Gluten Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Air Fryer Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan is easy to make! Want Vegan Eggplant Parmesan or Dairy Free Eggplant Parmesan? We give you options!

Air Fryer Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant is actually one of my husband’s favorite food items. It is not something that I often use in my cooking. I need to get better about that, I’m sure he would appreciate it!

But with this Air Fryer Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan dish, I think I’ll be using eggplant a whole lot more! We originally made this baked eggplant parmesan recipe without our air fryer! But since we’ve been so into air fryer recipes, we have adapted it!

Did you know that eggplants are actually nightshades? It is actually related to potatoes and tomatoes!

There really isn’t a vegetable that compares to eggplant, it’s a very unique flavor and texture that makes it an excellent hearty vegetarian entree.

How easy is it to use an air fryer?

So how does an air fryer work? When I say it’s super simple, it’s simple. You literally set the temp, figure out the time, and wait for that food to be done.

Is there any other appliance out there that is as simple as that? And clean-up? A total breeze.

If appliances were made to help you out in the kitchen and save you time, this power airfryer xl does just that. You’ll be working in the kitchen so much less with the use of this appliance!

Simple Recipe for Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan

Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan is actually easier than you think. It may have multiple steps but they are simple.

I have broken down the steps for you. While the steps are simple, they do take some time. So plan accordingly with your time.

I promise, you won’t be disappointed with this Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan. Remember, if you need dairy-free or vegan options, check at the bottom of the recipe.

You can easily make this a vegan gluten free eggplant parmesan recipe by using a vegan mozzarella substitute and your favorite egg substitute.

How to Make Eggplant Parmesan – Step By Step

The entire recipe is in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. But here are some helpful pictures first, with a bit of overview. 

#1 Slice the Eggplant 

So first, we are starting with our eggplant. You are going to slice your medium eggplant into 1/4 inch pieces. Do your best to keep the slices the same width, but don’t worry too much about it. This recipe is pretty forgiving in that way.

#2 Salt the Eggplant 

Then you are going to salt the eggplant. My kitchen tip for you is to place your eggplant slices onto a paper towel lined, lipped baking sheet.

This set up will allow you to salt the eggplant and have the extra salt fall to the paper towels and baking sheet. We all like easy clean up, right?

So you are going to salt the eggplant and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flip the eggplant slices and salt again. Let sit again for 15 minutes.

Remember when I said that this recipe was simple but time-consuming? This is what I’m talking about. You have to be patient and wait for the eggplant to be ready!

#3 Bread the Eggplant With Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

Next, you are going to “bread” your eggplant pieces next. You will need two beaten eggs in a bowl. You will need a second bowl of Gluten -Free bread crumbs mixed with Italian Seasoning and parmesan.

For this dish, I used Ian’s Gluten Free Italian Panko crumbs. You can pick them up at your local store or you can get them on Amazon (affiliate AD  link). I like them because they are “free from” so many things and also taste and smell amazing!

Dairy-Free Eggplant Parmesan Tip

I’ll give you a sneak peak at your dairy-free and vegan eggplant parm options here. Dairy-free options are to omit the parmesan or you can use vegan parmesan. For a vegan option, you can use maple syrup instead of eggs!

Dip each eggplant piece into the egg mixture, followed by the panko mixture to coat. Make sure you do both sides.

#4 Bake the Eggplant in the Air Fryer 

It is time to bake this gluten-free eggplant parmesan! You are going to bake the eggplant in the air fryer until the breadcrumbs start to turn golden brown. Then you are going to flip over each eggplant piece and bake again until golden.

#5 Sauce the Eggplant 

Feeling saucy? It is time to sauce our crispy eggplant parmesan. Gently spoon sauce onto each individual piece of eggplant.

I dare you to try not to eat any eggplant, the amazing smell will draw you in! YUM!

#6 Add Cheese 

Once you have the gluten free eggplant parmesan sauced, you need to add the mozzarella cheese. Remember, you can use dairy cheese or vegan cheese.

Top the eggplant slices with cheese and put back into the oil less fryer until cheese is melted.

#7 Prepare the Pasta 

During this entire process, probably some time before you sauce your gluten free eggplant parmesan you will need to make the pasta! You can eat your breaded eggplant parmesan without pasta, but I wouldn’t recommend it. How can you resist pasta, right!?

Power Air Fryer XL Recipes:

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Risotto Balls in the air fryer
• Air Fryer Pickles

Still don’t have an air fryer of your own? Be sure to check out our air fryer reviews from several of the top models out there.

Pin this gluten-free eggplant recipe for later:

I can’t wait to give you this SUPER easy recipe! It is literally one of the BEST things we’ve made and eaten in this house! My husband requests this for weekend dinners pretty regularly now, and I’m happy to oblige.

This recipe for Eggplant Parm is so delicious! Paleo? Check out this Paleo Eggplant Parmesan from A Mindful Mom.

Print Recipe

5 from 12 votes

Gluten Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan is easy to make! This dish is baked, not fried! We have included Dairy-free and Vegan options too!

Prep Time35 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time1 hr 5 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: air fryer recipes, eggplant parmesan

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 449kcal

Author: Cindy Gordon (Vegetarian Mamma)

Ingredients

• 1 10 oz box spaghetti I used a gluten free kind
• 2 cup of your favorite marinara sauce
• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 eggs
• 1.5 cups gluten-free panko crumbs
• 1/3 c parmesan cheese optional
• 1 T Italian Seasoning
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• fresh basil and cilantro

Instructions

• Slice your medium eggplant into 1/4 inch pieces.
• Place eggplant on top of paper towels in a lipped baking sheet.
• Salt the eggplant and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flip the eggplant slices and salt again. Let sit again for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl beat eggs, set aside.
• In a small bowl mix panko, Italian Seasoning and parmesan.
• Dip each eggplant piece into the egg mixture, followed by the panko mixture to coat. Make sure you do both sides.
• Cook the eggplant in the air fryer at 380 degrees F for 4 minutes. Then you are going to flip over each eggplant piece and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
• Gently spoon sauce onto each individual piece of eggplant.
• Place cheese on eggplant pieces. Cook in your air fryer at 380 degrees F for 2 minutes or  until cheese is melted.
• Prepare pasta per the directions on the box, set aside.
• Toss pasta with remaining sauce. Divide pasta among 4 plates.
• Place 2-3 eggplant pieces on each plate on top of pasta.
• Garnish with basil and cilantro.
• ENJOY!

Notes

Dairy-free options are to omit the parmesan or you can use vegan parmesan. For a vegan option, you can use maple syrup instead of eggs!

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to prepare this recipe in batches.

If your eggplant pieces are not becoming golden brown, you can spritz them with spray oil to help them crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 1224mg | Potassium: 735mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 11.1mg | Calcium: 299mg | Iron: 2.6mg

All though this website attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, the information should only be considered an estimate. Varying factors such as different product types, different brands, etc. can change nutritional information. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information as a double check.

While there are a few steps to this Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan they are easy steps. This recipe serves 4 hungry adults. I ended up with some extra eggplant pieces, so I saved them and ate them for lunch the following day!

Let’s talk! Are you an eggplant fan? Have you ever had eggplant parmesan? Do you love breaded eggplant recipes? Are you a fan of hot air frying recipes? Do you have tips on how to clearn your air fryer? Leave me a comment below!