Name: Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta: The Crispiest, Easiest Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 9 lasagna rolls
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk, warmed; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions and cooled; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 3 cups Italian breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta: Crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible! Have you ever craved the comforting flavors of lasagna but wished for a quicker, less messy way to enjoy it? Well, prepare to be amazed! This air fryer version transforms leftover lasagna into golden-brown, bite-sized pieces of pure deliciousness. It's the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a fun twist on a weeknight dinner.

Lasagna Fritta, meaning "fried lasagna" in Italian, has roots in the Southern Italian tradition of using up leftover ingredients in creative and delicious ways. It's a testament to the resourcefulness and culinary ingenuity of Italian cooks. While traditionally deep-fried, our air fryer lasagna fritta recipe offers a healthier and equally satisfying alternative.

What makes this dish so beloved? It's the delightful contrast of textures – the crunchy exterior giving way to the soft, cheesy, and flavorful lasagna filling. Plus, it's incredibly convenient! Using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time and eliminates the need for excessive oil. The result is a guilt-free indulgence that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new, addictive way!

Ingredients:

For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions and cooled
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Breading:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups Italian breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Air Frying:

Cooking spray

For Serving:

Marinara sauce, warmed (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter is fully melted but not browned.
Create the Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 2-3 minutes. This mixture, called a roux, is the base of the béchamel sauce. It should be smooth and pale golden in color. Cooking the roux properly is crucial to avoid a floury taste in the final sauce.
Add the Milk Gradually: Gradually pour in the warm milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. It's important to add the milk slowly and whisk constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.
Simmer and Thicken: Continue to cook the sauce, whisking frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
Season the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Set aside.

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. The onions should be translucent and the garlic fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. Set aside.

Preparing the Lasagna Filling:

Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the air fryer. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean surface to prevent them from sticking together.
Combine the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Lasagna Rolls:

Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle.
Add the Meat Sauce: Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce over the ricotta mixture.
Sprinkle with Mozzarella: Sprinkle a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
Roll Up the Lasagna: Carefully roll up the lasagna noodle tightly, starting from one end. Secure the roll with a toothpick if needed.
Repeat: Repeat steps 1-4 with the remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Breading the Lasagna Rolls:

Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix the breadcrumbs well to combine the seasonings.
Coat with Flour: Dredge each lasagna roll in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip in Egg: Dip the floured lasagna roll into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Dredge the egg-coated lasagna roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the roll. Make sure the entire roll is evenly coated with breadcrumbs.
Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining lasagna rolls.

Air Frying the Lasagna Fritta:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the lasagna rolls from sticking.
Arrange the Lasagna Rolls: Place the breaded lasagna rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
Air Fry the Lasagna Rolls: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the lasagna rolls are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove and Cool: Carefully remove the lasagna rolls from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.

Serving the Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta:

Serve Immediately: Serve the Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
Optional Garnishes: Serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious and crispy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe is truly a game-changer, transforming a classic Italian comfort food into a crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible appetizer or snack. I know, I know, you might be thinking, "Lasagna...fried? In an air fryer?" Trust me on this one. The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the cheesy, meaty interior warm and gooey. It's a textural masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Why is this a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor and texture, it's also surprisingly easy to make. We've streamlined the process to make it weeknight-friendly, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques. Forget spending hours layering a traditional lasagna; this recipe delivers all the comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. Plus, air frying means less oil and a healthier alternative to deep-frying, so you can indulge without the guilt. It's a win-win! But the best part? The versatility! While I love serving these golden nuggets with a simple marinara dipping sauce, the possibilities are endless. Imagine a creamy pesto dipping sauce for a vibrant twist, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for those who like a little heat. For a truly decadent experience, try a four-cheese sauce or even a truffle aioli. You could also experiment with different fillings. Swap the traditional meat sauce for a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Or, for a seafood twist, try a filling of shrimp and ricotta. Serving suggestions? These Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta are perfect as an appetizer for your next dinner party, a fun snack for game night, or even a satisfying lunch. Arrange them artfully on a platter with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in minutes. They're also great for kids (and picky eaters!), who will love the crispy texture and familiar flavors. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of hearty soup. I'm so confident that you'll love this recipe, and I can't wait to hear about your own creations and variations. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and fillings. The beauty of this recipe is that it's incredibly adaptable to your own personal preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new way. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, please share your experience! I'd love to see your photos and hear about your own variations. Tag me on social media and let me know what you think. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you'll love. Happy air frying! I hope you enjoy this crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious take on a classic Italian dish. Let me know in the comments below how your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta turned out!