Hey there, pizza lovers! I’m so excited to share my air fryer eggplant pizzas with you because they’re not just a delicious low carb option—they’re also super fun to make! Imagine sinking your teeth into a mini pizza that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients. I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to find a way to satisfy my pizza cravings without the guilt. And let me tell you, these little beauties did the trick! The air fryer gives the eggplant a wonderful texture, and the best part? You can customize them to your heart’s content! Trust me, once you try these mini low carb pizzas, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Getting the ingredients ready for these air fryer eggplant pizzas is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 cup marinara sauce (feel free to use your favorite brand!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the gooier, the better!)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or your choice of toppings)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for that authentic pizza flavor)
- Olive oil spray (this helps give the eggplant that lovely golden finish)
These ingredients come together beautifully, and you can always mix and match based on what you have on hand. Let’s dive into making these delicious mini low carb pizzas!
How to Prepare air fryer eggplant pizzas mini low carb pizzas
Let’s get right into making these scrumptious air fryer eggplant pizzas! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dish in no time.
- First things first, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect, crispy texture!
- While that’s heating up, slice your eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds. You want them thick enough to hold the toppings but not too thick that they won’t cook through.
- Now, grab your olive oil spray and give each eggplant slice a light coating. This step is key to achieving that lovely golden finish!
- Carefully place the eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the eggplant for about 8 minutes. You’re looking for them to be slightly tender and just starting to soften.
- Once they’re done, take them out and spread a generous spoonful of marinara sauce on each slice. Get a little messy—it’s worth it!
- Top each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni (or your favorite toppings). Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s what makes everything so delicious!
- Pop them back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Before serving, sprinkle with Italian seasoning for that extra pop of flavor. And voilà! Your mini low carb pizzas are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a snack!
- Low carb and guilt-free, so you can indulge without the extra calories.
- Deliciously customizable with your favorite toppings, from veggies to different cheeses.
- The air fryer gives the eggplant a delightful crispiness that you won’t be able to resist.
- Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk tips to make your air fryer eggplant pizzas truly amazing! First off, if you find your eggplant a bit bitter, sprinkle some salt on the slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing. This helps draw out moisture and enhances the flavor. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time—every air fryer is a bit different, so you might need to adjust it based on how thick your eggplant slices are. If you want to switch things up, try using different cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique twist! And don’t forget, you can pile on any toppings you love—think bell peppers, olives, or even fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Happy cooking!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with these air fryer eggplant pizzas! The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own with just a few simple tweaks. For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before air frying. If you’re a fan of veggies, load them up with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a nutritious boost. Want to switch up the cheese? Try using goat cheese or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a gourmet touch. You can even make a BBQ version by swapping out the marinara for barbecue sauce and adding grilled chicken on top. The options are endless! Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavors and toppings until you find your perfect bite. Enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for these delightful air fryer eggplant pizzas, perfect for keeping track of your low carb diet! Each serving, which consists of two mini pizzas, contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But overall, you can enjoy these guilt-free treats without worrying too much about the numbers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious air fryer eggplant pizzas, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a great option for meal prep or quick snacks later on. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them, so they don’t stick together.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the pizzas for about 3–5 minutes until they’re heated through and the cheese is nicely melted again. This helps to keep that delightful crispy texture. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also pop them in a regular oven at the same temperature for a few minutes. Enjoy every bite of your tasty creation all over again!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these air fryer eggplant pizzas? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common queries:
Can I use other vegetables instead of eggplant? Absolutely! Zucchini or portobello mushrooms work great too. Just slice them to a similar thickness for even cooking.
Do I need to peel the eggplant? Nope! The skin adds flavor and texture. Just give it a good wash before slicing.
How do I know when the eggplant is cooked? Look for a slight tenderness when you poke it with a fork after the initial cooking time. It should be soft but not mushy.
Can I make these mini low carb pizzas ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the eggplant slices and toppings in advance, then just assemble and cook when you’re ready to eat.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes instead. Just keep an eye on them!
For more delicious recipes, check out Air Fryer Cookie Dough Bites or Creamy Garlic Pasta!
Print
Air Fryer Eggplant Pizzas: 5 Irresistible Low Carb Delights
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Mini low carb pizzas made with air fryer eggplant slices.
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds.
- Spray eggplant slices with olive oil.
- Place eggplant slices in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8 minutes until slightly tender.
- Remove from air fryer and spread marinara sauce on each slice.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
- Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of eggplant.
- Use any toppings you prefer.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini pizzas
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: air fryer eggplant pizzas, mini low carb pizzas
