The aroma of freshly air-fried eggplants fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist the crispy, golden delight waiting on the plate. This recipe for crispy air fryer eggplants is quick to prepare and takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, thanks to the air fryer’s efficient cooking. The key to its success lies in the perfect blend of breadcrumbs and seasonings that create a satisfying crunch.
This dish is ideal for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving a delicious appetizer, this recipe fits the bill. For those who might want to plan ahead, these eggplants can be prepared in advance and stored for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The eggplants turn out perfectly crispy without the excess oil of frying.
- It takes only 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
- The combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs creates a delightful texture.
- Seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, they burst with flavor.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your crispy air fryer eggplants.
For the Eggplants
- 1 large eggplant, washed and sliced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs, whisked
For the Breading
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
- Marinara sauce, to serve
Use gluten-free flour for a GF option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Eggplant can be replaced with zucchini.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan alternative.
- Any herbs can substitute Italian seasonings.
- Regular breadcrumbs can be swapped with crushed cornflakes.
How to Make It
Follow these steps for crispy goodness.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 380 degrees F and let it heat up while you prepare the eggplants.
Prepare the Eggplant
Wash and dry the eggplant with a kitchen towel. Using a knife, slice the eggplant into about ⅓ inch thick slices.
Set Up the Breading Station
In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
Bread the Eggplant
Dip the eggplant slices in the flour first, then into the egg mixture, and finally dredge them into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing until evenly coated. Repeat for all eggplant slices.
Air Fry the Eggplant
Spray each side of the breaded eggplant with cooking spray. Place the eggplant in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve
Once done, transfer the eggplants to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with marinara sauce on the side.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, eggplants lose texture when frozen.
Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the eggplant slices are evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
- Spraying the eggplants with cooking spray helps achieve extra crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasoning to taste for more personalized flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- Enjoy them alongside pasta for a comforting dinner.
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