Oh my goodness, have you tried making mini low carb pizzas with air fryer eggplant yet? Trust me, it’s a game changer! I’m always on the lookout for delicious ways to enjoy pizza while keeping things low-carb, and these bite-sized beauties are just the ticket. The eggplant acts as the perfect base, soaking up all that marinara goodness while giving you that satisfying pizza crunch. Plus, they’re so quick to whip up in the air fryer—no waiting for the oven to preheat! I remember the first time I made these; I was so excited to see my family devour them in seconds. Seriously, these air fryer eggplant pizzas are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup packed shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to get that perfect crispy finish!
- While the air fryer heats up, grab your large eggplant and slice it into 1/2 inch rounds. Don’t worry about making them perfect; just keep them roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
- Now, sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture, making them less soggy. You’ll notice some beads of water forming, and that’s exactly what we want!
- After 10 minutes, pat those slices dry with a paper towel. This is such an important step—trust me!
- Next, place the eggplant slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook them for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even cooking and that lovely golden color.
- Once they’re done, carefully remove the eggplant slices and top each one with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce, followed by a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Yum!
- Now, pop them back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Finally, serve these mini pizzas hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Low carb and guilt-free, perfect for those watching their carbs.
- Flavor-packed with the classic taste of pizza, minus the heavy crust.
- Customizable toppings mean you can make them your own every time!
- Perfectly crispy texture from the air fryer, giving that satisfying crunch.
- Kid-friendly and a fun way to get veggies into your meal.
- Great for meal prep—simply store leftovers for a quick snack or lunch!
Tips for Success
To make your air fryer eggplant pizzas truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, when selecting your eggplant, look for one that’s firm and feels heavy for its size. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. If you want extra crispiness, feel free to cook them a couple of minutes longer—just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
As for toppings, don’t be afraid to get creative! Swap out the pepperoni for veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a fresh twist, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a kick. You can even use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile. The beauty of these mini low carb pizzas is that they’re so versatile!
Lastly, if you’re making a larger batch, just remember to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Giving each slice some space allows for that wonderful airflow, resulting in perfectly crisp pizzas every time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect from these delicious air fryer eggplant pizzas:
- Serving Size: 2 mini pizzas
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs and preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables instead of eggplant?
Absolutely! While eggplant is fantastic for these mini low carb pizzas, you could try zucchini or even portobello mushrooms for a different twist. Just slice them about the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when my eggplant pizzas are done?
You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the eggplant are slightly golden. If you want them extra crispy, just give them a minute or two more—but keep an eye on them!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the eggplant slices and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before cooking. Just be sure to salt them and draw out moisture right before air frying for the best texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover air fryer eggplant pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer, which helps keep that crispy goodness!
Are these pizzas suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These mini low carb pizzas are perfect for meal prep. Just whip up a batch, store them in the fridge, and you’ll have a quick and delicious snack or lunch ready to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover air fryer eggplant pizzas, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to three days, which is perfect for quick snacks or lunches later on! When it’s time to reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. Just pop them back in at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. Trust me, this method helps maintain that delightful crunch you love, unlike the microwave, which can make them soggy. Enjoy every bite just like the first time!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer eggplant pizzas are so versatile and can be paired with a variety of delicious sides! For a fresh touch, serve them alongside a crisp garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks can’t go wrong! You might also consider a light antipasto platter with olives, roasted red peppers, and some sliced salami to complement the flavors of your mini pizzas. And don’t forget a bowl of extra marinara for dipping—it’s the perfect finishing touch to this delightful meal!
For more information on healthy eating, check out this resource from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
For tips on meal prepping, visit Meal Prep on Fleek.
For more about the benefits of air frying, see this Healthline article.
Print
Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas: 7 Guilt-Free Low Carb Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Mini low carb pizzas made with air fryer eggplant.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel.
- Place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the eggplant and top each slice with marinara sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy your mini pizzas.
Notes
- Adjust toppings as per your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini pizzas
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: air fryer eggplant pizzas, mini low carb pizzas
