Whenever I crave comfort food but want to keep it a little lighter, I turn to my Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan. It has all the cozy flavors of the traditional Italian dish—crispy layers of eggplant, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese—without the heavy oil from frying. The air fryer really makes it golden and crunchy, almost like magic.
This recipe fits beautifully into my Air Fryer Recipes collection, and it’s a dinner I make when I want something hearty but not too fussy. Pair it with a side of pasta or a bowl of Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for a real Italian-inspired night at home.
What You’ll Need
I like to keep this one simple, with just a handful of fresh ingredients.
- Eggplant – Firm, shiny skin is best. Slice into ½-inch rounds.
- Breadcrumbs – I prefer panko for extra crunch.
- Parmesan cheese – Finely grated, mixed into the breading.
- Eggs – Helps the coating stick.
- Mozzarella – Fresh slices melt beautifully.
- Marinara sauce – Use homemade if you can, or a good-quality jar.
- Fresh basil – For garnish and that pop of freshness.
- Olive oil spray – Keeps the breading crisp in the air fryer.
Tip: Don’t skip fresh basil—it really brightens the flavors. And if you love creamy sauces, you’ll enjoy my Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
This dish is all about layering flavors and textures. Once you get the breading station set up, it comes together easily. I usually hum along to music in the kitchen while stacking those layers—it’s therapeutic!
Step 1 — Slice and salt the eggplant
Cut eggplant into ½-inch rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for about 20–30 minutes. This pulls out extra moisture and prevents sogginess. I always pat them dry with a paper towel before breading.
Step 2 — Prepare the breading station
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. It feels like a little assembly line—my kids sometimes help with this part.
Step 3 — Bread the eggplant
Dip each slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating gently so it sticks well. A light mist of olive oil spray helps them crisp even better in the air fryer.
Step 4 — Air fry until crispy
Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be golden and crunchy.
Step 5 — Layer with sauce and cheese
Spread marinara on the bottom of a dish, add a layer of eggplant, then top with mozzarella. Repeat the layers until you’ve used everything.
Step 6 — Melt and serve
Air fry again for 3–4 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. It’s even better alongside Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup.
Pro Tips & Easy Swaps
- Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs if you want a shortcut.
- Add red pepper flakes to the marinara for a little heat.
- Sub fresh mozzarella with shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Egg-free? Try dipping in milk instead of egg.
- For a lighter version, skip the flour step and just use egg + breadcrumbs.
- Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving for more cheesy goodness.
Serving Ideas & Variations
I love this as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with other sides.
- Over spaghetti with extra marinara.
- Alongside garlic bread for a cozy dinner.
- With a fresh green salad for balance.
- Turn leftovers into sandwiches on ciabatta rolls.
- Add sautéed mushrooms between layers for earthy flavor.
- For a heartier option, mix in a little ricotta between the eggplant slices.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Eggplant too soggy: Always salt and pat dry before breading.
- Coating falls off: Make sure eggplant slices are dry and press breadcrumbs on firmly.
- Cheese burns: Add mozzarella only in the last step.
- Slices sticking to the basket: Spray both the basket and slices with olive oil spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the skin softens as it cooks and helps the slices hold their shape. I like to keep it on for the texture and nutrients.
Yes, you can bread and air fry the eggplant slices ahead of time. Just assemble them with sauce and cheese right before serving.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in the air fryer to keep the breading crisp.
Yes, you can freeze the breaded and cooked eggplant slices separately. When ready to enjoy, thaw and assemble with sauce and cheese for best results.
You’ll Also Love
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls – Cheesy, bite-sized fun for game night.
- Air Fryer Donuts – Fluffy and sweet without deep frying.
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and tropical.
Looking for more? Browse all my Air Fryer Recipes for inspiration.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
Method
- Salt eggplant slices, let rest 20–30 minutes, then pat dry.
- Set up breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
- Dip slices in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. Spray lightly with olive oil.
- Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Layer eggplant with marinara and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Air fry another 3–4 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with basil.
