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Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: A 25-Minute Appetizer

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that has won the hearts of food lovers around the globe. Traditionally, it involves layers of breaded and fried eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, making it a comfort food favourite. However, this rich dish can be time-consuming and labour-intensive to prepare. Fortunately, the air fryer offers a quicker and healthier alternative without sacrificing flavour or texture. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delightful Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan that’s perfect as an appetiser or a light main course.

Ingredients

To make this delicious air fryer version of Eggplant Parmesan, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1 cm thick rounds
• Salt (for sweating the eggplant)
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
• Olive oil spray

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Begin by preparing the eggplant. Slice it into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Place the slices in a colander and allow them to sweat for about 15 minutes. This process helps to extract moisture and bitterness from the eggplant, ensuring a more enjoyable texture once cooked.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

While the eggplant is sweating, you can set up your breading station. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.

Step 3: Bread the Eggplant

After 15 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with kitchen paper. Dip each slice into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, before coating it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each slice is well-covered for that perfect crispy texture.

Step 4: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave a little space between each slice to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to enhance crisping and browning.

Cook the eggplant in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Parmesan

After the eggplant slices are cooked, it’s time to assemble your Eggplant Parmesan. In a baking dish or directly in the air fryer basket (if there’s enough space), layer the crispy eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Start with a layer of eggplant, add some marinara sauce, and scatter a handful of mozzarella on top. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella.

Step 6: Final Cook

Return the assembled Eggplant Parmesan to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer. Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy this deliciously crispy, cheesy, and flavour-packed appetizer.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a wonderful, quick-cooking twist on a beloved classic. With minimal oil and much less time than traditional methods, it’s a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a cosy night in, this appetiser is sure to impress. In just 25 minutes, you can create an indulgent dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavour. Give it a try, and let the praises roll in!

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