These air fryer eggplant Parmesan rounds are oil-free, yet they are crispy and crunchy. All thanks to an air fryer! They are good eaten right out of the air fryer or topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Either way, they are delicious.

Ingredients
  • ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, or more to taste
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese, or as needed
Step By Step Method
  1. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl and beaten eggs in a third shallow bowl.
  2. Dip sliced eggplant first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumb mixture. Place coated eggplant on a tray and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat an air fryer to 370 degrees F (185 degrees C).
  4. Place breaded eggplant rounds in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; work in batches if necessary. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flip each round, and cook until desired crispiness is achieved, 4 to 6 minutes more.
  5. Top each eggplant round with marinara sauce and 1 slice of mozzarella cheese. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook until cheese has started to melt, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining eggplant, if necessary.
  6. DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!