Crunchy Air Fryer Eggplant Cutlets: A Quick Way to Enjoy a Lighter Bite

Posted on November 27, 2025

Air Fryer Eggplant Cutlets

Air fryer eggplant cutlets offer an impressive balance of lightness and crunch, making them an excellent alternative to traditional fried versions. Their firm texture and delicate flavor hold up beautifully to high-heat air circulation, allowing the coating to crisp without excess oil.

This preparation highlights how well the air fryer handles breaded vegetables: the outside becomes golden and crisp, while the inside stays tender and moist. The result is a versatile side dish ideal for quick lunches, weeknight dinners or as a lighter option when you want something satisfying without deep frying.

Serve them warm right out of the air fryer or at room temperatureโ€”either way, they deliver excellent flavor with minimal effort.

Try it: Quick and Tasty Dinner Idea: Try These Stuffed Eggplant Rounds in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Eggplant Cutlets
Air Fryer Eggplant Cutlets

Air Fryer Eggplant Cutlets

Crispy air fryer eggplant cutlets with a tender interior, minimal oil, and a golden breadcrumb crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

What you need to make air fryer eggplant cutlets
Ingredients
  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • olive oil, as needed
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs

Method
 

How to make air fryer eggplant cutlets
    Prepare the coating
    1. Combine the milk and egg in a bowl until smooth. In a second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with salt and black pepper. Place the flour in a third bowl.
    Prepare the eggplant
    1. Slice the eggplant into 1-1.5 cm thick rounds. Preheat the air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
    Bread the slices
    1. Coat each eggplant slice in flour, dip in the milkโ€“egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb coating to create an even crust.
    Air fry
    1. Brush or spray the slices with olive oil. Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC), turning halfway through for even browning.
    Storage
    1. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for a few minutes before serving.

    Extra Tips

    Enhance the breadcrumb coating with grated Parmesan, smoked paprika or dried herbs. These cutlets are also excellent served at room temperature as a light appetizer.

    โ€” Some images featured in our recipes serve illustrative purposes only. Each preparation is carefully tested, yet the final outcome may vary depending on the ingredients you use and the equipment available in your own kitchen.

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