Name: Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large eggplant (or two small); 1 teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 eggs (beaten); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; cooking spray; marinara sauce (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside veggies with almost no oil, you’re about to fall in love with Air Fryer Eggplant. This method transforms humble eggplant slices into golden rounds that somehow manage to taste rich, savory, and light all at once. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy night at home or planning a spread for friends, this recipe brings together classic Italian flavors, a little crunch, and a lot of joy right from your trusty air fryer.

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few basic ingredients for this recipe—each one adds something important to the mix, whether it’s a boost of flavor, perfect crunch, or that gorgeous golden finish. Don’t skimp on any of them, as they’re all working together to make your Air Fryer Eggplant a memorable bite.

Eggplant: Fresh eggplants are the star here—their spongy flesh crisps up beautifully when air fried.
Salt: Salting draws out bitterness and excess moisture, setting your eggplant up for ultimate texture.
Seasoned Bread Crumbs: These bring bold, herby flavor and that irresistible, crunchy coating.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and a savory, nutty finish in every bite.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs infuses the coating with classic Mediterranean warmth.
Garlic Powder: Just a touch accentuates the savory notes and rounds out the flavors.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a glue to hold the crumb coating on, ensuring a solid crunch.
All-Purpose Flour: A quick dusting gives the eggplant something for the egg wash to cling to.
Cooking Spray: Helps the exterior brown and crisp without excess oil.
Marinara Sauce: Serve alongside for dipping; the tangy tomato flavor is a classic Italian pairing with eggplant.

How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant

Step 1: Slice and Salt the Eggplant

Start by slicing your eggplant into ⅓-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle them generously with salt and set aside for 20 minutes. This little pause helps pull out any bitterness and excess water—trust me, it makes a huge difference in the final crispiness.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

While the eggplant is resting, stir together your seasoned bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This blend will bring loads of flavor and personality to every bite of Air Fryer Eggplant.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

Crack two eggs into a second bowl and whisk with a tablespoon of water. This simple mixture ensures the breading sticks and creates that signature crunchy crust.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Eggplant

Give the salted eggplant slices a quick rinse to remove excess salt, then pat them very dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Dry slices not only fry better, but also absorb less oil and hold onto the coating more easily.

Step 5: Dredge and Bread

Set up a little assembly line: dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then the egg wash, then coat it well with your breadcrumb mixture. Don’t forget to spray both sides liberally with cooking spray—this ensures you get a golden brown finish in the air fryer and that satisfying crunch you’re after.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the coated eggplant slices in a single layer (work in batches if you need to) and air fry for 5 minutes. Flip each piece over and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the coating is beautifully browned and the eggplant turns silky soft on the inside.

Step 7: Serve with Marinara

Warm up some marinara sauce and serve it alongside your crispy Air Fryer Eggplant. The tangy, herby tomato sauce is the perfect complement and never fails to impress!

How to Serve Air Fryer Eggplant

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving really makes your Air Fryer Eggplant pop, both visually and flavor-wise. For a touch of luxury, shave a little extra Parmesan on top right as it comes out of the fryer—the cheese will melt slightly, adding aroma and that signature Italian finish.

Side Dishes

This eggplant shines next to just about anything: serve it over spaghetti for a twist on eggplant parm, pair with a crisp green salad for freshness, or make it the star alongside garlic bread and a glass of red wine. If you’re going for a heartier meal, nestle it beside roasted potatoes or toss it with cooked grains.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Air Fryer Eggplant into an appetizer platter by serving alongside other air fried veggies and a trio of dips—think creamy ranch, zesty yogurt, or even a spicy aioli. For a fun twist, layer the slices in a sandwich with fresh mozzarella and tomato, or cut them into sticks and serve as “eggplant fries.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The coating may soften a touch, but the eggplant will still be delicious, especially when reheated properly.

Freezing

Air Fryer Eggplant actually freezes well! Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just pull out as many as you need for a quick snack or meal.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, reheat slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Eggplant without bread crumbs?

Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free or low-carb version, try using crushed cornflakes, gluten-free bread crumbs, or even finely chopped nuts combined with parmesan for a deliciously different crunch.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

The key is to pat the eggplant slices completely dry after salting and to make sure you coat them in flour before dipping in egg. Press the breadcrumb mixture on gently and use cooking spray to help it adhere during air frying.

Can I use different seasonings?

Definitely—feel free to experiment! Smoked paprika, cayenne, dried oregano, or even a hint of lemon zest can take your Air Fryer Eggplant in a whole new direction. Taste as you go and have fun creating your own flavor signature.

Will the Air Fryer Eggplant be crispy?

Yes! Cooking at a high temperature and spraying with oil make the outside wonderfully crisp, while leaving the inside tender. For maximum crunch, serve immediately after air frying.

What’s the best way to slice the eggplant?

Cut your eggplant into even ⅓-inch rounds for ideal tenderness and crispness. Thicker slices may stay too soft inside, while very thin ones can overcook, so aim for that sweet spot for perfect Air Fryer Eggplant every time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try Air Fryer Eggplant as I am to share it—there’s something magical about how this method transforms simple ingredients into a dish you’ll crave again and again. Give it a whirl in your kitchen and get ready for big smiles around your table!

Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy delicious and crispy Air Fryer Eggplant as a perfect appetizer or side dish. With a crunchy coating and tender eggplant inside, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional frying.

Instructions

Slice and Prepare Eggplant: Slice eggplant into ⅓” slices. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 20 minutes.
Prepare Breading Mixture: Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Whisk Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon water.
Coat Eggplant: Rinse the eggplant slices and pat dry. Dip each slice into flour, then egg, and finally the bread crumb mixture. Spray with cooking spray.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Cook the coated eggplant slices for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until tender and crisp.
Serve: Serve the Air Fryer Eggplant with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Italian