Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Coins

Name: Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Coins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Coins, and they have become a staple in my kitchen. The crunchy exterior paired with a melty, cheesy center is simply irresistible. Whether I serve them as an appetizer or a side, they always impress my family and friends. The combination of fresh eggplant, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella creates layers of flavor that are hard to resist. Plus, the baking method keeps things light while still achieving that golden crisp I adore.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-18T04:01:26.070Z

As I experimented with different ways to prepare eggplant, I found that slicing them into coins and baking them really enhanced their flavor and texture. The trick is to salt the eggplant first to draw out moisture, which prevents them from becoming soggy. This method also perfectly melds the spices and cheese, creating an unforgettable savory experience. I can't wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

One day, I decided to combine classic Italian flavors with a twist, and that’s how these crispy coins came to be! The key to the perfect crunch lies in the panko breadcrumbs, which give the right amount of crunch without being overly heavy. Trust me; these will disappear faster than you can make them!

        Why You Will Love These Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Coins
        Golden, crispy exterior that gives a satisfying crunch with every bite
Layers of cheesy goodness and zesty marinara for an incredible flavor combination
Versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a delightful side

      

Understanding Eggplant Preparation

Preparing the eggplant properly is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in your Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Coins. By salting the eggplant and letting it sit in a colander, you draw out excess moisture and bitterness, which can compromise the overall taste. After allowing it to sit for about 30 minutes, be sure to rinse the slices thoroughly and dry them well with paper towels to ensure a nice, crispy finish when baked.

If you find yourself pressed for time, consider slicing the eggplant into thinner rounds, about a quarter-inch thick. This can help reduce the salting time to about 15 minutes. However, be cautious with very thin slices as they may cook faster and require closer monitoring to avoid burning in the oven.

Secrets to Perfect Breading

The three-step breading process—flour, egg, and panko—is what gives these eggplant coins their perfect crispy texture. The flour acts as a base layer that helps the egg adhere to the eggplant, while the panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. Combine panko with grated Parmesan for an added flavor boost; you can even mix in different seasonings, like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper, for an extra kick.

It's essential to ensure each slice is coated evenly in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. A common mistake is to rush this process; a lack of proper coating can result in soggy eggplant. If you want to keep things more wholesome, whole wheat flour and almond flour are great alternatives that still provide a nice crust.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Coins are not only delightful as an appetizer but also pair beautifully with various main courses. Serving them on a platter with warm marinara sauce creates a dip that complements the flavors brilliantly. If you want to elevate the presentation, try sprinkling fresh basil or grated Parmesan over the coins just before serving for a pop of flavor and color.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the eggplant coins up to the baking step and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. I recommend baking them fresh for the best crispiness. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) to reclaim their crunch.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Eggplant Coins

1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

For Serving

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to read through the steps before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process!

Cooking Steps

Follow these steps to create perfect crispy eggplant coins:

Prepare the Eggplant

Sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplant and place them in a colander. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels.

Set Up Dredging Station

In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Bread the Eggplant

Dip each eggplant coin first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with the panko mixture. Make sure each slice is well-coated.

Bake the Coins

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated eggplant coins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Finish with Cheese

In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the tray from the oven and add shredded mozzarella on top of each coin. Return to the oven until the cheese is bubbly.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy your crispy delights!

Let the eggplant coins cool for a minute before serving to ensure a crisp texture.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can easily substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese, which will still provide a cheesy flavor without dairy. Instead of regular mozzarella, try using a plant-based mozzarella that melts well to maintain that gooey texture.

In place of panko breadcrumbs, try crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free alternative that also gives a satisfying crunch. Additionally, if you want to make these coins even lighter, you can air-fry them instead of baking, which requires no additional oil while still yielding that crispy bite.

Variations on Cooking Method

While baking is the most straightforward option for cooking your eggplant coins, you can also experiment with air frying. Air frying at a temperature of 380°F (193°C) for about 15-20 minutes can impart a beautiful crispy crust with a fraction of the oil, making this a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.

If you want to add a bit more flair, consider turning these coins into a layered casserole. After baking, layer the coins with marinara and mozzarella in a baking dish, bake until bubbly, and serve as a hearty main dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to use provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bread the eggplant coins and refrigerate them for a day before baking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best result.

→ Can I fry the eggplant coins instead?

Certainly! If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can pan-fry them in olive oil instead of baking.