Extra-Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

This Extra-Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan delivers crunchy, golden eggplant with bubbly cheese and rich marinara without the grease bomb of frying. It’s proof that gluten-free comfort food can still bring big flavor and serious crunch.

This Extra-Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is what happens when comfort food decides to behave itself.

You get crunchy, golden eggplant, gooey melted cheese, and saucy Italian flavor without drowning anything in oil or wrecking your kitchen with splatter, just real-deal Eggplant Parm that’s lighter, faster, and still hits like the classic.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• You get that deep-fried crunch without the greasy mess or the guilt trip afterward.
• It’s 100% gluten-free, but nobody at the table will ever guess it.
• The air fryer makes it fast, so dinner happens before hanger does.
• Crispy outside, tender inside, cheesy on top—basically texture heaven.
• It feels like comfort food but eats like something you can feel good about.

Cooking vegetables in the air fryer is so overlooked. Still, if you are looking for a tasty vegetable side dish, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CORN ON THE COB, AIR FRYER FRIED CABBAGE, AIR FRYER BROCCOLI, and AIR FRYER BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE.

Ingredients Needed

• Eggplant – Fresh eggplant sliced for crispy air fryer coating
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs – Crunchy coating that keeps this recipe gluten free
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor to breading mix
• Eggs – Helps the crispy coating stick perfectly
• Marinara sauce – Rich tomato sauce for classic Italian flavor
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over hot crispy eggplant
• Italian seasoning – Brings bold herb flavor to every bite
• Garlic powder – Adds savory depth without overpowering the dish
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that boost all the flavors

How To Make Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Step One: Cut into ¼-inch rounds so they cook evenly and stay tender inside.

Step Two: Get a chopping board, or use a baking sheet, and, line it with a paper towel, and place the eggplant discs flat on it. Sprinkle salt on each disc for the excess moisture in the eggplant to draw out for 30 minutes; this will make it extra crispy and cook faster, and the result will be crispy eggplant slices.

Step Three: One bowl with beaten eggs. One bowl with gluten-free breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step Four: After 30 minutes of the salt drawing out of the eggplant, place the eggplant into a sieve, and wash it under running water to get all the salt off. Pat the eggplant dry and get tissue paper to squeeze each eggplant to remove any water further.

Step Five: Dip each slice in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mix until fully coated. Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes. A hot air fryer is the secret to real crunch.

Step Six: Spray the basket lightly with oil. Add eggplant in a single layer. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flip, then cook another 6–8 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Step Seven: Spoon marinara over each slice and top with mozzarella. Air fry 2–3 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and irresistible. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in while it’s still crispy.

Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe Tips

• Salt the eggplant first to pull out extra moisture so it crisps instead of steams.
• Slice evenly about ¼ inch thick so every piece cooks at the same speed.
• Press the coating on like you mean it. A light dusting won’t cut it for crunch.
• Don’t crowd the basket or you’ll get soggy slices and broken dreams.
• Flip halfway through so both sides turn golden instead of playing favorites.
• Add sauce at the end to keep the breading from turning soft too soon.
• Use cooking spray, not oil baths for max crunch without the grease overload.

Storing Instructions

Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to bring the crisp back—microwaves are fine in emergencies, but they will steal your crunch.

Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe Faqs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can bread the eggplant and store it in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely. Cooked eggplant parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven straight from frozen until heated through and crispy.

Do I have to salt the eggplant? Salting is recommended to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy slices. If you skip it, expect a softer texture.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of gluten-free? Yes, traditional breadcrumbs work fine, but gluten-free keeps the recipe accessible for everyone.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? The air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes restores crispiness. Avoid the microwave unless you’re desperate—it makes the coating soft.

Can I use a different cheese? Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan works beautifully for extra flavor.

How can I make it extra crispy? Use thin slices, press the coating firmly, don’t overcrowd the basket, and flip halfway through cooking. A light spray of oil helps too.