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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Stacks: Best Easy Recipe

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These Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Stacks are a quick and easy twist on the classic, featuring crunchy panko-coated eggplant rounds stacked with gooey mozzarella and tangy marinara, all ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Prep the eggplant: Slice eggplant into ½-inch rounds. Lay on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
  2. Set up breading station: In first shallow bowl, add flour. In second bowl, beat eggs. In third bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the eggplant: Dredge each round in flour, dip in eggs, then press into breadcrumb mixture. Place on a clean plate.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place breaded rounds in a single layer (work in batches). Spray tops with oil.
  6. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes. Flip, spray other side, and cook 6-8 minutes more until golden and crispy.
  7. Assemble stacks: Place one round on parchment or plate. Top with 1 tablespoon marinara and a slice of mozzarella. Repeat with a second round, more sauce, and cheese. Top with a third round, sauce, and Parmesan.
  8. Transfer stacks to air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip salting the eggplant to remove moisture and bitterness. Use panko for maximum crunch. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of breaded rounds with oil for even browning. Watch the final cook closely to prevent cheese from sliding off.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer eggplant parmesan, crispy eggplant stacks, easy eggplant recipe, vegetarian dinner, quick weeknight meal

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-air-fryer-eggplant-parmesan-stacks-best-easy-recipe/