Who doesn’t love a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up? This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmigiana is not only a time-saver but also a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! With minimal prep (just 15 minutes!) and quick cooking in the air fryer, you can whip this up and still have time to unwind. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a healthier take on a classic favorite, this dish is sure to impress.
Perfect for busy nights, this recipe combines the richness of aubergine (eggplant), hearty green lentils, and aromatic spices, all layered together with a creamy vegan twist. The best part? It’s air-fried to perfection, so you get all the crispiness of traditional fried eggplant without the oil and hassle. Let’s get cooking!
Oil a griddle pan and heat it, then preheat the air fryer.
Slice the aubergine into thin rounds, place them on the griddle, sprinkle with rock salt, and let them grill; spray or brush oil on top, then flip when brown lines form.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté the onions for 1 minute until translucent, then add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
Add the lentils, spices, seasoning, and crumbled veggie stock, then mix in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.
Stir well and let it simmer for 5-8 minutes while the aubergine grills.
Layer the base with the tomato-lentil mixture, sprinkle with nutritional yeast, then layer with grilled aubergine; repeat until you reach the top of the dish.
Pour vegan cream over the top, sprinkle with nutritional yeast, and top with cheese.
Cook in the air fryer at 200°C for 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add cheese to each layer and a little cream if you like!
