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Air Fryer Eggplant Pizza

Air Fryer Eggplant Pizza
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The Air Fryer Eggplant Pizza is a crispy, vibrant, and flavorful dish combining tender eggplant slices with savory pizza toppings cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This healthy alternative to traditional pizza delivers a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil, all with minimal oil and gluten-free ingredients. Quick and easy to prepare, it adapts well as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggplant Base

  • 1 medium firm eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary), to taste

Toppings

  • Marinara or homemade tomato sauce, as needed
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded, as needed
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Eggplant: Wash and slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Lightly salt both sides of the slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which prevents sogginess.
  2. Brush with Olive Oil and Season: Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel, then brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the slices to build flavor before cooking.
  3. Air Fry the Eggplant: Place the slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and starting to crisp.
  4. Add Toppings: Remove the cooked eggplant slices from the air fryer. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce over each slice, then top with fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. Add any additional desired toppings at this stage.
  5. Final Air Fry: Return the topped eggplant slices to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the edges of the eggplant turn golden.

Notes

  • Salting is Key: Salting the eggplant reduces bitterness and excess moisture, improving texture and taste.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange slices with enough space in your air fryer for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and quality mozzarella greatly enhance the pizza’s flavor.
  • Layer Sauce Thinly: Apply tomato sauce in thin layers to prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust Cook Times: Air fryer models vary; watch cooking times closely to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggplant pizza, air fryer pizza, gluten free pizza, healthy pizza, vegetarian pizza, easy weeknight dinner, low oil pizza

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/air-fryer-eggplant-pizza/