FRIED EGGPLANT WITH MOZZARELLA RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Cut eggplant into 1/4-1/2 inch slices. 1/4 inch for super thin eggplant slices or 1/2 for slightly thicker slices perfect for eggplant parmigiana.
• OPTIONAL STEP: Some report a creamy richer tasting eggplant when salting eggplant before cooking. Lay the eggplant on a rack over a baking sheet. Sprinkle salt on the cut sides. This will draw water out of the eggplant and reduce bitterness. After 30 minutes rinse the eggplant slices and then pat completely dry.
• In a flat bowl or large dish, mix together the Italian seasoned breadcrumb, panko, Parmesan cheese, parsley, pepper and garlic powder (optional). Set next to your flour and beaten egg bowls. The dredging station order should be flour, then egg then breadcrumb.
• Dip eggplant slices into flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into egg, coating both sides allowing excess to drip off. Then press the eggplant slices into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides. Set on a plate or rack and repeat until all the slices are coated.
• Cooking in batches, spray or drizzle olive oil on both sides of the eggplant slices before adding to the air-fryer basket.
• Cook for 10 minutes total, 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Set on a baking sheet or rack and continue cooking the rest. You may keep them in a warm oven if you like.NOTE: All Air-Fryers cook differently. You may want to adjust your cooking time or temperature after the first batch.
• SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Season with a little salt if desired. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, harissa, tzatziki or serve over salad or pasta. These eggplant slices can also be used to for eggplant parmigiana. Enjoy!

Steps:

• Peel and slice eggplant lengthwise into fifteen 1/8-in.-thick slices. Place in a colander over a plate; sprinkle with salt and toss. Let stand 30 minutes., Meanwhile, for sauce, in a large saucepan, saute onion in oil. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in remaining sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until flavors are blended, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes. Rinse and drain eggplant., In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients; set aside., Place eggs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Dip eggplant in eggs, then bread crumb mixture., In an electric skillet or deep skillet, heat 1/2 in. of oil to 375°. Fry eggplant in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels., Preheat oven to 375°. Spoon 1 cup sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spread 2 rounded tablespoons filling over each eggplant slice. Carefully roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce over roll-ups. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake until bubbly, 30-35 minutes.