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Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Bites Air Fryer Recipe for Perfect Snack

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These crispy eggplant parmesan bites are a quick and easy snack made in the air fryer, featuring a crunchy coating and gooey mozzarella inside, perfect for parties or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds, then cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt, for drawing out moisture from eggplant slices
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce, for dipping
  • Olive oil spray, for misting before air frying

Instructions

  1. Slice the eggplant into 1-inch thick rounds, then cut each round into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Lay them on a paper towel-lined tray, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Pat the eggplant pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.
  3. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well.
  4. Stuff each eggplant piece by placing a small pinch of shredded mozzarella on top, then sandwich it with another piece of eggplant, sealing the cheese inside.
  5. Dredge the stuffed eggplant bites first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere a thick crust.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  7. Arrange the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray with olive oil.
  8. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp and the cheese inside is melted.
  9. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Salting the eggplant properly and patting it dry is key to prevent soggy bites. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to keep the coating crisp. If bites are not crispy enough, add 2-3 extra minutes of air frying but watch closely to avoid burning. Can be baked in a convection oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggplant parmesan, air fryer recipe, crispy snack, mozzarella bites, panko breadcrumbs, quick snack, party appetizer

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/crispy-eggplant-parmesan-bites-air-fryer-recipe-for-perfect-snack/