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    Home » Recipes » Italian

    Healthy Eggplant Parmesan Recipe (Air-Fryer)

    Published Apr 25, 2018, modified Sep 16, 2022 by Nicole Shroff / This site uses cookies. See the privacy policy linked in my footer. This site generates income via ads/ 18 Comments /

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    Jump to Recipe
    Pin of two images of eggplant parmesan in round dishes.
    Pin image of eggplant parmesan with fresh basil.

    An air fryer makes a healthy version of this South Italian favourite, with the same great taste. Serve as a side or main course with a piece of bread to mop up the sauce!

    Eggplant parmesan in a dish with basil ready for baking.

    Eggplant parmesan (melanzane alla parmigiana) is a simple baked layered dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce and melted cheese. 

    This recipe makes a delicious healthy eggplant parmesan for a main course or side. Serve it warm along with roasted meat, a fresh green salad and some crusty bread.

    We recommend preparing this a few hours (or even a day) in advance as the flavours will develop on resting and come together beautifully, making it a most delicious, rich and satisfying comfort food.

    The traditional way of cooking this dish, is to lightly fry the slices of eggplant in oil till they are slightly browned. However, eggplant is rather like a sponge and capable of absorbing large amounts of oil.

    This recipe uses less oil so you can enjoy more of this guilt free version of eggplant parmesan.

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    Jump to:
    • Why use an air fryer?
    • Selecting the eggplants
    • Air frying eggplant
    • Building the layers
    • Variations
    • Storing eggplant parmesan
    • Serve with
    • 📋 Recipe
    Eggplant parmesan in round glass dish

    Why use an air fryer?

    An air fryer is a healthier alternative to sautéing the eggplant slices as they tend to absorb quite a bit of oil.

    The air fryer works by rapidly circulating hot air round the food, keeping a steady temperature.

    At 1300W, our model uses less energy than a regular oven and because it is smaller, cooking times are significantly reduced.

    Little oil is required, making an air fryer a healthier option than shallow or deep-frying.

    For foods with low-fat content like these eggplant slices, coat with a small amount of oil (usually a tablespoon is enough), to flavour and brown the surface.

    Rub the slices with a tiny bit of oil then cook them in the air fryer – they turn out great!

    The eggplant browns nicely and develops a crisp exterior which seals the moisture in.

    The higher temperature settings achieves a Maillard reaction giving browned food its distinctive flavour. 

    View of basket of air fryer

    The basket size is usually non-stick so it is very easy to clean.

    Selecting the eggplants

    Although eggplants (aubergines) are available in stores throughout the year, they are at their best from July to October.

    Select eggplants which are firm with a glossy skin.

    Air frying eggplant

    To make healthy low oil eggplant parmesan, salt the eggplant slices to remove excess moisture (this also gives a better texture when cooked), then leave to drain in a colander for 30-90 minutes.

    Rinse off the excess salt then arrange the slices on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry with a kitchen towel.

    Brush a small amount of olive oil over the slices and arrange in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. They will need to be cooked in batches.

    Use tongs to remove the cooked eggplant.

    3 slices of raw eggplant lying flat, in the air fryer basket

    Our classic Italian Tomato Sauce is perfect for this recipe, it can be prepared ahead or while the eggplant is cooking in the air fryer.

    Building the layers

    Eggplant parmesan is layered like lasagne.

    • Begin by greasing a baking dish then spread a thin layer of sauce around the bottom of the dish.
    • Arrange a layer of of eggplant slices over the top, then some freshly grated black pepper and a sprinkling of grated cheese.
    • Repeat till all the ingredients are used up.
    • Top with thin slices of mozzarella or fior di latte.
    • Bake in the oven.

    Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top and a piece of warm bread to mop up that delicious sauce!

    Variations

    For a slightly different version, add sliced hard-boiled eggs between the layers to make it even more delicious.

    Storing eggplant parmesan

    The eggplant slices can be air fried in advance and kept in the fridge till needed.

    Cover and store the eggplant parmesan in a closed container the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

    Serve with

    Why not try any of these recipes as a side dish for eggplant parmesan:

    • Verza Stufata (Italian braised savoy cabbage)
    • Cavolo nero with garlic and lemon
    • Baked kale with parmesan

    Are you making this Eggplant Parmesan recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out in the comments below and don’t forget to leave a star rating.

    Instagram – I love seeing your creations, so post a picture, tag @endofthefork and hashtag #endofthefork

    📋 Recipe

    Close up of eggplant parmesan with basil in baking dish.

