Parmigiana in air fryer

Name: Parmigiana in air fryer
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Eggplant (about 3 medium, long) 1.3 lbs; Tomato purée 2.1 cups; Mozzarella cheese 1.8 cups; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese (to grate) 1.8 oz; Garlic 1 clove; Basil 1 tuft; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

it de es fr br

Gluten Free
Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Lulù Gargari

Alright, picture this: air fryer eggplant parmigiana. It's like the classic Southern Italian favorite but with a fresh twist. I mean, traditionally it's called "parmigiana di melanzane," and this version is way way better—light and crispy. We're talking about using an air fryer instead of deep-frying or baking. Really, it's a game changer. And the eggplant? It's crispy on the outside and so so tender inside. They absorb that delicious tomato sauce without turning mushy, which is great. And the sauce? It's got a hint of basil, delivering a sweet and tangy kick that pairs beautifully with melty mozzarella and a good sprinkle of grated cheese.

In places like Naples and Sicily, this dish is all about family gatherings. And now, you get this lighter version, which is perfect for those hot summer nights—keeps your kitchen cool while still giving you that "filante e appetitosa" vibe. You know, gooey and stretchy cheese layers, but with less guilt. Look, across Italy, everyone has their own take, but using an air fryer is a modern twist that’s catching on fast. It's like a time-saver, oil-reducer, and just all around healthy eggplant parmesan without losing any flavor. Whether you call it air fryer eggplant parmesan, air fryer eggplant parm, or stick with the Italian name, it’s effortless.

Seriously, you just layer everything—moist eggplant, sauce, cheese—and let the air fryer do its thing. The top? Oh, it gets all golden and bubbly, like a traditional oven-baked version, just lighter and quicker. Perfect for vegetarians, and honestly, it slides right into a weeknight dinner or even a casual lunch. More and more folks are going for this easy eggplant parmesan recipe over deep-frying because it’s less messy and just super tasty. Enjoy a bit of Southern Italy in your home with this simple yet flavorful dish. And you know what? Using the air fryer opens up so many other possibilities. Guilt-free cooking? Pretty much.

How to prepare Parmigiana in air fryer

To prepare the eggplant parmesan in the air fryer, first cut the eggplants into slices about 3/8 inch thick 1. Place the slices on a tray 2 and drizzle with a little oil 3.

Add salt 4 and pepper, then transfer the eggplants to the basket of the air fryer (we used a fryer with a 6-quart capacity) 5. Cook at 392°F for 8 minutes 6.

Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce: pour the tomato puree into a pan 7, then season with a little oil, a clove of garlic 8, and some basil leaves 9.

Add salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally 10. When the tomato sauce is ready 11 and the eggplants are cooked, you can assemble your parmesan: take an 8x6 inch baking dish and cover the bottom with some sauce 12.

Lay the eggplant slices, slightly overlapping them 13, then cover with plenty of sauce 14 and distribute the torn mozzarella 15.

Sprinkle with grated Parmigiano Reggiano 16 and continue by repeating the layers in the same order: first eggplants 17 and tomato sauce 18.

Then mozzarella 19 and grated cheese 20. Finally, drizzle with a little oil 21.

Transfer the baking dish to the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes at 374°F 22. Once cooked 23, let the eggplant parmesan rest in the air fryer for a few minutes before cutting and serving it 34!