Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn classic lasagna into a crave-worthy, crispy snack, let me introduce you to Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta. Imagine everything you love about lasagna—creamy ricotta filling, gooey mozzarella, tangy Parmesan, and aromatic Italian seasoning—tucked inside golden, crunchy pinwheels that are literally begging to be dunked in rich marinara sauce. In less than half an hour, this recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a party-starting appetizer, a family movie night treat, or even a vegetarian main everyone will talk about. Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta packs maximum flavor in every bite, with a crackling breadcrumb coating and luscious, cheesy center you’ll want to dive into again and again. Trust me, you have to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore about making Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is that every ingredient is simple, straightforward, and totally necessary. Each one plays its part perfectly, contributing to that layered flavor and crave-worthy crisp you can only get when everything comes together just right.
- Lasagna noodles (6, cooked): These sturdy noodles are the perfect vehicle for rolling up all that cheesy filling and holding their shape in the air fryer.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creamy and mild, ricotta forms the heart of the filling, adding richness and a lovely fluffy texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): For a classic stretchy cheesiness that melts beautifully inside each fritta.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds umami depth and that irresistible salty, sharp finish.
- Egg (1 for filling): Helps bind the cheese mixture so it stays neatly tucked in each roll.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): An easy shortcut to those essential lasagna flavors—think basil, oregano, and more.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a sprinkle of each brightens and balances the cheesy filling.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): These bring flavor and the crunch factor to the fritta—seasoned breading makes all the difference!
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): A dusting of flour helps the breading stick and crisps up the surface as it fries.
- Eggs (2, beaten, for breading): The essential middle step in breading, giving the breadcrumbs a perfect surface to adhere to.
- Olive oil spray: A quick spritz ensures a gorgeous golden finish without deep frying.
- Warm marinara sauce (for serving): The ideal dip, bringing bright tomato flavor and tying every bite together.
How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Step 1: Mix the Filling
This is the part where the magic starts! Grab a medium mixing bowl and add your ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir it up until everything’s fully blended and gloriously creamy. This filling is classic Italian comfort—incredibly cheesy but far from one-note, thanks to the blend of seasonings and cheeses.
Step 2: Roll the Noodles
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles out flat on a cutting board or clean surface. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each noodle, spreading it edge to edge for an even layer. Now, starting at one end, roll them up gently but tightly, turning each noodle into a fat little pinwheel of cheesy goodness. You’re halfway to Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta heaven!
Step 3: Slice and Size
Once your noodles are all rolled, use a sharp knife to cut each roll in half or into thirds, depending on how big or bite-sized you want your fritta. This step is totally customizable, so go with what feels right—just keep the pieces uniform for even cooking.
Step 4: Breading Time
Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the 2 beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs. Take each lasagna piece, dredge it first in flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it well with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs really cling. You want full coverage here for maximum crispiness!
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the breaded fritta in a single layer in the basket. Give them a light but thorough spray with olive oil on all sides—this is the secret to getting that deep-fried finish with little to no mess. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping each fritta halfway through, until they’re puffed and crackly brown on the outside and gloriously melty inside.
Step 6: Serve with Marinara
As soon as the Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta comes out hot and crispy, move quickly! Pile them up on a serving plate, and put out a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dunking. Grab one while it’s still steamy—it’s pure joy in every bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with a little extra Parmesan cheese and a scatter of chopped fresh basil or parsley. These bright, fresh touches not only look beautiful, but also highlight the Italian flavors in every bite. For a real restaurant touch, try a tiny drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This appetizer is totally versatile! For a vibrant meal, serve with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad and maybe some roasted vegetables or garlic breadsticks. At a party, they’re fantastic next to a platter of antipasto, olives, or mini Caprese skewers. The contrast of crunchy fritta and fresh veggies is unbeatable!
Creative Ways to Present
Turning Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta into a show-stopping centerpiece is easy. Stack them in a tower for dramatic height, arrange them on a platter with individual bowls of marinara for dipping, or serve bite-sized pieces on skewers or toothpicks for a cocktail party vibe. For family dinner, nestle them atop a bed of dressed greens for a stunning, hearty salad-meets-appetizer combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously) have Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta left, let the pieces cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. Stored this way in the fridge, they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Pop a sheet of parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta freezes beautifully! Lay cooked, cooled fritta pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. This makes them perfect for impromptu snacks or party prep.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crisp, reheat fritta in your air fryer at 350°F for about 4–5 minutes from the fridge, or 8–10 minutes from frozen. You’ll get them hot, melty, and almost as good as the day they were made—just add fresh marinara for dipping!
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the cheese-filled, breaded fritta pieces and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, all you have to do is air fry straight from the fridge—so easy and convenient for parties!
What else can I add to the cheese filling?
You can toss in some chopped cooked spinach, roasted garlic, or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra layer of flavor. Even a little cooked Italian sausage (if not vegetarian) brings a different twist to the filling.
Can I use gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs?
Yes, Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta works beautifully with gluten-free substitutions! Just make sure your noodles and breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free, and don’t forget to check your flour too if you’re going 100 percent gluten-free.
How long should I cook the fritta in different air fryer models?
Most air fryers will do the trick in 8–10 minutes at 380°F, but sizes and strengths do vary. The first time you try this recipe, check at the 8-minute mark—look for golden brown, crispy outsides and hot, gooey centers. You may need to adjust by a minute one way or the other until you find your perfect timing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives, swap the egg for a flaxseed or aquafaba binder, and choose plant-based breadcrumbs. You may need to experiment with breading, but the results are surprisingly tasty and still seriously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about transforming humble lasagna noodles into crispy, cheesy, Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta that delight everyone at the table. It’s my personal go-to whenever I want to serve up nostalgia with a fun, irresistible twist. I hope you bring a batch to your table soon—there’s nothing quite like that first crunchy, melty bite! Give Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta a try, and get ready to hear rave reviews from family and friends.
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Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta – crispy, cheesy lasagna bites that are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. These bite-sized treats are filled with a creamy cheese mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and air fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna Assembly:
- 6 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten for breading)
- Olive oil spray
- Warm marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Lasagna Assembly: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat and spread 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each noodle. Roll each noodle up tightly like a pinwheel. Slice each roll in half or into thirds. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the lasagna fritta pieces in a single layer in the basket, spray with olive oil, and air fry for 8–10 minutes.
Notes
- You can add cooked spinach or chopped herbs to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- These make a great appetizer or party snack and can be prepped ahead and air fried just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pieces
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
