Air Fryer Eggplant Parm

Air Fryer Eggplant Parm

from delish.com
45 min
2 - 4

This Air Fryer Eggplant Parm hits all the notes of our favorite fried versions minus the pot of hot oil. Serve it for date night or as a pre-pasta appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices crusty white bread, torn into small pieces (about 1 c.)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 small Italian eggplant (about 1 lb.), trimmed, sliced crosswise 1/2"-thick
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 c. marinara sauce
  • 3/4 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 c. packed fresh basil leaves

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, toss bread, garlic, and 2 tsp. oil; season with salt. In an air-fryer basket, arrange bread in a single layer. Cook at 370°, tossing a few times, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe basket clean.

  2. 2

    Season eggplant with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Brush cut sides with remaining 1 tbsp. oil.

  3. 3

    Working in batches, in air-fryer basket, arrange eggplant in a single layer, spacing about 1/4" apart. Cook at 400°, flipping halfway through, until very tender and golden, about 12 minutes. Spoon some marinara on top of slices; top with some mozzarella. Return to air fryer and continue to cook until cheese is melted and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes more.

  4. 4

    Divide eggplant among plates. Top with basil and bread crumbs.