Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option? Look no further than air fryer eggplant parmesan! This dish is simple to make, does not require a lot of ingredients, and so tasty you won’t believe it’s vegetarian.
Whether you’ve got a biggest air fryer or just want to try something new in your kitchen, this eggplant Parmesan recipe will quickly become one of your favorites! In addition to being delicious, making this dish also offers an opportunity to get creative as well; add different seasonings or top with rich cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for added flavor. So set aside some time in the evening, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan?
Do i really need to salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting eggplant before cooking is recommended for two main reasons. First, salting helps draw out bitter liquids from the eggplant that can make it taste unpleasant. Second, salting will help to reduce the amount of oil needed when cooking as it prevents the eggplant from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
To salt your eggplant before cooking, cut the eggplant into slices or cubes and place in a colander. Sprinkle with coarse salt (kosher or sea salt) and let sit for 30 minutes until liquid appears on top of the eggplant. Rinse off the salt and pat dry before cooking as desired. For best results, be sure to use a generous amount of salt and allow ample time for the liquids to be drawn out. This will ensure that your eggplant is flavorful and not overly oily.
While salting eggplant before cooking is recommended, it’s not absolutely necessary. If time or other factors don’t allow for this step, you can still cook the eggplant without salting first. However, you may need to use more oil when cooking and the flavor may not be as pleasant due to bitterness from residual liquid in the eggplant. Overall, it’s best to salt your eggplant before cooking if possible!
Do you need to peel eggplant for eggplant parm?
No, you don’t need to peel eggplant for eggplant Parmesan. The skin of the eggplant is edible and adds texture to your dish. However, if you find that the texture of the skin is too tough or bitter for your taste, then peeling it before cooking can be beneficial. When peeling eggplants, it’s best to use a vegetable peeler.
Make sure to cut away any bruised parts of the eggplant before cooking as these can make your dish bitter-tasting. Additionally, when handling an eggplant, remember to wear gloves as they contain traces of oxalic acid which may irritate your skin. With all this in mind, enjoy making delicious Eggplant Parmesan!
Is it possible to make eggplant parmesan without breadcrumbs in an air fryer?
Yes, it is possible to make eggplant parmesan without breadcrumbs in an air fryer. Eggplant parmesan is a delicious Italian dish that usually consists of lightly fried slices of eggplant covered in cheese and tomato sauce. While breadcrumbs are commonly used to create a crunchy texture as the eggplant is being cooked, they are not a necessary ingredient for making this dish in an air fryer.
Instead, once the eggplant slices have been coated with oil and salt prior to cooking, you can place them directly into your air fryer basket or tray and follow the instructions on your air fryer’s manual for cooking times and temperatures.
Alternatively, if you prefer more of a crunchy texture when eating your eggplant parmesan, you can opt to use crushed pork rinds as a breadcrumbs substitute. If using pork rinds, be sure to coat the eggplant slices with them after they have been oiled and salted prior to cooking in your air fryer. No matter what ingredients you choose to use, your eggplant parmesan will turn out delicious regardless!
Are there any special ingredients that enhance the flavor of eggplant parmesan cooked in an air fryer?
When making eggplant parmesan in an air fryer, one of the best ways to bring out flavor is to season with herbs. Herbs like basil and oregano can add a unique flavor that cannot be achieved with other ingredients. Additionally, adding garlic adds a pungent aroma and taste that will make your eggplant parmigiana dish even more robust.
Adding a pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness of the eggplant, which is an essential part of this classic Italian dish. Finally, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano really takes it up a notch – these cheeses melt perfectly and give your dish a cheesy finish! All these ingredients work together in harmony to create a delicious eggplant parmesan that will make your taste buds tingle.
For an even more flavorful dish, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat! A little bit goes a long way and will certainly liven up the dish. Additionally, if you have any leftover tomato sauce from other dishes, add it in to give your eggplant parmesan even more depth of flavor. There are so many possibilities when it comes to creating the perfect eggplant parmigiana in an air fryer – just get creative and experiment with different seasonings and ingredients until you find the combination that works for you!
How to make air fryer eggplant parm?
