Air Fryer Eggplant Pizza

If you’re looking for a low-carb, gluten-free, and incredibly tasty alternative to traditional pizza, Air Fryer Eggplant Pizza is a must-try! With crispy eggplant rounds as the base, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, this healthy twist on pizza is ready in minutes—and it’s kid-friendly too!

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup pizza or marinara sauce
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
• Fresh basil or red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Air Fryer Eggplant Pizza

1. Prep the Eggplant:
   • Slice eggplant into even ½-inch rounds.
   • Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture.
   • Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season and Pre-Cook:
   • Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil.
   • Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place eggplant rounds in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed).
   • Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flip, and cook another 3–4 minutes until slightly golden.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings:
   • Spoon pizza sauce onto each cooked eggplant round.
   • Top with mozzarella, Parmesan (if using), and your choice of toppings.
4. Melt & Finish:
   • Return pizzas to the air fryer and cook for 2–3 minutes more, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish & Serve:
   • Add fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

You Must Know

• Salt the eggplant: This removes bitterness and helps achieve a better texture.
• Don’t overload toppings: Eggplant is soft and can get soggy if overloaded.
• Cheese placement matters: Add cheese first, then light toppings to prevent them from flying around in the air fryer.

Topping Variations

• Classic Margherita: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
• Pepperoni: Add 1–2 slices of mini pepperoni per round.
• Veggie Lovers: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, black olives.
• BBQ Chicken: Use BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.
• Pesto Dream: Swap pizza sauce for pesto and top with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.

Make It A Meal

Pair your Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas with:

• Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
• Low-carb coleslaw
• Roasted red pepper soup
• Sparkling water or chilled kombucha

Pro Tips

• Use parchment rounds if your air fryer tends to stick.
• Preheat your air fryer for the best texture.
• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding and get evenly crispy eggplant.
• Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I skip salting the eggplant?
You can, but it may result in a more bitter taste and soggier texture. Salting is highly recommended.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan cheese alternatives or skip cheese entirely and load up on veggies.

Can I freeze them?
Cooked eggplant doesn’t freeze well due to texture changes. Best enjoyed fresh.

Can I make it in the oven instead?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes total, watching closely after topping with cheese.

What type of eggplant should I use?
Standard globe eggplants work great, but you can also use smaller Italian eggplants for mini pizzas.