Eggplant, with its mild flavor and meaty texture, is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many ways. In this article, we'll explore how to make crispy and flavorful air fryer breaded eggplant slices that are perfect for serving as a side dish or appetizer. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, using an air fryer to achieve the same crispy results with less oil. Let's dive in!

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant Slices:

   • Slice the eggplant into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
   • Place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out any bitterness, then rinse and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Breading Station:

   • In one shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • In another dish, beat the eggs.

3. Coat the Eggplant Slices:

   • Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Coat the eggplant slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the eggplant.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Eggplant Slices:

   • Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
   • Cook the eggplant slices in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once cooked, remove the eggplant slices from the air fryer and serve them hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve the breaded eggplant slices immediately to enjoy them at their best.

With this easy air fryer breaded eggplant slices recipe, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these crispy eggplant slices are sure to be a hit!

If you like this type of recipe, click HERE to find simple and delicious recipes that you can cook in an air fryer.

This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive yet concise guide on making crispy air fryer breaded eggplant slices. Do you have any additional tips or variations you'd like to share?