Inside Out Air Fried Eggplant Parm Recipes

AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARM

Steps:

• Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the flour, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk together the eggs and a splash of water in a second shallow bowl. Whisk together the panko, Parmesan, dried Italian herb seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a third shallow bowl.
• Dip the eggplant slices into the flour mixture and shake off any excess. Place into the egg wash and flip to evenly coat. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then press in the panko mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Gently place half of the breaded eggplant into the air fryer basket, shingling to create a single layer. Cook, shaking the tray halfway through to separate any rounds that may have stuck together, until golden brown and crispy, 13 to 15 minutes. Place the cooked eggplant on the prepared baking sheet, then repeat with the remaining uncooked breaded eggplant.
• Meanwhile, stir together the tomato sauce, the remaining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and the chopped basil in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until simmering and warmed through, about 5 minutes.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment, then add half of the cooked eggplant in a single layer. Cover the eggplant to the edges with 1 cup of the seasoned tomato sauce. Top with 8 ounces of the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining cooked eggplant, 1 cup seasoned tomato sauce and 8 ounces mozzarella to create a second layer. Cook until the edges are deeply golden brown and the cheese melts, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Remove to a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately, although it will be even better the next day!

INSIDE-OUT AIR-FRIED EGGPLANT PARM

Steps:

• Score eggplant all the way through the flesh lengthwise, being careful not to cut through the skin. Score again widthwise to create cubes. Gently turn the eggplant inside out. Repeat with second half. If eggplant breaks, manipulate the outer edges to stand up or use a long skewer to hold it open.
• Drizzle both halves with 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place in an air fryer basket.
• Air-fry at 390 to 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
• Open the air fryer and top each eggplant with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, trying to fill each groove. Air-fry 5 minutes longer.
• Serve immediately sprinkled with fresh basil.

INSIDE-OUT EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA

Steps:

• Make tomato sauce:
• Heat oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers, then cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes.
• Meanwhile, blend tomatoes with juice in a blender until almost smooth. Add to onion mixture in saucepan with water, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in basil and keep warm, covered.
• Bake eggplant:
• Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in lowest position.
• Cut 12 (1/3-inch-thick) rounds from widest portion of eggplants. Brush both sides with 2 tablespoons oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt (total). Bake on an oiled baking sheet, turning once, until golden and tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm, covered. Leave oven on.
• Make egg patties and sauté arugula:
• Stir together bread crumbs, parmesan, parsley, half of garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, then stir in eggs and water.
• Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Drop 4 rounded 1/3 cups of egg mixture into skillet and cook, turning once, until patties are golden brown and puffed, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet and cook remaining garlic with red-pepper flakes, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add arugula and basil and stir until just wilted, then stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt.
• Assemble stacks:
• Arrange 4 egg patties about 3 inches apart on a baking sheet. Top each with 2 Tbsp tomato sauce, 1 slice mozzarella, 1 eggplant slice, 2 more tablespoons tomato sauce, another eggplant slice, arugula mixture, and remaining eggplant. Bake until cheese melts, 5 to 10 minutes. Drizzle with additional oil and serve remaining sauce on the side.