Farm Fresh Air Fryer Eggplant

Instructions

1. Wash 1 medium eggplant and slice it into 1/2-inch rounds. Lay the eggplant rounds on a paper towel, sprinkle both sides lightly with salt, cover with another paper towel, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
2. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir the spice blend until evenly mixed.
3. Place 1/4 cup flour in a shallow bowl and add half of the prepared spice blend (about half of the mixture from Step 2). Mix the flour and spices together until well combined.
4. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon water until the eggs are evenly beaten.
5. In a third shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining half of the spice blend from Step 2. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix well so the panko and Parmesan are lightly coated with oil.
6. After the 30-minute rest, pat the salted eggplant rounds dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and surface salt.
7. Working with one piece at a time, dip each eggplant round first into the spiced flour (from the 1/4 cup flour bowl), shaking off excess; then into the beaten eggs (2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon water); and finally coat each round thoroughly with the panko–Parmesan mixture (1/2 cup panko, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and spices).
8. Place the coated eggplant rounds in a single layer on the air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket, leaving space between slices for air circulation.
9. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Once preheated, insert the tray or basket and cook the eggplant rounds at 370°F for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping the tray or turning the rounds halfway through cooking, until the coating is browned and crispy and the eggplant is tender.
10. For an Eggplant Parmesan-style option, top each cooked eggplant round with a spoonful of marinara sauce from the 1 cup marinara and 1 slice of mozzarella cheese. Return the tray to the air fryer and cook at 370°F for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the mozzarella cheese begins to melt.
11. Serve the farm fresh air fryer eggplant rounds hot, either plain, with 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping, or topped with mozzarella cheese as desired.