Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Eggplant slices, coated with a seasoned panko and parmesan breadcrumb mixture, perfect as a snack or appetizer served alongside marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Eggplant Preparation
- 1 eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Breading Mixture
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Additional
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Salt the Eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with ½ teaspoon Kosher salt on both sides and place them on a paper towel for 20 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through this resting period to allow both sides to absorb excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess during cooking.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg thoroughly until smooth. Set this mixture aside to use for coating the eggplant.
- Mix Breading Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings and cheese throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat Eggplant with Egg: Dip each eggplant slice into the whisked egg mixture, coating both sides completely to help the breading stick better.
- Apply Breading: Immediately after egg wash, dip the egg-coated slices into the panko mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly covered. Place the breaded slices on a plate and set aside.
- Preheat and Arrange: Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Oil and Cook: Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant slices with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure even golden-brown color. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Once the eggplant slices are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy.
Notes
- Salting the eggplant helps reduce bitterness and prevents sogginess by drawing out excess moisture.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and crisping.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
