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 (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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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.
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.
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
Healthy Eggplant Parmesan (Air-Fryer)
Ingredients
- eggplants - washed and dried then sliced 1 cm thick 2 medium
- salt - for salting
- olive oil - for rubbing over slices 2 tablespoons
- Italian tomato sauce - 2 cups 450 grams
- mozzarella cheese - 4 ounces, or fior di latte, sliced and drained 110 grams
- freshly ground black pepper - to taste 1 teaspoon
- parmigiano reggiano - grated 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Salt 2 medium eggplants 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.
- Rub 2 tablespoons olive 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.
- Preheat oven to 350℉/175℃. Spread a thin layer of 450 grams Italian tomato sauce on the bottom of a medium baking dish, then layer the eggplant on top so they overlap each other slightly.
- Grind 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on top and add 110 grams mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with sauce, eggplant and cheese, till all the ingredients have been used.
- Bake for 20 minutes or till cheese is melted. Serve warm or room temperature, with 2 tablespoons parmigiano reggiano.
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.Only you will see your notes and you can edit them anytime.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutritional information calculated automatically per serving, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Kathleen Casey says
This looks delicious and easy, thank you. It seems like the carbohydrates would be much lower than the 46 grams listed.
Tristin Rieken says
What a great way to use the air fryer for a delicious "healthified" dish! So so good.
Amanda says
Eggplant parm is one of my fav dishes of all time. I would love to try in an air fryer! Thanks for sharing.
Caroline says
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.
Zahra says
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.
Shanna Jones says
I really want to try using an air fryer! Your recipe looks fantastic! Love eggplant.
Michelle says
I've never made eggplant before, but this recipe looks easy enough! Thanks for sharing!
Molly says
I have to get one of those air fryers. This looks amazing!
Claudia Lamascolo says
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!
Demeter says
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!
Sherri says
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! 🙂
Lizzy says
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!!
Nicole says
Thanks Lizzy, hope you love it too
Angela says
I do not have an air fryer, but this sounds like a creative way to use it. Your eggplant Parmesan looks delicious!
Nicole says
Thank you Angela
Arjhon says
A new way to enjoy eggplant on my favorite kitchen gadget Air Fryer. can't wait to try this. Thanks for this recipe.
Nicole says
Thanks, do let me know how you get on
Amanda says
I've recently got an air fryer but not cooked any eggplant/aubergine in it yet. This recipe looks like a must to try!
Nicole says
It's great for eggplant - hope you like it