Hello everyone and welcome back to Al’s Cooking Blog! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that has become a weekend brunch staple in our household: Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Basil and Marinara. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing treat for the taste buds.
As a passionate home cook, I enjoy experimenting with a variety of dishes, and this particular recipe combines my love for Italian cuisine with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. If you’re like me and adore the flavors of classic Eggplant Parmesan but dread the heavy, greasy aftermath, then you’re in for a delightful surprise!
Let’s talk about the star of this dish: the eggplant. Eggplant has this marvelous ability to soak up flavors while maintaining a delightful texture. When air-fried, it achieves a wonderful crispiness without the excess oil, making it a lighter yet just as satisfying alternative to traditional frying methods.
Here’s what you’ll need for this culinary adventure:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs, beaten
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Olive oil spray
Preparing this dish is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s how you can bring this Italian delight to your table:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
2. Set up a breading station: place the flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second dish, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the third dish.
3. Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant slices with olive oil spray.
5. Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
6. Air fry the eggplant slices at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
7. While the eggplant is cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
8. Once the eggplant slices are done, arrange them on a baking tray. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each slice and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Place the baking tray under the grill (broiler) on high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy your Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Basil and Marinara.
What I absolutely love about this dish is the beautiful harmony of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown eggplant coated with the aromatic, herby breadcrumbs, topped with gooey, melted mozzarella and the rich, tangy marinara sauce, creates an utterly mouthwatering experience.
And let’s not forget that this delightful meal is significantly healthier than its traditionally fried counterpart, thanks to the air fryer. It means you can indulge a little more freely without the guilt – win-win!
Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends or simply enjoying a cozy weekend meal with your family, this Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan is sure to impress. It’s a dish that’s brimming with love and full of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy with each bite.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this dish as much as we do. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you, or if you added your own twist to the recipe. Happy cooking, friends!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs, beaten
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Olive oil spray
Method
1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
2. Set up a breading station: place the flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second dish, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the third dish.
3. Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Spray both sides of the breaded eggplant slices with olive oil spray.
5. Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
6. Air fry the eggplant slices at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
7. While the eggplant is cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
8. Once the eggplant slices are done, arrange them on a baking tray. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each slice and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Place the baking tray under the grill (broiler) on high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy your Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Basil and Marinara.
