a white bowl with a heap of fine white breadcrumbs. Fresh green basil leaves add a pop of color near the top left corner. The scene looks fresh and organized, ready for cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that work in harmony—sweet and tangy tomato sauce, sharp Parmesan, crispy panko, and that tender, juicy eggplant core.

2 medium eggplants: The star of the dish, its meaty texture makes it perfect for soaking up flavors and crisping up beautifully.
½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out moisture from the eggplant to prevent sogginess and enhance natural sweetness.
2 large eggs: Used for dredging and helping the breadcrumb coating stick perfectly.
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs: These create the irresistible crunch and golden exterior every bite deserves.
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, umami depth that elevates the breadcrumb coating.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory aroma that pairs beautifully with the Italian seasonings.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flavor to the dish.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat to balance the flavors.
1 ½ cups tomato basil sauce: The sauce adds moisture and freshness, tying all the elements together.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top to create that gooey, cheesy goodness we all love in eggplant Parmesan.
Handful of fresh basil leaves: Used as a garnish to add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.

How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Eggplant

Start by slicing your eggplants into evenly thick ½-inch rounds—this ensures they cook evenly. Sprinkle each side with Kosher salt and let them rest on a paper towel-lined baking sheet for 15 minutes. This crucial step helps pull out excess moisture, so your eggplant will crisp up beautifully instead of turning soggy.

Step 2: Dry and Set Up Dredging Station

Once the eggplant has rested, pat each slice dry gently with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. Meanwhile, whisk your eggs in one shallow bowl and combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper in another bowl. This simple duo ensures a perfect coating that crisps up in the air fryer.

Step 3: Coat the Eggplant Slices

One by one, dunk each eggplant round into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Be gentle but thorough to make sure each slice is evenly coated. Set them aside on a baking sheet to keep your workspace tidy and ready for the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and arrange eggplant slices in a single layer in the basket—avoid overlapping to ensure maximum crispness. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides turn a beautiful golden brown. This method delivers that crunchy texture without a lick of deep-frying oil.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Finish Cooking

Carefully remove the basket and spoon about two tablespoons of the tomato basil sauce onto each crispy eggplant slice. Next, sprinkle a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts into bubbly, gooey perfection. Repeat with the remaining slices.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Fresh

Your Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe is best enjoyed immediately, while the cheese is melted and the exterior is still delightfully crisp.

How to Serve Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

The image shows seven small round eggplant slices arranged in a single layer inside a dark air fryer basket. Each eggplant slice has a crispy golden-brown breaded edge, a middle layer of red tomato sauce, and a top layer of melted white cheese with light golden-brown spots. The air fryer basket is being held by a woman's hand and sits on a white marbled surface with a blue textured cloth beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your plate with a handful of fresh basil leaves. Their vibrant green color brightens the presentation, and their refreshing herbal note complements the rich tomato and cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a serving of pasta with olive oil and herbs can also round out the meal, making it hearty and satisfying for dinner or entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the eggplant slices like mini towers, layering sauce and cheese between them for an elegant presentation. Alternatively, cut the slices into smaller pieces and serve on skewers for a fun appetizer twist that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover eggplant Parmesan in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, but the crust may soften, so reheating is key to bring back that crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked eggplant Parmesan by layering slices separated with parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To revive the crispy crust and melted cheese, reheat your leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes rather than microwaving. This helps keep the breadcrumb coating crisp and makes your dish taste almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of eggplant for this recipe?

Definitely! While globe eggplants are traditional and hold up well, smaller varieties like Italian or Japanese eggplant can also be used, but adjust cooking time slightly as they may cook faster due to thinner slices.

Is it necessary to salt the eggplant before cooking?

Salting is highly recommended as it helps draw out excess moisture and reduces any bitterness in the eggplant, resulting in a much better texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the eggs with a flaxseed or aquafaba binder and use vegan cheese alternatives. The air fryer method still works great to achieve a crispy coating.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake this recipe?

You can bake the coated eggplant slices at 400°F on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then add sauce and cheese and bake until melted, though the texture might be slightly different than air frying.

How do I make homemade tomato basil sauce for this recipe?

Simmer crushed tomatoes with minced garlic, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar until thickened. Using homemade sauce adds freshness and allows you to customize flavors perfectly suited to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that brings pure comfort and joy to the table with less oil and fuss. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavors—what’s not to love?