Are you looking for a quick and healthy weeknight meal? If you have about 15 minutes, you can easily make this Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan recipe! It's a great way to get the flavor in your belly and a smile on your face.
The other really great part about this easy Instant Pot recipe is that you just need a handful of ingredients. I've made it as easy as possible to do! I can say with confidence that you're going to be hooked!
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is that you can have it as a light dinner or a tasty side dish as well. If you want to add meat, you can - or make it just like it is!
I love to make this recipe for family and friends and really wow them with how quickly I can create something so good!
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works?
Dare I say that this recipe is one of the easiest ways to cook eggplant? I love the added nutrients that we all get - and let's not forget the taste!
It's the perfect way to eat a lower carb option than noodles while not feeling as though I'm missing out on anything. This dish has curbed my cravings time and time again.
- Even the kids will ask for seconds!
- Using the eggplant is a great replacement for noodles
- You can change up the recipe and add meats or other cheeses if you'd like
Recipe Video
Recipe Ingredients
Eggplant - Use a fresh eggplant that is in season for the best flavor and taste.
Salt - To taste.
Marinara sauce - You can make your own sauce or use a sauce that you can buy at the store.
Water - Added to help thin out the marinara.
Parmesan cheese - I love adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese, but you can also use mozzarella as well.
How to make Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan
Gather the necessary ingredients listed on the recipe card. There aren't many that you need, so it'll be quick and painless!
Step One: Clean the eggplant and then cut it into slices.
Step Two: Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the sliced side of the eggplant.
Step Three: Pour a quarter cup of marinara sauce into the instant pot.
Step Four: Add a cup of water to the pot.
Step Five: Stir the sauce and water with a wooden spoon and then and add a quarter cup of the marinara sauce.
Step Six: Add a bit of mozzarella cheese into the sauce.
Step Seven: Add the eggplant slices into the pot.
Step Eight: Pour the remaining marinara sauce into the pot.
Step Nine: Add mozzarella cheese on slices.
Step Ten: Put on the lid and pressure cook at high for 3 minutes.
Step Eleven: Do a quick release and remove the mixture.
Step Twelve: Add an air fryer basket to the instant pot.
Step Thirteen: Place the sauce mixture into a bowl and set it on the air fryer basket.
Step Fourteen: Put on the air fryer lid and air fry at 375F for 8 minutes.
Remove the lid, and serve!
Variations
When it comes to changing up this recipe - have fun. You can add more cheese, add meats like ground turkey, or even add some varying spices to up the heat factor.
Helpful Tips
- Be sure that you slice the eggplant more thin than thick so that it cooks evenly and doesn't have a chewy texture.
- If you want to have more substance to this dish, you can serve it over Instant Pot Coconut Rice.
How to Serve
All you need is a plate and a bowl! I always end up adding more cheese on top - and that's about it!
You can serve Instant Plant Eggplant Parmesan with Spaghetti Bolognese for a fun dish, or just make this a great vegetarian dish that is loaded with flavor.
If you are looking for more ideas, check out What To Serve With Eggplant Parmesan and enjoy 20 delicious recipes for a complete meal.
FAQs
To store leftovers of this dish, you need to store them in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.
Eat within 1-2 days for the best flavor.
To reheat, using your microwave will be the best option. I would reheat in 30-second intervals so that you don't overheat and overcook.
Adding the salt to the eggplant is a simple way to help pull some of the excess moisture out. If there is too much moisture, it may end up making the parmesan a watery mess.
Instant Pot Eggplant Recipes
When it comes to easy recipes to make that use eggplant, there are so many options. Here are some of my favorites!
Instant Pot Easy Vegetarian Recipes
Just when you thought that you couldn't love your air fryer anymore, along comes these tasty recipes. I think you should make them all!
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Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- Parmesan or mozzarella cheese grated
Instructions
- Clean and slice the eggplant.
- Add salt on the sliced eggplant.
- Pour a quarter of a cup of marinara sauce into the Instant Pot.
- Add a cup of water to the pot and stir togehter.
- Add a quarter of the marinara sauce and a tad bit of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the eggplant slices.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce in with the rest of the ingredients.
- Add mozzarella cheese on the slices and put on the lid.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- When cooking time is complete, do a quick release and take out the mixture.
- Place the air fryer basket in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and place the bowl in the air fryer basket.
- Cover with the air fryer lid and air fry at 375 °F for 8 minutes.
- Take off the lid, serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Be sure that you slice the eggplant more thin than thick so that it cooks evenly and doesn't have a chewy texture.
- You can clean the bottom of the Instant Pot before placing the air fryer basket.
- When it comes to changing up this recipe - have fun. You can add more cheese, add meats like ground turkey.