Description
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. These mini pizzas feature tender eggplant slices coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun way to enjoy vegetables, these eggplant pizzas are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large eggplant
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives)
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 eggplant pizzas
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Keywords: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas