Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe

If you’ve ever devoured Olive Garden’s iconic Lasagna Fritta and dreamed of recreating that crispy, cheesy magic at home, get ready—because this irresistible Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta delivers all the golden, gooey comfort with way less fuss (and oil)! Each bite is a joyful cloud of melted cheese wrapped in crunchy, seasoned breadcrumbs—your air fryer does all the heavy lifting for this Italian-inspired appetizer or main.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to whip up Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta? Here’s what you’ll need! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor and texture—think creamy cheeses, herby seasoning, and that magic crunchy crust—so try not to skip anything for best results.

• Lasagna Noodles (10 ounces): These sturdy, wide noodles are the cozy carrier for all that flavorful filling—don’t forget to cook them al dente for the perfect bite.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The creamy, mild base for your filling, giving each roll a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Mozzarella Cheeses: This mix is the key to that irresistible, complex cheesy flavor and gooey texture—freshly grated cheese means better melting and taste.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that bring every bite to life and add unmistakable Italian flavor.
• Eggs: These bind the filling and create the crisp, golden exterior thanks to their starring role in the batter.
• Italian Bread Crumbs or Panko: The crunch factor! Panko makes it extra crispy, while Italian breadcrumbs add seasoned flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use in the breadcrumb mixture and for air fryer spraying—the secret to achieving that signature fried crunch.
• Homemade Alfredo Sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and perfect for dunking or drizzling—use leftover cheese here if you have it.
• Jar of Marinara Sauce: For that classic Italian dip—bright, tangy, and the perfect contrast for cheesy fritta.
• Canola Oil (optional for pan-frying): In case you crave the classic pan-fried version or don’t have an air fryer handy.

Variations

This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe is the ultimate canvas—so adaptable for your cravings or needs! Try one of these flavorful twists to make this Italian favorite truly your own, whether you’re feeding picky eaters, going vegetarian, or just exploring new flavor combos.

• Spinach & Artichoke Fritta: Add sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts to the cheese mixture for a fresh, veggie-packed spin.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a little crushed red pepper or chopped Calabrian chilis into the filling for a bold, zesty bite.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs to make the recipe totally celiac-friendly without sacrificing crunch or flavor.
• Meaty Marvel: Stir cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef into the cheese mixture to turn this into a heartier main dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta

Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles & Filling

Start by boiling the lasagna noodles according to package directions until tender but still pleasantly chewy. Once they’re cooked, drain and rinse them in cold water (they’ll be much easier to handle!). If your noodles have ruffled ribbon edges, go ahead and trim those off for easier rolling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, all four shredded cheeses, Italian seasoning, and an egg—mash and stir until everything is creamy and well mixed.

Step 2: Roll and Freeze Your Cheese-Filled Lasagna

Lay the cooked noodles flat, then spread a generous layer of cheese mixture over each one. Starting at one end, roll each noodle into a tidy little bundle, about 2-3 inches long. Place each roll on a parchment or wax paper-lined tray (this keeps them from sticking together), and pop them in the freezer for 1–2 hours. This chill time makes them much easier to batter and air fry later—don’t skip it!

Step 3: Prep Your Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish, beat two eggs for dipping. Next, mix your breadcrumbs with olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl—microwave in bursts, stirring every 30 seconds, until the breadcrumbs start turning golden brown. Let that cool down, then fold in some freshly grated Parmesan for extra savory oomph. You’ll have a perfect, crunchy coating that cooks up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 4: Batter the Lasagna Fritta

Dip each frozen lasagna roll first in egg, then coat generously with your golden breadcrumb mix. Shake off any excess and repeat until all your delicious bundles are ready for the air fryer. The double-dip helps give each fritta that irresistible, snappy crust with every bite.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden & Serve

Lightly spray your air fryer basket and the tops of each lasagna fritta with olive oil. Arrange the fritta in a single layer with good airflow. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 6–8 minutes until they’re deeply golden and the exterior is cracklingly crisp. As they cook, spritz a little more oil if they’re looking dry. That’s it—serve your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta hot with your favorite marinara and Alfredo sauces for true restaurant experience!

How to Serve Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta

Garnishes

Finish your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A quick grating of extra Parmesan or Romano over the top takes it truly over the edge—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

Side Dishes

Round things out Italian-style with a bright arugula salad, garlic knots, or a classic Caesar and you have a feast. For a party platter, these pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces like pesto or a spicy arrabbiata alongside the classic marinara and Alfredo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your lasagna frittas standing upright in dipping cups, arrange them on a long platter with a rainbow of sauces, or stack them high on a tower for an appetizer “centerpiece.” For a dinner party, tuck each fritta onto a hearty pool of Alfredo, then drizzle with marinara and scatter microgreens for a restaurant-style presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is best enjoyed crispy and fresh, but leftovers keep nicely! Cool any extras completely before transferring to an airtight container; they’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sauces separately to keep everything crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked (battered but not air fried) or cooked fritta. Flash-freeze rolled and battered fritta on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—no need to thaw before air frying, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time!

Reheating

Bring fritta back to their crispy glory by reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. Skip the microwave—it’ll make them soggy. Want even crispier results? Give them a quick spritz of oil before reheating!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you adore comfort food and crave a little fun in the kitchen, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, eager for that first cheesy, crunchy bite. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after just one batch!

Print