This easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan recipe is gluten-free, allergy-free, and quick to prepare! Crispy eggplant slices made without oil or eggs in the air fryer, then layered and baked with homemade Italian tomato sauce and dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free cheese! A quick and healthy dinner for the whole family!
Can you get any more classic than eggplant parm? Traditional Italian comfort food, surprisingly without pasta (haha!). Breaded and fried eggplant rounds, smothered in red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Definitely a dish that will get anyone to eat their veggies (even though eggplant is a fruit)! Let us take a step back and realize this is an easy dish we can veganize, make gluten-free, AND just a tad bit healthier.
Fried Eggplant WITHOUT the Oil
PSA: You do not need to use oil when "frying" this eggplant! You don't need eggs either! Go grab your air fryer and prepare to make the crispiest gluten-free breaded eggplant rounds you've ever tasted! Thanks to air frying, you can have perfectly cooked and creamy eggplant flesh while still having a crispy breaded coating. No need to worry about soggy, sad eggplant! To make the eggplant, you'll be:
- Slicing the eggplant into ¼ inch thick rounds
- Dipping the rounds into a flaxseed "egg" mixture
- Then coating the eggplant in gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and vegan parmesan
- Finally, air frying the rounds in your air fryer (no need to flip!)
Don't have an air fryer?
Repeat the same coating process and BAKE your coated eggplant rounds at 350°F in the oven for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Tips for a better eggplant parmesan:
- No need to peel your eggplant before slicing! Simply cut the top and bottom ends off, and begin slicing ¼-inch thick rounds.
- How to draw the bitterness out? Once you've sliced your eggplant, you can sprinkle some coarse salt on the eggplant flesh and allow excess moisture and bitterness to be drawn out. Let it sit for about 30 minutes on a paper towel before brushing off the salt. (Note: this isn't necessary in most cases.)
- Best gluten-free breadcrumbs? You can use panko, Italian, or just plain crumbs. Whatever brand is your favorite and you have on hand!
- How many slices do you need? This vegan eggplant parm is two layers in an 8x8 casserole dish. I used a large eggplant and only needed 8 layer rounds. Aim for 2 rounds of eggplant per serving.
Dairy-Free Parmesan and Mozzarella
You'll be using two types of vegan cheeses for this eggplant parm. Homemade vegan and allergy-free parmesan and shredded vegan mozzarella. The parmesan will be mixed into the breadcrumb coating for the eggplant. The mozzarella will be used in the actual layering of the eggplant in the casserole dish. You can skip using the parmesan all together if you don't have the 2 ingredients. The mozzarella is a must (obviously!). I recommend Trader Joe's vegan mozzarella shreds, So Delicious shreds, or Daiya shreds!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
I always like to whip up a quick homemade sauce whenever I get the chance, but you can use your favorite store-bought jarred tomato sauce if you're in a pinch! My easy sauce doesn't need to be cooked ahead of time, just mix a can of plain tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, dried basil, and oregano together in a bowl. You'll want about 3-4 cups of sauce (I like mine super saucy!)
An easy make-ahead casserole
The joy of casseroles? The perfect dishes for making ahead of time and having ready to heat-up for dinner in a flash!
- Freezing: Make the entire dish, assembled, but do not bake it. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat a frozen eggplant parmesan, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake according to recipe directions.
- Prepping the casserole: You can assemble the entire casserole as if you were going to freeze it, 1-2 days before baking and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
- Reheating baked leftovers: If you're just reheating extra servings later in the week, make sure your cooked eggplant parm is tightly covered in the fridge (best if used within 4-5 days), you can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.
What to serve with eggplant parm?
Some people like eggplant parm served over a dish of (gluten-free) pasta, but I always like having it on its own. Let that eggplant have the "entree" spotlight! Serve it alongside a nice veggie salad, or crusty gluten-free garlic bread!
Healthier Comfort Food
While Italian eggplant parm may not evoke a super healthy allergy-free meal, it can be lighten-up and made allergy-friendly for every hungry belly! I have fond memories of eating this comfort food growing up (probably the first way I was introducing to eggplant!) This tummy-friendly recipe is:
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan
- Allergy-free (Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Peanut-Free, Wheat-Free, Sesame-Free, Corn-Free, Coconut-Free)
- Oil-Free
- Sugar-Free
- Kid-Friendly
- Quick and Easy
It's also low in carbs with just a simple light breading, veggie-packed with eggplant and homemade tomato sauce, plus it has some added protein from the vegan mozzarella and homemade hemp seed and nutritional yeast parmesan!
More Classic Italian Recipes:
- Classic Baked Gluten-Free + Vegan Manicotti
- Easy Lightened-Up Penne alla Vodka
- Gluten-Free Fettuccine Alfredo
- Gluten-Free Stuffed Shells with Vegan Almond Ricotta
- Mom’s Best Classic Gluten-Free Vegan Baked Ziti
Easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan
Easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free) | Air Fried & Baked
This easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan recipe is gluten-free, allergy-free, and quick to prepare! Crispy eggplant slices made without oil or eggs in the air fryer, then layered and baked with homemade Italian tomato sauce and dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free cheese! A quick and healthy dinner for the whole family!
