If you love the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but crave something crispier and more fun to share, you are going to adore the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe. These delightful little bundles are packed with rich ricotta and gooey mozzarella, then coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection. They bring together the best of both worlds: the creamy, cheesy heart of lasagna in a bite-sized, crispy snack. Perfect as an appetizer, party treat, or simply a cozy dinner idea, this recipe transforms familiar ingredients into an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s the creamy filling, the crispy coating, or the vibrant marinara that brings it all together.
- 6 cooked lasagna noodles: These serve as the perfect sturdy base, ready to hold all that cheesy goodness without falling apart.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture that forms the delicious filling.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty, stringy cheese pull.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A boost of sharp, nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together for easy spreading and rolling.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings in aromatic herbs that brighten the filling.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Creates that crunchy, golden coating we all crave.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: The first step in the triple-coat breading process to ensure crispiness.
- 2 eggs (beaten, for breading): Help the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly for a flawless crust.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the fritta golden and crispy without heavy oil.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving): The warm, tangy dip that ties every bite together deliciously.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Start by combining the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart and soul of your lasagna fritta, so make sure everything is evenly combined for that perfect bite every time.
Step 2: Fill and Shape the Lasagna Noodles
Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture over each noodle. You can choose to roll them up tightly or fold them into neat squares—both work beautifully and hold the filling in place.
Step 3: Chill to Set the Shape
Once filled and rolled or folded, place the lasagna pieces on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 to 40 minutes. This step firms them up, making them much easier to bread and air-fry without losing their shape.
Step 4: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes for the breading process: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This triple coating is key to that crunchy exterior that makes this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe so addictive.
Step 5: Bread the Fritta
Working with chilled lasagna pieces, coat each one first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumbs until fully covered. If you’re craving extra crunch, feel free to double-coat with a second layer of egg and breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the fritta with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until each piece is beautifully golden and crisp all over. The air fryer crisps them up without the mess or heaviness of deep frying.
Step 7: Serve with Warm Marinara
Serve these delicious bites hot with a bowl of warmed marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The tangy, herby sauce perfectly complements the rich, cheesy filling and crispy crust.
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a fresh herbal note and a pop of color. A dusting of extra grated Parmesan can elevate the flavor and make your fritta look extra inviting. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a delightful spark.
Side Dishes
This dish shines beautifully alongside a crisp green salad or a medley of roasted vegetables, balancing the richness with fresh, vibrant textures. For a heartier meal, consider serving with garlic bread or a simple pasta salad for a cohesive Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe into an elegant appetizer platter with a trio of dipping sauces like basil pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or creamy alfredo. Stack them on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic feel, or serve them in small ramekins filled with marinara for a cozy, individual presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna fritta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, avoid covering tightly with plastic wrap before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled (but not breaded) lasagna pieces after filling and chilling. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw, bread, and air-fry as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in your air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, flipping once, until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as that will soften the crunchy coating.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Boiled and cooled lasagna noodles work best because they’re pliable and easy to roll without cracking. No-boil noodles may not soften enough to roll properly, so it’s better to stick with cooked noodles for the fritta.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Make sure the breadcrumbs are seasoned to keep that great flavor.
Can I prepare the fritta ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Assemble and freeze the cheese-filled noodles ahead. Then bread and air fry them fresh just before serving. This makes entertaining much easier and stress-free.
What other cheeses can I use in place of ricotta?
Cottage cheese is a great substitute if you want a slightly different texture. You can also experiment with mascarpone for extra creaminess, but ricotta is ideal for its mild flavor and smoothness.
How do I prevent the fritta from falling apart while air frying?
Chilling the rolled or folded lasagna pieces before breading is crucial. It firms them up so the breading sticks better and keeps the filling intact during cooking. Also, handle them gently when flipping in the air fryer basket.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into making this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe—it’s a fun, flavorful twist that brings a joyful crunch to a classic comfort dish. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or sharing with friends at a gathering, these crispy, cheesy bites are sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try, and prepare for some serious deliciousness!
Print
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chill time)
- Yield: 6 fritta
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a crispy, golden twist on traditional lasagna. Rolled or layered lasagna noodles are stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling, coated in Italian-style breadcrumbs, and air-fried to golden perfection. This dish offers a gooey cheese center surrounded by a crunchy exterior, making it an irresistible appetizer, snack, or a fun dinner idea, especially when served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 6 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading Station
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten, for breading)
Additional
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a creamy filling.
- Fill and shape lasagna noodles: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture onto each noodle. Roll each noodle up or fold into squares to enclose the filling securely.
- Freeze for firming: Place the filled noodles on a tray and freeze for 30 to 40 minutes. This step helps the filling set and prevents the shapes from falling apart during breading and cooking.
- Set up breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This setup facilitates an efficient breading process.
- Bread the lasagna fritta: Remove the frozen filled noodles and coat each piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer and prepare for cooking: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the breaded lasagna fritta with olive oil to promote browning and crispiness.
- Air fry the fritta: Arrange the fritta in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until each piece is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the fritta from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot, accompanied by warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For make-ahead convenience, assemble and freeze the fritta before breading. When ready to serve, bread and air-fry directly from frozen.
- For an extra crunchy texture, double-coat each fritta with breadcrumbs by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired for a different texture and flavor.
