Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini (Mozzarella & Tomato)

This Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini is the quick, fresh way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite. Thin slices of eggplant are air fried until tender, then rolled around fresh mozzarella, a slice of ripe tomato, basil, and a pinch of oregano. A few more minutes in the air fryer melts the cheese, and you finish each roll with warm tomato sauce and Parmesan.

There’s no breading, no ricotta mixture, and no oven to heat up. That makes this eggplant rollatini light enough for a weeknight and pretty enough for guests. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, including the time the eggplant spends resting in salt.

If you love eggplant in the air fryer, try my Air Fryer Eggplant Chips, Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries, or my copycat Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana. Need a sauce for serving? My Cheesecake Factory Copycat Marinara or Homemade Spaghetti Sauce work beautifully.

Why You Will Love This Eggplant Rollatini

Looks impressive: Each little roll shows off the green basil and red tomato, so it’s great for guests.

Light and fresh: No breading and no heavy ricotta filling, just tender eggplant, melty mozzarella, and juicy tomato.

Made entirely in the air fryer: From slicing to serving in about 30 minutes, with no oven to preheat.

Only a handful of ingredients: Eggplant, fresh mozzarella, a tomato, herbs, olive oil, tomato sauce, and Parmesan.

Naturally gluten-free: There are no breadcrumbs, so it fits a gluten-free table as written.

Easy to customize: Add spinach, roasted red pepper, or a smear of pesto inside each roll.

How This Differs From Classic Eggplant Rollatini

Traditional eggplant rollatini uses breaded, fried eggplant stuffed with a ricotta mixture, then baked in a dish of marinara. It’s delicious, but it takes over an hour and a few pans.

This air fryer version keeps the flavors you love (eggplant, mozzarella, tomato, basil, and Parmesan) and skips the breading, the ricotta, and the oven. You get a lighter rollatini that’s on the table in about half the time.

Want it saucier? Spoon a little tomato sauce into the baking pan before the final air fry, then add more on top when you serve.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini

See the recipe card below for exact amounts.

• Eggplant: Two medium eggplants with firm, smooth, shiny skin give you plenty of long slices for rolling.
• Salt: Draws out moisture and any bitterness so the slices roll without cracking.
• Fresh mozzarella: Soft and creamy, it melts into every roll. Shredded mozzarella works in a pinch.
• Tomato: One large, ripe tomato, thinly sliced, adds juicy sweetness.
• Oregano: A sprinkle gives the classic Italian flavor.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves tucked inside each roll add a bright, herby bite.
• Olive oil: Brushed on the slices so they turn tender and lightly golden.
• Tomato sauce: Warm it up for serving over or alongside the rolls.

How To Make Eggplant Rollatini in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (air fryer setting) for 2 to 4 minutes. Trim the ends off the eggplant and cut it lengthwise into thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Lay the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and brush them lightly with olive oil. Air fry at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender and bendable. Work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Remove the eggplant from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute so it’s easy to handle. Top each slice with a piece of mozzarella, a tomato slice, a sprinkle of oregano, and a basil leaf.

Step 4: Starting at the short end, roll up each slice and place it seam-side down in an air fryer-safe baking pan. Air fry at 330°F for 5 to 6 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Step 5: Serve warm with tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Eggplant Rollatini

• Slice lengthwise and thin. Aim for 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Thicker slices crack when you roll them. A mandoline makes even slices fast.
• Choose long, medium eggplants. Firm, shiny eggplants with few seeds give the longest, most flexible slices.
• Don’t skip the salt. Ten minutes of salting pulls out water, so the eggplant turns tender instead of soggy. Pat the slices dry before brushing with oil.
• Cook until bendable. If a slice snaps when you fold it, give it another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Work in batches. Keep the slices in a single layer. With a smaller air fryer, plan on 2 or 3 batches.
• Don’t overfill. One piece of mozzarella and one tomato slice per roll keeps them tidy and easy to roll.
• Pat the tomato dry. Blot the tomato slices with a paper towel so the rolls don’t get watery.
• Adjust for your air fryer. Times vary by model and slice thickness, so check a minute early the first time.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

Reheat from frozen: Air fry at 330°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until heated through and the cheese melts.

Make ahead: Assemble the rolls up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Do the final air fry (330°F for 6 to 8 minutes) right before serving.

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze the rolls on a baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours, then move them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Fresh tomato softens after freezing, so they’re best fresh.

Reheat from the fridge: Air fry at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes until warm.

What To Serve With Eggplant Rollatini

Serve these rolls as a light main dish or an Italian appetizer.

• Salad: My Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad or a green salad with copycat Outback Caesar Dressing.
• Bread: Air Fryer Herb Garlic Bread for soaking up the sauce.
• Pasta: Ninja Foodi Spaghetti or a simple angel hair with olive oil.
• Extra sauce for dipping: My copycat Cheesecake Factory Marinara.
• More appetizers: Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Crisps or Air Fryer Italian Stuffed Mushrooms.
• A protein: Air Fryer Salmon Cacciatore turns it into a full dinner.

Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini FAQs

Is this a traditional eggplant rollatini? It’s a lighter take. Classic rollatini uses breaded eggplant, a ricotta filling, and an oven bake. This version uses air-fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and tomato, and it’s made entirely in the air fryer.

Do I need to bread the eggplant? No. A light brush of olive oil is all it needs. That also makes this recipe naturally gluten-free.

Can I add ricotta? Yes. Spread a thin layer of ricotta on each slice before adding the mozzarella and tomato. Keep it thin so the rolls stay closed.

Why is my eggplant cracking when I roll it? The slices are too thick or not cooked long enough. Slice 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and air fry until the slices bend easily.

How do I keep the rolls from getting watery? Salt the eggplant for the full 10 minutes, pat it dry, and blot the tomato slices before rolling.

Can I use frozen eggplant? Fresh is best. Frozen eggplant turns too soft and watery to roll.

What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella? Shredded mozzarella or provolone both melt well. Fresh mozzarella gives the creamiest result.

Can I make it ahead? Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate up to 1 day. Air fry right before serving.

Can I make this in the oven? Yes. Bake the oiled slices at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, until tender. Then fill, roll, and bake 8 to 10 minutes more until the cheese melts.

More Air Fryer Eggplant and Italian Recipes

• Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Recipes
• How To Make Air Fryer Eggplant Chips Not Soggy
• Extra Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
• Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana
• Air Fryer Italian Stuffed Mushroom