Baked and Air-Fried Stuffed Eggplants: The Tasty and Light Dish to Try Right Away: Sometimes we’re looking for a simple and quick recipe that still has a special and tasty touch.
A perfect dinner-saving recipe for the whole family or special occasions.
Stuffed eggplants were a recipe that brings me back to when my mom used to make them, today I present a more modern, quick, and light version.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 10 Days
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for a simple and tasty recipe with a few ingredients available in the kitchen.
- 4 eggplants (long)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 1/4 cups tomato sauce
- 5 oz boiled ham (cubed)
- 2 3/4 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 1/2 oz mozzarella (in pieces)
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- basil (leaves)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Tools
To make the preparation simpler and quicker, here are the tools I recommend using:
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 non-stick pan
- 1 immersion blender
- 1 baking tray
- 1 grater or knife
Steps
A simple procedure accessible to everyone to follow in a few steps, for tasty stuffed eggplants. For a recipe that feels like home and pleases everyone.
1. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a grid pattern without reaching the skin.
2. Place the eggplants on a baking tray, brush with a little oil and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
3. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and chop it coarsely.
4. In a pan, heat a little oil with crushed garlic cloves, then add the chopped flesh and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and basil, cook for about 10 minutes and blend the sauce coarsely.
6. Turn off the heat, add boiled ham and Parmesan, mix well.
Fill the eggplants with the mixture, top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
7. Place the eggplants in the air fryer at 356°F for 10-12 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and the surface is golden.
8. Or in a conventional oven at 375/400°F for 15 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for a family night or a dinner with friends and it’ll be great to see everyone licking their lips. A tasty mix that conquers everyone.
Storage: in the fridge for up to 2 days, reheat before serving
Note: you can substitute the ham with a vegetarian alternative or add spices to taste
Serving: perfect with fresh salad or crunchy bread
Baked and Air-Fried Stuffed Eggplants: The Tasty and Light Dish to Try Right Away
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes! You can bake the eggplants in the oven, fill them, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just air fry them for 10-12 minutes and serve them hot and gooey.
I don’t have an air fryer, can I use the oven?
Absolutely yes. Bake at 400°F in ventilated mode for about 15-20 minutes or until the surface is well gratinated.
Can I use another type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Sure! Try with scamorza, provola or cheeses that melt well. If you want a lighter version, you can also use light mozzarella.
What if I want to make them vegetarian?
Remove the boiled ham and maybe add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or more cheese. They’re delicious even like this!
Can they be frozen?
Yes, but I recommend freezing them already cooked. When you need them, defrost and heat them in the oven or air fryer.
