Crunchy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Bites

Crispy Eggplant Parm Bites You’ll Want to Dip in Marinara

These air fryer eggplant parmesan bites are everything you love about classic eggplant parm—crispy coating, savory parmesan flavor, and tender eggplant—without deep frying. They’re perfect as a quick snack, appetizer, or easy side dish, especially when served with warm marinara sauce and a little fresh basil.

If you’ve tried eggplant before and ended up with “kinda soggy, kinda sad” results, don’t worry—this version is designed to come out crunchy on the outside and soft and tender inside. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, and you only need a light spray of oil to get that golden, crisp finish.

Gluten-free option: Regular panko is not gluten-free, but you can absolutely make these bites gluten-free by using gluten-free panko or swapping in pork rind panko or almond flour (great for low-carb/keto-friendly batches too).

Ingredients and Supplies Needed

Ingredients:

• Eggplant (cut into bite-size cubes)
• Sea salt
• Panko crumbs or almond flour (gluten-free/low-carb option)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated or pre-grated)
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Eggs
• Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray

Supplies:

• Air fryer
• Medium mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Fork
• Oil sprayer
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)

Want a quick eggplant refresher? The Eggplant page from Encyclopaedia Britannica is a solid, high-trust overview (and helpful if you’re new to cooking with eggplant).

How to Keep Eggplant Parmesan Bites Crispy in the Air Fryer

Eggplant is naturally high in moisture—so the biggest key to success is getting a crisp coating without steaming the bites. Here’s how to keep the crunch:

• Pat the eggplant dry after cutting. Less surface moisture = better crisping.
• Use a light, even oil spray to help the breading brown (too much oil can soften it).
• Cook in a single layer so hot air can circulate around each bite.
• Stir or flip halfway for even browning and no pale sides.
• Don’t overcrowd—if needed, cook in batches for the crispiest results.

Bonus tip: If your bites look golden but you want extra crunch, add 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely—parmesan can brown fast).

Can This Work for Other Vegetables?

Yes! This breading approach works well for other veggies too. Zucchini is a popular swap, but because it’s softer and releases more water, it may cook a bit faster. Keep a close eye on it and reduce time if needed.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Parmesan Recipe

Eggplant slices instead of cubes: You can make this recipe using eggplant slices (more like mini eggplant parm rounds). The cooking time is usually similar, but slices can take a minute or two longer depending on thickness. When a fork slides in easily and the coating is crisp, you’re good to go.

Make it more “eggplant parm”: Want that classic eggplant parmesan vibe? Serve the bites with warm marinara and sprinkle with mozzarella (or melt a little mozzarella over the top for the last 1–2 minutes).

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating (best method): Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring the crisp back. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it will soften the coating.

How to Make Quick and Simple Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Bites

Step 1: Cut and season eggplant

Cut the eggplant into bite-size cubes (try to keep them fairly even so they cook at the same rate). Lightly salt the cubes and set them aside while you prep your dredging station.

Set up two bowls: one for the egg wash and one for the breading mixture. Dip each cube into the egg wash, then press into the parmesan-breading mixture until fully coated. A full coating makes a big difference in crispiness!

Step 2: Air fry eggplant

Lightly spray your air fryer basket (and/or use parchment liners if you love easy cleanup). Place the eggplant bites in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with avocado oil or olive oil spray.

Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, stirring or flipping at the halfway point for even browning.

Serving Eggplant Suggestions

These are amazing with warm marinara (the classic!), but they also pair well with chicken dinners and creamy pasta. Here are a few easy ideas from the site:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner Recipe
• The Easiest 5 Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken Dinner
• How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
• Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Bites FAQs

Do I need to salt eggplant first?
Salting is optional for this recipe. If your eggplant is extra juicy, salting and patting dry can help reduce moisture. The biggest crisp factor is a single layer and a light oil spray.

How do I keep eggplant bites from getting soggy?
Don’t overcrowd the basket, pat the eggplant dry, and stir halfway through. Crowding causes steaming, which softens the coating.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free panko or swap in almond flour. (Regular panko contains gluten.)

Can I make these keto?
Yes—use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and keep marinara on the side (some sauces add sugar).

Final Thoughts

These eggplant parmesan bites are one of those “why didn’t I make this sooner?” recipes—simple ingredients, big flavor, and that crispy-tender texture that keeps you reaching for one more. Dip them in marinara, sprinkle fresh basil on top, or add a little mozzarella for extra eggplant parm vibes.

If you make them, come back and tell us: Are you team marinara dip… or do you have a different favorite sauce?

More Easy Air Fryer Appetizers & Snacks

• Homemade Pizza Bagels in the Air Fryer
• How to Make Popcorn in the Air Fryer
• Dorito Crusted Babybel Cheese Bites
• Simple Air Fryer Tuna Melt
• Vegetarian Bean & Cheese Burrito in the Air Fryer
• 10 Minute Air Fryer Ham Quesadilla

Air Fryer Tips & Tricks You’ll Love

Eggplant Parmesan Bites

These crusted eggplant bites are covered in delicious parmesan and fresh Italian flavors. Enjoy this one as bites or traditional slices. Either way, you'll be surprised at how tasty this air fryer recipe is.

4.92 / 5 ( 12 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes minutes

Serves: 6

Adjust Servings: 6

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Cutting board
• Knife
• 3 Medium mixing bowls
• Oil sprayer

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups panko crumbs or almond flour
• ½ cup parmesan cheese fresh or grated
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes optional
• 2 eggs

Instructions

• Cut the eggplant into 1 inch cubes and spindle on a ¼ tsp of sea salt. Let the eggplant sweat while you complete the next steps.
• Combine the panko crumbs with the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt salt, and red pepper flakes into a shallow dish or plate.
• Whisk together the 2 eggs in another shallow bowl.
• Dip the eggplant cubes into the egg wash then the breading mixture.
• Place the cubes in a lightly sprayed air fryer basket. Spray the tops of the cubes with avocado oil and air fry at 380 °F for 12 minutes, stirring at the halfway point.
• Remove from the air fryer and enjoy with your favorite marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 788mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g

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