Crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta brings all the magic of your favorite Olive Garden appetizer right to your kitchen, but in an easier, lighter, and oh-so-fun way! Each bite is a blend of creamy ricotta and gooey cheeses, wrapped in tender pasta, crisped to golden perfection, and ready to dip in Alfredo or marinara. You’re going to want to put this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta on your recipe repeat list—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside: The air fryer gives that signature golden-brown crunch without deep frying, while the inside stays rich and cheesy.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: These lasagna fritta are like hand-held bites of classic Italian comfort—everyone will ask for seconds!
- Lighter & Quicker Than Classic: No huge pans or hours in the oven—thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get restaurant-worthy results at home, fast.
- Perfect for Dipping: Whether you’re team Alfredo or marinara, this recipe was made for sharing (or not…).
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is how it transforms just a handful of humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component is chosen for its ability to create the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying flavor!
- Lasagna Noodles: Go for the classic kind (about 10), cooked al dente—this gives structure to your fritta and keeps the bites toothsome after crisping.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: This dreamy, creamy cheese is the core of the filling and keeps things rich and smooth.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan, Romano & Asiago Cheese: Using more than one sharp cheese brings a well-rounded, deeply savory flavor that makes every bite pop.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that classic stretch factor and creamy, melty texture inside.
- Italian Seasoning: A little goes a long way to bring all the cheeses together with fragrant herbs—don’t skip it!
- Large Eggs: These act as binders in both your filling and breading, keeping everything together and delightfully rich.
- Italian Bread Crumbs or Panko: For shatteringly crisp outsides—Panko gives extra crunch while Italian breadcrumbs lend that classic flavor.
- Olive Oil: A quick spin in the microwave with breadcrumbs adds even more crunch and depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil Spray: Essential for that oven-fried finish in the air fryer—don’t be shy!
- Marinara and Alfredo Sauce: Dipping is non-negotiable—homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
Variations
The beauty of homemade Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is how easy it is to personalize! Don’t be afraid to play with fillings or toppings based on what’s in your fridge or your mood—there’s tons of room to make it your own.
- Spinach & Ricotta: Add a handful of thawed, squeezed-dry frozen spinach to the cheese mixture for a classic Florentine spin.
- Meat Lover’s: Mix in a few spoonfuls of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier, meaty bite.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the filling or use spicy Italian breadcrumbs for a gentle heat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap for gluten-free lasagna noodles and choose gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs.
How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by boiling your lasagna noodles according to the package’s al dente directions—this step is key to prevent mushiness later! Once cooked, rinse them in cold water so they’re cool enough to handle, lay them flat, and trim off any frilly edges if your noodles have them; this gives you neat, restaurant-worthy rolls.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and two eggs. Make sure everything’s well combined and creamy—this luscious mixture is the soul of your fritta!
Step 3: Roll and Freeze the Lasagna Fritta
Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over each flat noodle, then roll up tightly into 2-3 inch segments (think perfect finger-food size). Place them on a parchment or wax paper-lined tray to prevent sticking, and pop into the freezer for 1-2 hours—this quick chill helps them stay firm for breading and air frying.
Step 4: Prep the Breading Station
Scramble a couple of eggs in a shallow bowl for dipping. In another microwave-safe dish, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with breadcrumbs and microwave (stirring every 30 seconds) until just golden—this gives incredible crunch. Once cooled, stir in a bit of finely grated Parmesan for even more flavor.
Step 5: Bread the Lasagna Rolls
One by one, dip each chilled lasagna roll first into the egg, then coat in your toasted breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Gently press the coating on for even coverage, shaking off any extra between steps for the crispiest texture!
Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Spritz your air fryer basket with olive oil spray, lay the breaded rolls in (leaving space between), and lightly spray the tops. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip, spray again if needed, and cook another 6–8 minutes until gloriously golden and crunchy. Serve immediately with marinara and Alfredo for the full Olive Garden experience—right in your kitchen!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
- Chill for Easy Handling: Freezing the rolled noodles before breading keeps everything tidy, making it much easier to coat without losing the cheesy filling.
