Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta

Short description
Crispy, cheesy lasagna rolls air-fried to golden perfection—this copycat of Olive Garden’s Lasagna Fritta combines indulgent flavors with a lighter cooking method for a delectable appetizer or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, creamy inside: Air frying creates a perfectly crunchy crust while keeping the cheesy interior tender.

• Healthier indulgence: Cut the oil yet retain the flavor you love.

• Make-ahead convenience: Prep and freeze in advance—just air fry when ready.

• Versatile serving: Works as an appetizer, snack, or part of a full meal with sides.

• Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Packed with cheese and flavor, perfect for parties or family dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

• Ricotta cheese

• Mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Parmesan, Romano, Asiago cheeses (optional blend)

• Eggs (for filling and breading)

• All-purpose flour

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

• Panko or Italian breadcrumbs

• Olive oil spray

• Marinara and/or Alfredo sauce, for serving

directions

1. Cook noodles: Boil until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, trim any ragged edges.

2. Make filling: Mix ricotta, shredded cheeses, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and eggs.

3. Assemble rolls: Lay noodles flat, spread filling, roll into ~2–3″ rolls. Freeze on parchment-lined tray for 1 hour.

4. Bread: Prepare three stations—flour; beaten eggs; breadcrumbs. Dip rolls in each, shake off excess.

5. Preheat air fryer: 400 °F (205 °C). Lightly spray basket with oil.

6. Air fry: Arrange rolls in a single layer with space. Cook 8–10 min, flip, respray, then cook another 6–8 min until golden.

7. Serve: Plate warm rolls, drizzle with marinara or Alfredo, garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Servings and timing

• Yields: About 10–12 pieces (serves 4–6)

• Prep time: ~20 min + at least 1 hr freezing

• Cook time: ~14–18 min per batch

Variations

• Spinach‑ricotta: Add sautéed spinach to the filling.

• Meaty bolognese: Layer in cooked ground meat sauce.

• Alfredo twist: Serve with creamy Alfredo dipping sauce.

• Spicy arrabbiata: Switch marinara for spicy tomato sauce.

• BBQ chicken: Swap filling for BBQ shredded chicken and cheese.

• Mexican-inspired: Add taco-seasoned ricotta filling, serve with salsa or guac.

• Pesto touch: Stir pesto into the filling or dip.

• Buffalo chicken: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese.

• Sweet dessert twist: Use sweetened ricotta with chocolate chips, dust with sugar.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based cheeses and egg replacer, gluten-free noodles/breadcrumbs.

storage/reheating

• Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Freeze: Once breaded, freeze prior to air frying. Cook from frozen—add a few minutes cook time.

• Reheating: Air fry or bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–8 min until crispy and warm.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Absolutely—you can assemble, bread, and freeze them. Just air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

Yes, cook until al dente—undercooking can make them chewy, overcooking leads to sogginess.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular Italian breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or cornflakes for crunch.

How do I prevent leaking filling?

Freeze rolls thoroughly before breading and air frying—it helps them maintain shape.

Should I flip during air frying?

Yes—flip halfway and lightly respray with oil to ensure even browning.

Can I use gluten-free ingredients?

Yes, use gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs and flour substitute to make this GF-friendly.

Why freeze before frying?

Freezing firms the rolls, keeps them from falling apart, and ensures even cooking.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer to restore crispiness.

Can I bake instead of air fry?

Yes—bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 20–25 min, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

What dipping sauces work best?

Marinara and Alfredo are classic—try spicy arrabbiata, pesto, or garlic aioli for a twist.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta turns your favorite cheesy goodness into a crispy, crowd‑pleasing bite with less oil and fuss. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or part of a cozy dinner, it’s sure to impress. Prep ahead, freeze, and you’ve got restaurant-style flavor at home in minutes. Enjoy!