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Eggplant milanese on a serving platter.

Italian Eggplant Milanese Recipe

Allie Hagerty
Enjoy a crispy eggplant milanese, bursting with flavor and perfect with arugula or pasta. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • Shallow bowls (for flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs)
  • large skillet
  • tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Wire rack
  • Baking Sheet
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium eggplants sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt for sweating the eggplant
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil for frying
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant

  • Slice 2 medium eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  • Sprinkle the slices with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and place them on a paper towel-lined tray. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  • Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.

Prepare the Dredging Station

  • In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  • In a second shallow bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth.
  • In a third shallow bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Bread the Eggplant

  • Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess.
  • Dip the floured slice into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.
  • Press the slice into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it thoroughly. Gently press to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat for all slices.

Fry the Eggplant

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the breaded eggplant slices to the skillet in batches. Fry each slice for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer the fried slices to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Add more oil as needed between batches.

Serve

  • Sprinkle the hot eggplant slices with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
  • Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.

Notes

Expert Tips:
    • Pat It Dry: After sweating the eggplant with salt, thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the breadcrumb coating adheres perfectly.
    • Dredge Carefully: Work in an assembly line: coat in the seasoned flour, dip in the beaten egg mixture, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for maximum coverage.
    • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry the eggplant in a single layer with enough hot oil to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
    • Keep It Warm: Place fried rounds on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven to stay crispy while you finish frying the remaining eggplant.
 
Serving Suggestions:
    • Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness of the dish while complementing its fresh herbs.
    • Classic Italian: Serve with spaghetti tossed in a light marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
    • Upscale Plating: Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
    • Family-Style Meal: Layer the eggplant rounds with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a baked casserole twist.
 
Storage Instructions:
  • Refrigerator: Store leftover crispy eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: To keep the crust crispy, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8–10 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the coating soggy.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the breaded but uncooked eggplant rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two per side.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 1552mgPotassium: 627mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 3mg
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