- Parmesan Breadcrumb Magic: For the ultimate Olive Garden crunch, don’t skip toasting your breadcrumbs in olive oil before coating—the flavor and crisp factor is unbeatable.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Leave a little room between frittas in the air fryer so hot air can circulate; this ensures the crispiest, all-over golden brown finish.
- Sauce Variety: Offer both marinara and Alfredo dipping sauces—each brings out a different flavor profile and makes every bite exciting!
How to Serve Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Garnishes
For that final burst of freshness and color, sprinkle your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with a shower of chopped fresh parsley or basil. Add a touch of extra grated Parmesan or Romano over the top—it instantly elevates the look and flavor, making every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair your fritta bites with a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or a platter of roasted vegetables. And of course, you can never go wrong with some warm, pillowy breadsticks straight from the oven to round out your Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the fritta high on a rustic wooden board with bowls of both Alfredo and marinara for dipping, or skewer them for playful party appetizers. For a dinner party surprise, serve them atop a swirl of sauce on individual plates—just like your favorite trattoria!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly crisp even after chilling, making them a perfect next-day snack.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the breaded (but un-air-fried) fritta on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Store for up to 2 months, and air fry directly from frozen for a super-convenient, cheesy treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your lasagna fritta in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to restore their crispy exterior—much better than the microwave! If you’re short on time, a hot oven works too; just keep an eye out so the cheese doesn’t ooze out.
FAQs
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Can I use oven-ready or no-boil lasagna noodles for Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta?
No-boil or oven-ready noodles won’t work as well, since they need liquid (like sauce) to soften. Stick to classic dried noodles boiled until al dente for the best shape and texture.
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Do I have to freeze the rolled noodles before breading and air frying?
Chilling or quick-freezing helps the cheese mixture firm up, so the fritta hold together and are much easier to bread and cook—definitely don’t skip this step for perfect results!
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Can I make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prep and bread the fritta ahead of time, then freeze. Air fry them right before guests arrive—the results will be just as crispy and crowd-pleasing.
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What dipping sauces go best with Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta?
Classic marinara and creamy Alfredo are a must-serve duo, but a touch of pesto or even a spicy tomato cream sauce can be fun twists for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Bring a little restaurant magic home with Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta—it’s perfect for a cozy night in, family get-togethers, or whenever you want to spoil yourself with cheesy, crispy comfort. Give it a try and watch the smiles appear (and plates disappear!)—I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own.
PrintAir Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
- Yield: 10 Pieces 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta at home with this easy Olive Garden copycat recipe. These crispy, cheese-filled appetizers are perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Lasagna Fritta:
- 10 ounces Lasagna Noodles
- 15 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Romano Cheese
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Asiago Cheese
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
- 2 Large Eggs
Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups Italian Bread Crumbs or Panko
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan
- 2 Large Eggs
Air Fryer Cooking Method:
- Olive Oil Spray
Pan-Fried Cooking Method:
- Canola Oil
Sauces:
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce
- Jar of Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- Noodle Prep: Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, rinse and trim edges. Mix egg, cheeses, and Italian seasoning. Spread cheese mixture on noodles, roll, and freeze.
- Batter: Scramble egg, blend olive oil and bread crumbs, add Parmesan. Dip rolled lasagna in egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Air Fryer Method: Spray basket, place frittas, spray tops, cook at 400°F for 8 mins, flip, cook 6-8 mins. Serve with sauces.
- Pan-Fried Method: Heat oil, fry frittas for 2 mins each side until golden brown. Serve with sauces.
Notes
- Options to fry breadcrumbs in the air fryer: spray coating with cooking spray or heat olive oil with breadcrumbs prior to coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Piece
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 371mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 83mg