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- Medium eggplant - Breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - Grated Parmesan cheese - Garlic powder - Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper - Eggs for binding - Cooking spray or olive oil When we talk about the main ingredients, the medium eggplant is our star. I love to slice it into 1/4-inch rounds for the best balance of crunch and tenderness. Panko breadcrumbs are key. They add that extra crunch we crave! The grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich, nutty flavor that really shines through. Next, we have our seasonings. Garlic powder is a must for that warm, savory kick. Italian seasoning brings in herbs that make our dish feel even more special. Salt and black pepper are basics but essential for enhancing all the flavors. For binding, we use large eggs. They help the coating stick well to our eggplant. Finally, a light spray of cooking spray or olive oil keeps everything crispy and delicious. If you want to make it even more flavorful, consider adding some herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs. This way, your eggplant becomes a true delight! First, slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. Lay the slices on paper towels. Sprinkle salt on both sides. This step helps draw out moisture and bitterness. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. After that, pat the slices dry with more paper towels. This makes sure they are not soggy when cooked. Next, you need a breading station. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and mixed. This will help the breading stick to the eggplant. Now, it’s time to coat the eggplant. Dip each slice into the beaten eggs first. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, dredge the slice in the breadcrumb mix. Press down gently to help the coating stick. Repeat this process with all the eggplant slices. Enjoy the fun of getting your hands a little messy! Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for crispy eggplant. Preheat it for about 5 minutes. Arrange the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. They should not overlap. This helps them cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness. Cook the eggplant for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, flip the slices for even cooking. Check for a golden brown color. You want them crispy and delicious! Let the crispy eggplant cool for a few minutes. This helps keep them crunchy. For a nice touch, drizzle some balsamic glaze over them. You can also serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty treat! {{image_2}} To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a light and airy texture. When you coat the eggplant, spray the tops with olive oil. This helps the crumbs crisp up while cooking. A light mist works wonders for achieving that golden color. Salting the eggplant is key. It draws out moisture and bitterness. Slice the eggplant, then sprinkle salt on both sides. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, pat each slice dry. This prevents sogginess and keeps your eggplant crispy. You can boost flavor with more spices. Consider adding smoked paprika or oregano. These work well with the Parmesan. For a tasty dip, pair your crispy eggplant with marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip. This adds a fun twist and enhances the eating experience. You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Mozzarella adds a gooey texture, while cheddar gives a sharp taste. Both melt well and make the eggplant even more delicious. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt nicely. They can bring great flavor without the dairy. Want to add some heat? A dash of cayenne pepper will do the trick. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. You can also try other seasoning blends. Garlic powder or smoked paprika can change the flavor profile. Experiment with your favorite spices to find what you love. While the air fryer makes this dish crispy, you have other options. Baking in the oven is one. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispiness. Pan-frying is another choice. Heat oil in a skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Each method offers a different taste and texture. Salt the eggplant for about 30 minutes. This process helps draw out moisture and bitterness. The salt pulls water from the eggplant, making it less soggy when cooked. After 30 minutes, pat the slices dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy results. Yes, you can prepare the eggplant ahead of time. Slice and salt the eggplant, then pat it dry. Store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, you can bread and air fry them. This saves time and makes cooking easier. For leftovers, store the crispy eggplant in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crispiness intact. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. This blog post covered how to make delicious Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Eggplant. We discussed the key ingredients, such as eggplant, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. I guided you through the preparation, coating, and cooking processes. Remember to salt the eggplant to reduce moisture for the best texture. You can also experiment with flavors and different cheeses. Enjoy your tasty dish, and don’t hesitate to try variations to make it uniquely yours!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Eggplant

Discover the perfect crispy Parmesan crusted eggplant recipe that will elevate your meals! This easy and delicious dish features eggplant slices coated in a savory blend of Parmesan and spices, then air-fried to golden perfection. It's a healthier twist on a classic favorite! Click through to explore this simple recipe and learn how to impress your family with a tasty, crunchy snack or side dish that's ripe for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for added crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil for light coating

Instructions
 

Prep the Eggplant: Lay the eggplant slices out on paper towels and sprinkle each side with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness, then pat dry with additional paper towels.

    Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.

      Coat the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice first into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Next, dredge the slice in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Repeat with all eggplant slices.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Eggplant: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place a single layer of breaded eggplant slices in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the top of the slices with olive oil.

            Cook: Air fry the eggplant for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

              Repeat: Remove the cooked slices and repeat with the remaining eggplant, adding more cooking spray as needed.

                Serve: Allow the crispy eggplant to cool slightly before serving. You can drizzle a little balsamic glaze or serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4