Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe

Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is everything you love about Italian comfort food — but with a crispy, golden exterior and oozy cheese filling you’ll crave! With all the flavors of Olive Garden’s iconic appetizer made lighter and cleaner in your air fryer, it’s practically guaranteed to disappear as soon as it hits the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be surprised by how simple this ingredient list is! Each cheese and noodle layer brings its own special magic—savory, creamy, and textural—to the classic Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta, and the pantry staples make a world of difference in creating that beloved Italian flavor.

• Lasagna Noodles (about 10, 10 ounces): Use classic noodles for best structure—trimmed of ribbon edges so they roll neatly.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: This creates a luxuriously creamy filling; whole milk makes it extra rich.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty depth to both the filling and the crisp coating.
• Freshly Grated Romano Cheese: Lends sharp, distinctive flavor for a true Italian profile.
• Freshly Grated Asiago Cheese: Adds a bold, tangy punch that takes this copycat up a notch.
• Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that melty stretch and classic lasagna goodness.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend weaves together all those herby, aromatic notes you expect in an Italian dish.
• Eggs: Two for the filling, two for dredging—these bind your cheese and help the coating stick.
• Italian Bread Crumbs or Panko: For the irresistible crispy-crunch coating. Toasting them with olive oil brings out even more flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used to toast the breadcrumbs, giving them a true golden crisp.
• Olive Oil Spray: To ensure that signature crunch in the air fryer without excess oil.
• Homemade Alfredo Sauce & Marinara Sauce: Serve both for a dipper duo—creamy, tomato-y, and completely comforting.

Variations

The best part about homemade Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta? You’re in charge! It’s incredibly easy to swap cheeses, sauces, or make this dish fit any craving or dietary need—so let’s get creative.

• Spinach-Stuffed: Add thawed, squeezed-dry frozen spinach to your cheese filling for a Florentine twist with extra nutrients and color.
• Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese or breadcrumbs for a little heat in every bite.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs; no one will taste the difference.
• Vegan Version: Opt for vegan cheeses and an egg substitute—the method works beautifully for plant-based friends.
• Protein Boost: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or crumbled cooked sausage for a heartier appetizer.

How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta

Step 1: Prep the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions, just until al dente. Once they’re perfect, cool them under cold running water so they’re easy to work with—nobody wants burned fingers (or mushy noodles)! If your noodles have those classic ruffled edges, snip them off so you can roll tightly without gaps.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a medium bowl, blend together your ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, asiago, mozzarella, two eggs, and Italian seasoning. This luscious mixture should be spreadable—the cheesy heart of your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta. Taste test (if you like!) for salt and tweaking; this is where all that creamy, savory magic happens.

Step 3: Assemble & Freeze

Lay each noodle flat, then evenly spread a generous layer of your cheese mixture over the top. Roll each into about a 2-3 inch spiral. Place the rolls seam-side down in a parchment-lined container to prevent sticking, and freeze for 1–2 hours. This helps them hold their shape for easy breading and maximum crispiness!

Step 4: Bread the Frittas

While the rolls chill out in the freezer, scramble two eggs in a shallow dish for dipping. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, mix your bread crumbs or panko with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Microwave this mixture for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until you see golden brown toastiness—then blend in that last hit of Parmesan cheese for extra decadence. Dip each frozen lasagna roll first in egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any extra.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Golden Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with a little olive oil, then arrange the breaded frittas so they’re not touching. Mist the tops lightly with oil spray and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Carefully flip them and air fry for another 6-8 minutes, misting again if needed. They’re done when golden brown and gloriously crisp! Serve hot with plenty of marinara and Alfredo for dunking.

How to Serve Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a shower of chopped fresh parsley are all you need to make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta look restaurant-worthy. If you want to get extra fancy, try a touch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve your fritta alongside a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic or Italian dressing, or a colorful antipasto platter for the ultimate party spread. Garlic breadsticks or roasted veggies are also especially delicious companions to soak up all that extra marinara and Alfredo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the fritta in a circle on a big platter with a bowl of each dipping sauce nestled in the middle, or skewer individual pieces on cocktail picks for a truly irresistible finger food. For a sit-down meal, stack two or three on each plate atop a swirl of sauce and finish with a flourish of basil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (good luck!), let Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta cool fully before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Line the container with parchment or wax paper so pieces don’t stick together and lose their crust.

Freezing

These reheat beautifully from frozen—just arrange the breaded (but not yet cooked) fritta in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. No need to thaw; simply air fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To bring back that signature crunch, pop cold fritta back into a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crisp. Microwaving will soften the coating, so air frying is your best bet for leftovers that taste freshly made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring a little restaurant magic to your table, Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is the answer. Don’t be surprised if this cheesy, golden appetizer disappears long before the main course—it’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and so fun to make at home. I can’t wait for you to try it!

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