Sometimes there’s just not enough time to cook dinner, yet you still crave something quick and delicious. These stuffed eggplant rounds are exactly that — simple, flavorful, and ready in minutes. Filled with ham and cheese, they’re crispy on the outside, soft and gooey inside, and cook perfectly in the air fryer.
The many ways to enjoy stuffed eggplant rounds
Eggplant is one of those versatile vegetables that can easily turn into a side dish or a light main course. These rounds take just about 15 minutes to prepare and can be customized in countless ways.
Besides the classic ham and cheese combo, try them with cherry tomatoes and a touch of tomato paste for a pizza-styleversion with mozzarella. Or go Mediterranean with capers, olives, and oregano. Every variation brings out a new flavor — and all of them are irresistibly good.
Quick and easy recipe for a crispy, melty result
Ready in just 25 minutes, these air fryer eggplant rounds are crispy on the outside, perfectly melted inside, and full of Mediterranean flavor.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 25 min
Serves: 3
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant (or 2 small ones)
- 2 medium mozzarella balls, 125 g each (about 4.5 oz), or use scamorza cheese
- 4–5 slices cooked ham
- Grated cheese, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
- Breadcrumbs, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Wash and dry the eggplant, then slice it into rounds about 1 cm (½ inch) thick. Arrange them on a baking tray.
Score two small vertical cuts on each slice, then season lightly with salt and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
Cut the mozzarella and ham into small cubes — remember, the rounds are small, so keep the pieces bite-sized.
Place some ham and cheese on top of each eggplant round, then sprinkle with grated cheese and a pinch of breadcrumbs to add crunch.
As each round is ready, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 180 °C (360 °F) for about 10–15 minutes, checking halfway through. After 7 minutes, make sure a light golden crust is forming.
Once they’re crispy and the cheese has melted, remove them carefully and serve hot.
They’re delicious just as they are, but you can also try the variations mentioned above — they’ll be a hit at any table.
Storage
Stuffed eggplant rounds are best enjoyed freshly made, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat them directly in the air fryer for a few minutes until crisp again — avoid the microwave, as it makes them soft.
Each serving has around 220–250 kcal, depending on the cheese and amount of oil used — a lighter, cleaner option than classic frying.
Tasty ideas and variations
For a twist, replace the ham with smoked salmon, speck, or grilled vegetables.
For a vegetarian version, use diced cherry tomatoes, a bit of oregano, and mozzarella — they’ll taste just like mini pizzas.
You can also add a pinch of chili flakes or some black olives for a bolder flavor.
Perfect as a light main course, appetizer, or even a fun home aperitif — these eggplant rounds never disappoint.
Since 2012, I’ve been sharing life through the things I love most — cooking, traveling, observing, and writing. I do it with the curiosity of someone who’s always learning, and the joy of sharing something real and heartfelt
