Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas! This delicious and healthy dish is a game-changer for pizza lovers who want to enjoy their favorite flavors without the guilt. Air frying gives the eggplant a crispy texture while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun way to enjoy vegetables, these eggplant pizzas are sure to hit the spot.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas

There are so many reasons to love these Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas. First and foremost, they’re incredibly delicious. The combination of crispy eggplant, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re much healthier than traditional pizza, making them a great option for those watching their calorie intake.

But that’s not all. These eggplant pizzas are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. And the best part? They’re completely customizable. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, veggie-loaded, or something more exotic, the possibilities are endless.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers. These eggplant pizzas reheat beautifully, making them the perfect meal prep option. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes and enjoy!

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas:

• eggplant
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about these Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Vegan Eggplant Pizzas: Use vegan cheese and skip the eggs by dipping the eggplant slices in a mixture of flour and water instead.
• Spicy Eggplant Pizzas: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or top with sliced jalapeños.
• BBQ Chicken Eggplant Pizzas: Swap the marinara sauce for BBQ sauce and top with shredded chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
• Pesto Eggplant Pizzas: Spread pesto on the eggplant slices instead of marinara and top with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas

Making Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
2. Coat the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the slice is fully coated.
3. Air Fry the Eggplant: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Air fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Assemble the Pizzas: Remove the eggplant slices from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each slice, followed by shredded mozzarella and your favorite toppings.
5. Melt the Cheese: Place the eggplant pizzas back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas even better:

• Salt the Eggplant: Before coating the eggplant slices, sprinkle them with a bit of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture and prevents the eggplant from becoming soggy.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to add more spices to the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano are all great options.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the eggplant slices start cooking immediately, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure to arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy slices.

How to Serve

These Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas are a meal on their own, but they’re even better with a few sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a classic pizza night experience.
• Dipping Sauce: Offer marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas are perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to make them ahead and store them:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the eggplant slices up to a day in advance. Coat them in the breadcrumb mixture and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply air fry as instructed.
• Reheat: To reheat leftover eggplant pizzas, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Freeze: To freeze, assemble the eggplant pizzas but do not air fry the second time. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, place the frozen pizzas in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these eggplant pizzas in the oven?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the eggplant slices in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Then, assemble the pizzas and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Are these eggplant pizzas gluten-free?

To make these eggplant pizzas gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Can I make these eggplant pizzas without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs and simply coat the eggplant slices in the flour and egg mixture. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

How can I make these eggplant pizzas spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or top with sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to your eggplant pizzas.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas. This healthy and tasty dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun way to enjoy vegetables, these eggplant pizzas have you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy cooking!

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