Best Italian Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich (Pan Fried Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant (about 1.5 lbs), cut into ½-inch rounds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 + 1/2 cups unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil, for pan frying
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
• fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced