Panko breadcrumbs are light, flaky and crunchy. They mimic the crisp texture of fried eggplant when baked. No deep-fryer ...

Add sausage and cook until no longer pink; drain ... Place breadcrumbs in another bowl. Slice eggplant around 1/4-inch thick and dip each slice into egg mixture, then into breadcrumbs.

Dip eggplant in eggs, then in bread crumbs. In a deep skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil to 375 degrees. Fry eggplant in batches ... Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese. Cover and bake until bubbly ...

As much as I enjoyed the taste of Flay's fried eggplant Parmesan dish, I'll need to reserve it for weekends or gatherings when I have more time to cook. For days when I am short on time ...

Italian eggplant parmesan ... and crispy with no bitterness in sight. Salting your eggplant will remove some of its moisture and bitterness, making it the perfect texture for frying.