To make eggplant parmesan in an air fryer, cut 1 large eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds, brush them with olive oil and Italian seasoning, and air fry at 390°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and browned. Layer the rounds in a small baking dish with marinara, part-skim mozzarella and parmesan, top with a spoonful of panko, and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes until bubbling. Finish with fresh basil. It takes about 35 minutes and comes to roughly 240 calories and 13 g protein per serving, with no deep frying.
Lighter Eggplant Parmesan With Marinara, Mozzarella and Fresh Basil
35 min (15 prep + 20 cook) 390°F Serves 4
Ingredients
1 large eggplant (about 1 1/4 lb / 570 g), cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1/2 tsp fine salt (for drawing out moisture)
1 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or olive oil spray
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups low-sugar marinara sauce
1 cup (113 g) shredded part-skim mozzarella
1/3 cup (30 g) finely grated parmesan
1/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crisp top)
Fresh basil leaves, to finish
Equipment: a 6- to 7-inch oven-safe baking dish or foil pan that fits inside one air fryer basket
How Do You Make Eggplant Parmesan in an Air Fryer?
Salt the eggplant: Lay the eggplant rounds on a towel, sprinkle both sides with the salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Blot away the moisture that beads up on the surface.
Season: Brush or spray both sides of each round with the olive oil, then sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry the eggplant: Arrange the rounds in a single layer, splitting them between both baskets. Air fry at 390°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are soft in the center and browned at the edges.
Layer: Spread 1/2 cup marinara in the baking dish. Add a layer of eggplant, 1/2 cup marinara, half the mozzarella and half the parmesan. Repeat with the rest of the eggplant, sauce and cheese, then scatter the panko over the top.
Bake: Set the dish in one basket and air fry at 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.
Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes so the layers set, then top with fresh basil and serve.
Dual basket tip: Air fry the eggplant rounds in both baskets at once so they cook in a single layer, then bake the layered dish in one basket while the other basket crisps garlic green beans at 375°F for 8 minutes, with Smart Finish so both are ready together. A stacked model like the Transonic 11 Qt has a deep 5-inch top basket that holds the baking dish easily and a long bottom basket for a full layer of eggplant.
New pick: Transonic 11 Qt StackedStacked 5.5-Qt baskets with viewing windows: a deep top basket fits the baking dish, a long bottom basket fits a full layer of eggplant.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan? (Estimated)
Per serving (1/4 of the dish): about 240 calories, 12.5 g fat (4.8 g saturated), 17.5 g carbohydrate, 5.5 g fiber, 7.5 g sugar, 13 g protein and about 800 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for eggplant, extra-virgin olive oil, part-skim mozzarella, parmesan and whole-wheat panko, plus typical low-sugar marinara labels. A classic fried and breaded eggplant parmesan can run well over 500 calories a serving. Leave off the panko to save about 18 calories and 3 g carbs per serving.
Pasta night: a small portion of whole-wheat spaghetti tossed with extra marinara
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Eggplant parm stacks: skip the dish and top each air-fried round with 1 tbsp marinara and a pinch of mozzarella, then air fry at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes
Higher protein: stir 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta with an egg white and spread it between the layers
Zucchini parmesan: swap in thick zucchini planks and air fry at 390°F for 8 to 9 minutes before layering
Gluten-free: leave off the panko or use crushed gluten-free crackers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook eggplant slices in the air fryer?
Air fry 1/2-inch eggplant rounds at 390°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are tender in the center and browned at the edges. Thinner 1/4-inch slices take 7 to 8 minutes.
Is air fryer eggplant parmesan healthy?
It is much lighter than the classic version. Skipping the deep-fried breaded slices cuts most of the oil, and part-skim mozzarella keeps the fat down. We estimate about 240 calories, 13 g protein and 5.5 g fiber per serving. These are estimates.
Do you have to salt eggplant before air frying?
It is optional but worth the 10 minutes. Salt pulls out surface moisture, so the slices brown instead of steaming and the finished dish is less watery. Blot the slices dry before you add the oil.
Can you make eggplant parmesan in the air fryer without breading?
Yes. This recipe skips the flour, egg and breadcrumb coating and air fries oiled, seasoned slices instead. A spoonful of panko on top gives some crunch, or leave it off for a lower-carb, gluten-free version.
What size dish fits in an air fryer basket?
Most 4- to 5.5-quart baskets hold a 6- to 7-inch round or square oven-safe dish or foil pan. Measure the inside of your basket and leave about 1/2 inch around the dish for air to flow.
Can you make it ahead or freeze it?
Yes. Assemble it, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day, then air fry at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes. Leftovers keep for 4 days in the fridge, and the baked dish freezes for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes.
