Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini – Crispy, Cheesy, and Completely Irresistible with Savory Ricotta

If you’re looking for a lighter yet equally indulgent twist on traditional Eggplant Rollatini, this Air Fryer version is just what you need! With crispy, breaded eggplant slices wrapped around a creamy ricotta filling and topped with marinara sauce and melty cheese, this dish has all the comfort and flavor of the original, but with less oil and quicker cook time. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal that’s sure to impress!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is a classic Italian dish, typically made by breading and frying eggplant slices before stuffing them with a cheesy ricotta filling. This air fryer version brings a modern twist to the recipe by cutting down on the oil while still maintaining that golden, crispy texture we all love. Whether you’re making this for a vegetarian meal or a special dinner, it’s bound to be a hit. The combination of crunchy eggplant, savory filling, and cheesy topping is just divine!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini

This dish combines the best parts of a classic Italian favorite with a healthier air fryer method. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior on the eggplant slices, while the ricotta filling inside stays creamy and flavorful. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think! With layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, and marinara, this dish is indulgent and satisfying but with a fraction of the oil typically used in frying. The result? A beautiful, golden rollatini that’s just as good as the deep-fried version but with less mess and calories.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 6g

This dish is light enough to serve as a vegetarian main course, but rich and filling with all that cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some pasta tossed with extra marinara sauce. To elevate the flavors even more, consider pairing this dish with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese, which will balance the rich flavors of the cheese and marinara beautifully. For dessert, keep it light with a refreshing sorbet or a classic Italian treat like tiramisu.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rollatini back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the exterior, or you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze this dish—just place the cooled rollatini in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.

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Fun Fact: Why Salt the Eggplant?

Salting the eggplant before cooking is a traditional method used to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. This step is especially helpful when air frying because it helps the eggplant get that perfect crispy texture on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Plus, it enhances the overall flavor by reducing any potential bitterness.

Cooking Tips

Perfect Crispiness: Make sure to spray the eggplant slices with cooking spray before air frying. This ensures they get that golden, crispy exterior. Customize the Filling: If you want to mix it up, feel free to add spinach or even sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and texture. Broil for Extra Brown: After baking or air frying, you can broil the rollatini for 1-2 minutes to get that extra golden, bubbly cheese on top.

Optional Variations

Spinach-Ricotta Filling: Add a cup of sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for an extra burst of nutrition and flavor. Vegan Version: Swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based alternatives to make this dish vegan-friendly. Low-Carb: Skip the breading and simply air fry the eggplant slices without coating them for a lower-carb option.

Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Rollatini:

• 2 large eggplant (about 10-12 slices)
• 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 eggs, whisked
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (can sub all Italian)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or as needed)
• 1¼ cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 1¼ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¾ teaspoon EACH: dried basil, oregano, and salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:
2. • Cut the ends off the eggplants and slice lengthwise into even, ¼-inch slices. You’ll want about 10-12 slices.
   • Sprinkle each side of the eggplant slices with kosher salt. Layer the slices on paper towels, covering the top and bottom. Let sit for 1 hour to draw out excess moisture.
   • Meanwhile, mix the ricotta filling ingredients together and set aside in the fridge.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
4. • Set up three bowls for breading: one with flour and garlic powder, one with whisked eggs, and one with the Italian and Panko breadcrumbs.
   • After the eggplant slices have sat for an hour, use dry paper towels to dab away any excess moisture.
5. Bread the Eggplant:
6. • Dip each slice into the flour mixture, tap off excess, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto each slice to make sure they stick.
7. Air Fry the Eggplant:
8. • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Air fry 4 slices at a time at 375°F for 5 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. Repeat until all slices are cooked.
9. Assemble the Rollatini:
10. • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread ¼ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
    • Scoop a heaping 2 tablespoons of ricotta filling onto each eggplant slice and roll it up. Place the rolls seam-side-down in the baking dish.
11. Bake and Serve:
12. • Spoon up to 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese further.
    • Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini offers all the crispy, cheesy goodness of the classic dish but with less oil and effort. With a flavorful ricotta filling and melty cheese topping, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a special event, this rollatini will be a crowd-pleaser. Buon appetito!