The eggplant cutlets in the air fryer or oven are perfect if you’re looking for a tasty, light but super delicious main dish. A simple recipe, perfect for the whole family, combining the goodness of breaded eggplants with the surprise of a melty ham and mozzarella filling. All without frying, thanks to cooking in the air fryer, which guarantees a golden and crispy crust with very little oil.
These stuffed eggplants are also ideal as a unique dish or served in a mini version for an unusual appetizer. They are very easy to make and require just a few ingredients: eggplants, cooked ham, mozzarella, eggs, and breadcrumbs. In just a few minutes, you will bring a tasty, light, and irresistible dish to the table.
Cooking in the air fryer is not only quick but also allows you to achieve a result similar to frying, with far fewer calories. Perfect for those who want to eat healthily without sacrificing taste!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2 people
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, All seasons
Ingredients for the eggplant cutlets in air fryer or oven:
- 1 long eggplant
- 1 medium egg
- as needed whole milk
- 6 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 12 slices provola or mozzarella (thin slices)
- 3 slices cooked or raw ham
- as needed fine salt
- as needed extra virgin olive oil
Tools for the eggplant cutlets in air fryer or oven:
- 1 Air Fryer
- 2 Plates
- 1 Ring mold
- 1 Fork
Steps for preparing and cooking the stuffed eggplant cutlets:
Wash the eggplant, pat it dry, cut off the ends, then slice it into thin slices no thicker than a quarter inch, otherwise they won’t cook well in the center.
We used a ring mold to make all the eggplant cutlets uniform, making them even more visually appealing; alternatively, skip this step and peel the eggplant directly.
Salt half of the eggplant slices and place a thin slice of cheese (slightly smaller than the eggplant so the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking) on each one, half a slice of cooked or raw ham, and finish with another slice of dry mozzarella or provola, and cover with another eggplant slice.
In a plate, beat an egg with a splash of milk and salt.
On another plate, place the breadcrumbs.
Dip the eggplant cutlets in the beaten egg and then in the breadcrumbs, making sure they adhere well.
Now you can choose to cook them in the air fryer or oven.
Air fryer version:
place the eggplant cutlets on the air fryer grill, spray with a little oil
cook at 390°F for 12 minutes, turning them halfway through; once cooked, they should be nicely golden.
Classic oven version:
place the eggplants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spray with a little extra virgin olive oil, and cook at 356°F for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Serve the eggplant cutlets in air fryer or oven hot.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare the eggplant cutlets in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for 1 day before cooking. Alternatively, you can also freeze them raw and cook directly in the air fryer or oven, adding a few more minutes to the cooking time.
Can they be made vegetarian?
Sure! Just remove the cooked or raw ham and replace it with grilled vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, or a stronger cheese, like provolone or mild gorgonzola.
Can I use the air fryer without adding oil?
Yes, but I recommend lightly spraying the surface with some spray oil for better browning and a crispier crust.
What can I substitute for eggplants in the stuffed cutlets?
– large zucchini sliced lengthwise
– boiled potatoes
– large champignon mushrooms
– roasted bell peppers
– slices of stale bread for a rustic version.
