This, my friends, is one of the only ways I’ll eat eggplant. It’s crispy, tangy, and absolutely delicious. Fry up the eggplant in the air fryer, or in the oven to lighten up this recipe. Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan with Goat Cheese is great as an appetizer or as the main dish.

Can’t get enough goat cheese? Try my Bite-Size Goat Cheese Bites.

Why Eat Eggplant?

I’ve asked myself this very question. However, there are lots of reasons to eat more eggplant. According to Rachael Link’s article, 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Eggplants, at Healthline.com,

“Eggplants are effective at protecting cells against damage from harmful free radicals”

Rachael Link MS, RD

Wow! A few other benefits of consuming eggplant, according to Rachael’s article:

• High in fiber and low in calories, eggplants aid in weight loss.
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Helps reduce blood sugar levels

Increasing vegetable intake is always a good idea. Break out of the same ol’ same ol’ routine, and grab yourself an eggplant.

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Ingredients

What tasty bits do you need for this delectable dish? Just a few pantry staples, an eggplant, and goat cheese.

Eggplant

Yes, you do indeed need an eggplant for this dish. Sometimes the skin on eggplant can be tough. If you don’t like this aspect of the eggplant, just peel it off before slicing.

Breading

Even though these are breaded, they still have healthy components. Here’s what to mix together for the breading:

• Panko: whole wheat, or gluten free
• Almond Flour: adds protein & healthy fat
• Parmesan Cheese: grate your own
• Seasonings: salt, granulated garlic, Italian Seasoning (optional)

Egg

Whisk up an egg or two to dip the eggplant in. This will help the breading stick.

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is thicker than marinara or spaghetti sauce. So it works great with this Eggplant Parmesan. It stays put, and doesn’t run off the side. Making it easier to eat as an app.

Goat Cheese

Tangy, creamy, and delectable, goat cheese tastes so good on top of this dish. Not a goat cheese fan? Try feta or mozzarella.

Love recipes with feta? Try Mediterranean Artichoke Chicken.

Should you Salt the Eggplant Before Use?

The idea is to salt the eggplant 30 minutes before “frying”. This is supposed to draw out the water and bitter taste resulting in a crispier fried eggplant. I’ve tried this both ways, and can’t tell a difference with the taste or crispiness.

So, in my experience, no need to salt prior to making this air fryer Eggplant Parmesan. Which saves time! Score.

How to Make Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

I like to use 2 pie plates for my wet and dry stations. This allows for a nice flat surface when breading. Or use 2 shallow bowls. Whisk the eggs in one plate. Mix the breading ingredients in the other. Once you have the stations set, it’s time to bread the eggplant.

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. Cut Eggplant crosswise into 1/2″ thick slices.
3. Dip Eggplant slices into the egg, then into the breading. Covering it completely.
4. Spray the breaded eggplant with olive oil & place in air fryer.
5. Fry for 6 minutes. Check the bottom side to ensure it is crisping up nicely. If not, flip for another 2 minutes.
6. Use a spatula to get them out of the air fryer. Top with pizza sauce and goat cheese. Enjoy!

Using the 2nd Rack of Air Fryer

Since all the breaded eggplant won’t fit in the air fryer at once, this recipe will require a few batches.

If using the double level of the air fryer, the cook time may be longer. You will also need to flip the eggplant, as the ones on the bottom may get done first.

Watch the sides of the air fryer. They’re hot and will sear your skin if you’re not careful. I speak from experience.

How to Keep them Warm

To help keep the batches warm, turn oven to warm. Place already fried eggplant on a cooling rack in the oven. This will prevent them from getting soggy and cold.

When all batches are complete, and you are ready to serve, top with pizza sauce and goat cheese.

Or Oven Fry

If you are air fryerless, they will fry up nicely in the oven too. PLUS, you can knock them out in one batch. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. If you have the convection feature on your oven, bake on that setting.

The prep is the same, but instead of placing in an air fryer, put them all on a cooling rack, placed on top of a sheet pan. This allows the hot air to circulate around the eggplant, preventing the soggy bottom.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, checking for crispy eggplants. Flip half way through. If they’re still not crisping up to your likeness, turn on the broiler… but keep an eye on them so they don’t scorch.

How to Serve

There are several options on when and how to serve these deliciously crispy eggplants.

• As an Appetizer
• For a Snack
• As the Main Dish

If making Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan for the main dish, pair it with any of the following:

• Whole Grain Pasta (or Gluten Free) with red sauce
• A Salad, like this Pizzeria House Salad
• Creamy Polenta
• Fluffy Quinoa

Wait until just ready to serve to top with pizza sauce and goat cheese. Otherwise, they will get soggy.

Gussy up the dish with chopped olives, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of grated Parm on top.

Thanks for reading along. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. If you would like more healthy recipes like this one sent right to your inbox, sign up for my Recipe Drops. They’re always FREE.