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry, Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 Large Eggplant
- 3 Cups Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
- 2 TB Homemade Vegan Parmesan (optional)
- ¼ Cup Milled Flax Seed + ½ Cup Water
- 3 to 4 Cups Marinara Sauce (see below for homemade recipe)
- 1 8 oz Bag Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Shreds
Homemade Marinara Sauce:
- 1 15 oz Can Plain Unsalted Tomato Sauce
- 1 15 oz Can Plain Unsalted Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 Tsp Dried Basil
- 2 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
For the Eggplant:
- In a wide bowl, mix the milled flaxseed together with ½ cup water and allow it to gel for 5 to 10 minutes. In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan.
- Slice the ends off your eggplant and then slice ¼-inch thick rounds. Dip each round in the flax egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fryer: To air fry the eggplant, place 3 to 4 rounds at a time in your air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F, and fry for 5 to 7 minutes. Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rounds, on a linded baking sheet, for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- If using homemade sauce, simply mix together the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- In an 8x8 casserole dish, lightly coat the bottom of the dish with sauce, layer 4 breaded eggplant rounds, cover with 1 to 2 cups of sauce, then top with about half the shredded cheese. Repeat this process for an additional layer.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove, let cool, and serve with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
Keywords: eggplant, breaded eggplant, casserole, quick, easy, marinara sauce, eggplant parm, vegan cheese, air fryer eggplant parmesan, baked eggplant parmesan, gluten-free eggplant parmesan, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, peanut-free, coconut-free, corn-free, sesame-free, sugar-free, oil-free, kid-friendly
So delicious and such a perfect "meaty" meatless main dish that will please even the carnivores at the dinner table! Whether you serve it up for an easy weeknight dinner, holiday main dish, or prep it as a freezer meal for a new mom, no one can deny the cozy vibes of a piping hot eggplant parm!
So tell me:
+ What's your favorite eggplant dish? This baba ghanoush hummus and Middle Eastern stuffed baby eggplants are KILLER! (Can't forget the bacon either...)
———————————————-
Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine
Laurie Cover
Looks yummy!
I love eggplant Parmesan but have wanted to make a GF vegan version.
I will make this for our Christmas dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, perfect for a meatless entree!
Ms Helen
Your Vegan Eggplant Parmesan was delicious, we loved it!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So glad to hear that!
Mother of 3
What a great idea to use the air fryer! I really don't use mine all that often since it takes so long to cook up enough for the whole family (even with the larger air fryer I could buy!) but since I'm the only one that eats eggplant this would work great for me! Pinned.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Fallon
Yum!!! My husband and I need to try and make this in the next week! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect weeknight meal!
Nina | Lemons and Luggage
Eggplant is one of my favorites, so I really can't wait for them to come into season and make this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Eggplant is a year-round thing.
Andriana
Yumm!! This looks amazing!
I recently decided to go meat-free for a little bit, so I will definitely be trying this recipe out.
And love that you use the air fryer...I'm obsessed with mine!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I LOVE anytime I can whip out the air fryer for something that needs the ultimate crispiness!
Lily
I've never tried eggplant, so I'm really interested in trying this dish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha, what?!!!
Kimberly
This sounds delicious! And it looks amazing
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks for your comment.
Melissa
This looks really good! I'm sending this recipe to my vegan friend. She's going to love me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Everyone will enjoy this!
Cindy
This looks amazing! I’ll definitely try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A perfect comfort food meal!
Anna Marie
This looks amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Petra
Delicious I love eggplant.
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Aria
This looks like it’s sure to please my picky eaters!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O, I know it will! Everyone will enjoy!
Sharon
This vegan dish looks must try so good! I really love eggplant dishes so this is going to a must-try soon.
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No-fail cozy way to serve it up!
Christa
My (very Italian) mom makes THE BEST eggplant parmigiana. This recipe looks like it could stand up to hers!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
We Italians know how to cook!
Lianne freeman
Wow this looks delicious , I will be getting the ingredients and cooking this tomo night - thank you for this
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know what you think!
Marina
It looks amazing! Left you a comment on FB saying that I'm doing in a a different way...so I will definetely try your version and let you know x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Alright then.
Molly
Oh, eggplant parmesan sounds delicious! I love a recipe with all the extra vegetables I can get.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just "slightly" healthier here, haha!
Mary Wanjiru
Ummm, YUM! This sounds so delicious, especially in the air fryer. Great recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The KEY to all things perfectly crisp and delicious!
Krystin
Love this recipe, thanks for sharing! This comes in handy because I don't eat dairy and eggplant parmesan is such a good meal!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ultimate veggie comfort food!
Garden
Such a staple for a weeknight family meal!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The classics never die, even with food allergies!
Erin
I love eggplant and am always looking for new GF recipes! Adding to my list!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
An underrated veggie(fruit)!
Erin
I am definitely going to share this recipe with my Mother. She is allergic to gluten, but she is trying to eat a more plant based diet. Unfortunately a lot of my favourite vegan meals have gluten in them so I can't share them with her. I am also really excited to try your cheese recipes.
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
steph
YUM. I love all things parmesan. Love the vegan option!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Can't beat a classic, eh?!
Lisa Arekion
The hubs and i have been eating vegetarian over the past 1.5-2 years, and he is transitioning to vegan so this is an exciting recipe for me to come across and try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You both will love it!