    Healthy Eggplant Parmesan Recipe (Air-Fryer)

    Nicole Shroff
    An air fryer makes a healthy version of this South Italian favourite, with the same great taste. Serve as a side or main course with a piece of bread to mop up the sauce!
    4.92 from 25 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 35 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Course Main Course, Side
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 2 people
    Calories 490 kcal

    Ingredients

    Metric | US Customary
    • 2 medium eggplants washed and dried then sliced 1 cm thick
    • salt for salting
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil for rubbing over slices
    • 450 grams Italian tomato sauce 2 cups
    • 110 grams mozzarella cheese 4 ounces, or fior di latte, sliced and drained
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons parmigiano reggiano grated

    Instructions
     

    • 2 medium eggplants, salt
      Salt the eggplant slices and place in a colander. Allow to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 90 minutes. Rinse the slices and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
      Rub a little oil over the eggplant and arrange a few at a time in the air fryer basket, in a single layer. Cook at 390℉/200℃ for 6-7 minutes. Repeat till all the slices are cooked.
    • 450 grams Italian tomato sauce
      Preheat oven to 350℉/175℃. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a medium baking dish, then layer the eggplant on top so they overlap each other slightly.
    • 110 grams mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
      Grind some black pepper on top and add some mozzarella. Repeat the layering with sauce, eggplant and cheese, till all the ingredients have been used.
    • 2 tablespoons parmigiano reggiano
      Bake for 20 minutes or till cheese is melted. Serve warm or room temperature, with some freshly grated parmesan cheese.

    Notes

    Make ahead and storing

    The eggplant slices can be air fried in advance and kept in the fridge till needed.
    Cover and store the eggplant parmesan in a closed container the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

    MEASUREMENT NOTES

    The ingredients here on EOTF are set out in grams & milliliters and in US cups & spoons.

    Equipment

    Air Fryer
    Baking Dish

    Nutrition

    Calories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 22gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 819mgPotassium: 1726mgFiber: 18gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 641IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 221mgIron: 4mg
    Did you make this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out! Let me know by leaving a review below, or snap a photo and share it on Instagram tagging me @Endofthefork.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tristin Rieken

      July 19, 2018 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      What a great way to use the air fryer for a delicious “healthified” dish! So so good.

      Reply
    2. Amanda

      July 19, 2018 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      Eggplant parm is one of my fav dishes of all time. I would love to try in an air fryer! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Caroline

      July 19, 2018 at 2:34 am

      I’ve never tried using an air fryer but can seeing it being good for eggplant that often sucks up oil. Nice way to make it that bit healthier.

      Reply
    4. Zahra

      July 18, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t have an airfryer, but I always brush the eggplant with olive oil and put it in the oven. It get nice and brown and crispy. The airfryer sounds like a great idea too for this.

      Reply
    5. Shanna Jones

      July 18, 2018 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      I really want to try using an air fryer! Your recipe looks fantastic! Love eggplant.

      Reply
    6. Michelle

      July 16, 2018 at 6:45 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never made eggplant before, but this recipe looks easy enough! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    7. Molly

      July 16, 2018 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      I have to get one of those air fryers. This looks amazing!

      Reply
    8. Claudia Lamascolo

      July 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      oh I love that this is air fried. I have an air fryer and havent made much now I have a great reason, I love eggplant!

      Reply
    9. Demeter

      July 16, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      I keep hearing such great things about the air fryer….I really need to check it out! Love that it reduces the cooking time and still gives you an amazingly yummy meal!

      Reply
    10. Sherri

      July 16, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      I seriously need one of these air fryers! I don’t eat fried foods anymore because they just don’t agree with my stomach but I love eggplant parm so this would be perfect! Looks soooo delicious! 🙂

      Reply
    11. Lizzy

      May 28, 2018 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      Hey, Nicole! Thanks for the interesting idea, I have an air fryer for a while, but never tried cooking an eggplant in it so far – now I have a recipe to follow!!

      Reply
      • Nicole

        July 16, 2018 at 1:18 am

        Thanks Lizzy, hope you love it too

        Reply
    12. Angela

      April 25, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      I do not have an air fryer, but this sounds like a creative way to use it. Your eggplant Parmesan looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Nicole

        April 25, 2018 at 9:45 pm

        Thank you Angela

        Reply
    13. Arjhon

      April 25, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      A new way to enjoy eggplant on my favorite kitchen gadget Air Fryer. can’t wait to try this. Thanks for this recipe.

      Reply
      • Nicole

        April 25, 2018 at 3:07 pm

        Thanks, do let me know how you get on

        Reply
    14. Amanda

      April 25, 2018 at 11:58 am

      5 stars
      I’ve recently got an air fryer but not cooked any eggplant/aubergine in it yet. This recipe looks like a must to try!

      Reply
      • Nicole

        April 25, 2018 at 3:06 pm

        It’s great for eggplant – hope you like it

        Reply

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