Air fryers are a great way to make healthy versions of classic dishes. Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious Italian dish that normally uses breading and frying in oil, making it high in fat and calories. However, by using an air fryer you can create the same flavor with fewer calories and less fat.
To make this eggplant Parmesan in your air fryer, start by preheating it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice one large eggplant into circles about a quarter inch thick, then coat each side lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Then set up a breading station with two shallow bowls: one filled with breadcrumbs and the other containing whisked eggs. Dip each slice of eggplant first in the egg, then in the breadcrumbs to create a light coating.
Place the breaded eggplant slices on a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook for about 15 minutes. Turn them halfway through so they brown evenly. Once cooked, top with your favorite tomato sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place them back in the air fryer for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to reheat eggplant parmesan in the air fryer?
Reheating eggplant parmesan in the air fryer is a convenient and easy way to enjoy this delicious dish. To start, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Cut the leftover eggplant parmesan into slices, if necessary. Place the eggplant parmesan slices in the air fryer basket so they are not overlapping and spray lightly with cooking oil spray or brush with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cheese should be slightly melted and golden on top when it’s done. Allow to cool before serving and enjoy!
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat for an additional 1-2 minutes at 400°F after flipping once more. Keep an eye on the eggplant parmesan to make sure it does not burn. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious reheated eggplant parmesan!
How to cook frozen eggplant cutlets in the air fryer?
Cooking frozen eggplant cutlets in the air fryer is quick and easy. To start, preheat your air fryer to 370℉. Place the frozen eggplant cutlets into the basket of the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved. If you notice that one side is cooking faster than the other, give the basket a shake halfway through cooking time to ensure even distribution. When done, remove from air fryer and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or topping!
How to freeze cooked eggplant parm?
Freezing cooked eggplant parm is a great way to make sure you have enough for leftovers or future meals. To freeze eggplant parm, assemble the dish as usual, including layering the sauce and cheese on top of the eggplant slices. Place the entire dish into an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag before transferring it to the freezer.
Eggplant parm can be frozen for up to three months in this manner. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat either in a 350°F oven until completely hot throughout (approximately 30 minutes) or in a microwave-safe dish for 3–4 minutes on high power. Enjoy your delicious eggplant parm!
Tips to make the best fried eggplant in the air fryer:
- Before you start cooking, make sure your air fryer is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the eggplant fries up perfectly.
- Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick slices or strips and place them in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant slices and use your hands to coat each slice evenly with oil.
- Place the pieces of eggplant into the air fryer basket in an even layer, being careful not to overcrowd them so they can cook properly.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed, until golden brown on both sides.
- Enjoy! The crispy outer texture of the fried eggplant, combined with its creamy and tender center, makes it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy!
Bonus tip: If you want to add a little extra flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or Italian seasoning over the eggplant before cooking. Enjoy even more deliciousness!
What to serve with eggplant parmesan?
Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that can be enjoyed as an entrée or side. As eggplant parmesan has a savory, cheesy flavor profile, it pairs well with other flavorful side dishes. Popular accompaniments to eggplant parmesan include simple green salads, sautéed vegetables such as squash and zucchini, garlic bread, and antipasto platters filled with olives, cheese and cured meats.
To provide extra flavor and texture contrast, serve your eggplant parmesan with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. For more of an Italian flare, top the eggplant parmesan off with pesto sauce or sprinkle basil leaves over the finished dish for garnish. No matter what side dish you choose, your eggplant parmesan will be sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Watch air fryer eggplant parm video:
If you love eggplant parmigiana, then this air fryer eggplant parm video is perfect for you! Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish, but it can take too much time and effort to make. That’s why we have created easy-to-follow steps and an accompanying video tutorial so that you can get the delish results in no time at all.
Watch along as our chef shows us how to cut up the vegetables and assemble the layer of cheese and sauce before cooking it in the air fryer. Not only is it quicker than traditional methods of preparation, but using an air fryer also helps reduce food waste by making use of every ingredient possible! Get ready for a delicious dose of homemade goodness with this amazing recipe – let’s get started on making some seriously scrumptious eggplant Parmigiana!
Conclusion:
There are many benefits to cooking with an air fryer, including less oil and healthier food. If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal, try air fryer eggplant parm. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. Give it a try today!
