Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Eggplant Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Sofia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 41 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy and flavorful air fryer eggplant slices coated with a seasoned panko and parmesan crust, perfect for a delicious appetizer or side dish served with marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggplant Preparation

  • 1 eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

Breading

  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil spray

Serving

  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Salt the eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with ½ teaspoon Kosher salt on both sides and place them on a paper towel for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Flip the slices halfway through this process to ensure both sides absorb the salt evenly.
  2. Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg until smooth and set aside for dipping the eggplant slices.
  3. Mix the breading: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese to create the seasoned coating.
  4. Coat with egg: Dip each salt-cured eggplant slice into the egg wash, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
  5. Bread the slices: Press the egg-coated slices into the panko mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the breaded slices on a clean plate.
  6. Air fry the eggplant: Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides lightly with olive oil spray. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to achieve even golden brown crispiness. Work in batches if your air fryer is small.
  7. Serve: Remove the crispy eggplant slices and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Salting the eggplant helps reduce bitterness and excess moisture, resulting in a crispier coating.
  • If you prefer gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even air circulation and crisping.
  • Marinara sauce pairs excellently as a dipping sauce, but ranch or garlic aioli are also great options.

Find it online: https://sofiabythestove.com/air-fryer-eggplant-bites-recipe/