Mini Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas

In recent years, the culinary world has embraced innovative ways to enjoy traditional dishes while staying mindful of health and nutrition. One such delightful creation is the mini air fryer eggplant pizza, a healthy alternative to conventional pizzas that satisfies both taste and dietary preferences. By using eggplant as a base, this recipe allows you to indulge in the comforting flavors of pizza without the extra carbs and calories that come from traditional crusts.

Discover a tasty and nutritious twist on traditional pizza with mini air fryer eggplant pizzas! This healthy alternative features eggplant as a base, delivering all the comforting flavors you love without the added carbs and calories. Using an air fryer ensures crispy results with less oil, making them a guilt-free option for any meal. Learn how to prepare these delightful mini pizzas packed with toppings, and enjoy a satisfying dish that's easy to customize for all dietary preferences. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, these eggplant pizzas are a fun way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet!

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Ingredients

1 medium eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Optional: red pepper flakes for added spice

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it's heating up, slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds and lay them out on a paper towel. Lightly sprinkle salt on both sides of each slice. Allow the eggplant to sit for 15-20 minutes; this process helps draw out moisture and reduce any bitterness. After the time is up, gently pat the eggplant rounds dry with another paper towel.

Season the Eggplant: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning paste. Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of each eggplant slice with this seasoning mixture.

Air Fry the Eggplant: Place the seasoned eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd (do this in batches if necessary). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time, until they are tender and the edges are slightly crispy.

Assemble the Pizzas: Once cooked, carefully remove the eggplant slices from the air fryer. On each slice, spread about a tablespoon of marinara sauce, ensuring an even layer. Then, generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a light dusting of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Final Air Fry: Place the assembled eggplant pizzas back into the air fryer basket. Air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is beautifully bubbly.

Serve: Gently remove the mini eggplant pizzas from the air fryer. Garnish each pizza with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. Enjoy your deliciously unique mini pizzas while they’re hot!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings