If you love the comforting layers of traditional lasagna but crave a fun, crispy twist, the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer. This delightful dish takes cooked lasagna noodles, stuffs them with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then air fries them to golden perfection. The result is irresistibly crunchy on the outside, delectably gooey and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party treat or a cozy night in indulgence, this recipe merges classic flavors with super-easy preparation that will have you hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential—each one playing its unique role in creating the creamy, crispy, and savory magic of our Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe. From the delicate herbs to the perfect cheeses and crunchy coating, every component adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish so special.
- 9 Lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: The perfect base that holds the cheese filling tightly and crisps beautifully when air fried.
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and smooth texture, balancing the stronger cheeses.
- 1½ cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly for that classic stretchy, gooey lasagna feel.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Provides a sharp, savory punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheese filling together ensuring it stays inside the noodles.
- 1 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped: Infuses a fresh, herbal brightness that complements all the cheeses.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil, for brushing: Helps the fritta achieve that irresistible golden, crispy crust in the air fryer.
- 1 cup Marinara sauce, for dipping: A tangy companion that brings acidity and depth to the rich fritta.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to make all the flavors pop.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Adds that crucial crunchy exterior with herbs and seasoning for extra flavor.
- ½ cup All-purpose flour: Creates a light coating that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue to keep the breadcrumb coating intact during air frying.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure your lasagna fritta cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden crunch right from the start.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one egg, chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that’s bursting with cheesy flavor and hints of fresh basil.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling onto each noodle, then roll them up tightly like little cheese logs. Once rolled, cut each noodle into three equal bite-sized pieces—these will become your fritta.
Step 4: Bread Your Lasagna Fritta
Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Dip each lasagna roll first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dunk it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it well with the breadcrumbs. This three-step breading gives the fritta an amazing crunchy texture after air frying.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Brush or spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded lasagna fritta in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly brush or spray the tops with more olive oil. Air fry for about 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Marinara
Once crispy and bubbling, remove your fritta from the air fryer and get ready to serve immediately. Pair these with warm marinara sauce for dipping—it’s the perfect complement to that cheesy, crunchy bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a touch of grated Parmesan over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a beautiful finishing touch that wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve your fritta alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or add some roasted vegetables for a hearty complement. Garlic bread is another classic pairing that works beautifully, enhancing the Italian-inspired flavors throughout the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Arrange the lasagna fritta on a platter with small ramekins of different dipping sauces such as pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or creamy ranch. You can even skewer a few fritta pieces into mini kabobs for a fun party appetizer that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and help maintain crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled and breaded lasagna fritta before cooking—place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready, air fry directly from frozen; just add a couple more minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, use the air fryer again at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the fritta soggy and lose that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free noodles in this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the noodles according to package directions and handle them gently when rolling. Also, swap the breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free alternatives to keep the coating crisp and delicious.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t your favorite or you can’t find it, cottage cheese works as a great substitute. Blend it first to achieve a smoother texture closer to ricotta’s creaminess.
Can I prepare the cheese filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the cheese mixture a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before assembling the lasagna rolls to ensure even consistency.
Is air frying healthier than deep-frying the lasagna fritta?
Definitely! Air frying uses significantly less oil compared to deep frying, which reduces the fat content while still delivering that crispy exterior and melty inside you love in this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe.
How do I know when the fritta are cooked perfectly?
You’ll want them golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the cheese inside melted and gooey. If you see them puff slightly and have an even color on all sides after flipping, you’re spot on!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is just pure joy in bite form—crispy, cheesy, herb-kissed morsels that bring a smile with every crunch. It’s incredibly satisfying and straightforward to make, perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner idea. I hope you give it a try and find it as irresistible as I do. Once you taste this crispy twist on a classic, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe offers a crispy and delicious twist on traditional lasagna by turning it into bite-sized, cheesy rolls that are breaded and air fried to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these lasagna fritta pieces are golden, gooey, and served with a flavorful marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Lasagna Rolls
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for crispy frying.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one large egg, chopped fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna Rolls: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture over each noodle, then roll each noodle tightly into a log shape. Cut each roll into three equal-sized pieces to create bite-sized portions.
- Coat the Rolls: Set up three separate bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and Italian-style breadcrumbs. Dip each lasagna roll piece first into the flour, coating it lightly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumbs to cover completely.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded lasagna fritta in a single layer inside the basket, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray or brush the tops with a bit more olive oil for added crispiness.
- Air Fry to Crisp: Cook the lasagna fritta in the air fryer for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp evenly on all sides. They should turn golden brown and crisp once done.
- Serve: Immediately serve the crispy lasagna fritta warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or party treat.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are well drained and cooled to prevent sogginess while rolling.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, or substitute with dried basil if needed.
- Leftover lasagna fritta can be reheated in the air fryer for best texture or in an oven.
- Try adding Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
