Eggplant parmigiana in the air fryer is a modern variation on this Italian classic, offering a lighter but equally delicious version. This recipe combines the creaminess of eggplant with golden breadcrumbs, all cooked without excess fat. Use a air fryer considerably reduces the amount of oil required, while still achieving a crisp result.
Ingredients needed for the recipe
To prepare this recipe, here are the ingredients you will need:
- 2 medium eggplants sliced
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (or breadcrumbs)
- 50g of grated parmesan
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup flour
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of homemade tomato sauce or trade
- 100g of grated mozzarella
Preparing the ingredients
Before you start cooking, prepare all the ingredients:
Cut the eggplants into slices about 1 cm thick. Lightly salt them and leave to drain for about 30 minutes to remove excess bitter moisture. Then rinse the eggplant slices and pat dry with paper towels.
Breadcrumb assembly
In three separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs and a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Be sure to season each ingredient (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs) with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the eggplant.
Preparation steps in the air fryer
Bread the eggplant slices
Take a slice of eggplant, dip it first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixture. Repeat these steps for all the slices and place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking eggplant
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for a few minutes. Lightly spray the eggplant slices with olive oil. Place the slices in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Turn slices halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
Final assembly of the dish
Once all the slices are cooked, preheat your oven to 180°C. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in an ovenproof dish. Then place a layer of crispy eggplant slices, add a little more tomato sauce on top, and sprinkle with grated mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese.
Comparisons and advantages of air fryer cooking
Visit air fryer offers a number of advantages over traditional frying:
- Significant reduction in oil usedmaking the dish less fatty and therefore healthier.
- The result is just as crispy, but with fewer calories.
- Faster, more even cooking thanks to hot air circulation.
Additional tips for perfect cooking
Remember not to overfill the fryer basket; this could affect air circulation and, consequently, the crispiness of the eggplants. If necessary, cook the slices in several batches.
Possible recipe variations
You can add a variety of cheeses to suit your taste, such as gouda or romano. For a spicier touch, add crushed red pepper to the tomato sauce. Herbs such as fresh basil or dried oregano can also add extra flavor to your dish.



