If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with gooey cheese, crispy edges, and all the comforting flavors of Italian lasagna, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe. It takes your favorite layered pasta dish and transforms it into bite-sized, crunchy delights, perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Imagine perfectly seasoned ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses wrapped inside tender lasagna noodles, coated in a crispy golden crust, and air-fried to perfection—then dipped in vibrant marinara sauce. It’s a beautiful spin on a classic that’s quick to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient brings a unique touch to the final dish. Everything from the creamy cheeses to the fresh basil adds layers of flavor, while the breadcrumbs and flour give it that perfect crispy coating. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Lasagna noodles (9, cooked and drained): These act as the tender wraps that hold all the cheesy goodness together.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds a creamy, luscious texture that’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Mozzarella cheese (1½ cups, shredded): Brings that stringy, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Infuses a sharp, nutty flavor that rounds out the cheese blend perfectly.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheeses together for easy rolling and helps enrich the filling.
- Fresh basil (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a burst of aromatic freshness and color contrast.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp, for brushing): Ensures a golden, crispy crust without greasiness.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup, for dipping): Provides a tangy, savory complement that balances the richness of the fritta.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors in the cheesy filling.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): Gives an herby, crunchy exterior that makes each bite irresistibly crispy.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps the coating adhere evenly for that perfect crisp.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Acts as a sticky layer between the flour and breadcrumbs for a beautiful crust.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving that wonderful golden crispiness when you cook the lasagna fritta. A hot air fryer ensures the coating firms up quickly without drying out the cheesy interior.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
Grab a bowl and combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, one egg, fresh basil, salt, and pepper until everything is well blended. This rich cheese mixture forms the heart of your fritta, providing creamy, flavorful bites in every piece.
Step 3: Prepare and Roll the Lasagna Noodles
Lay out the cooked noodles flat on your surface and spread a generous spoonful of the cheese filling on each. Then, roll them tightly and slice each roll into three even pieces. These rolls become those delightful little fritta bites that everyone will love.
Step 4: Coat the Rolls
Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. Dip each lasagna roll piece first into flour, then egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing softly to ensure the coating clings well. This triple-layer coating creates the signature crunch.
Step 5: Arrange and Brush for Crispiness
Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the coated fritta pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. For an extra golden finish, lightly spritz or brush a little olive oil on top as well.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the lasagna fritta at 375°F for 7 to 9 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time so both sides achieve an even, irresistible crunch and that beautiful golden brown color.
Step 7: Serve with Marinara Sauce
Once crispy and golden, remove the fritta from the air fryer and serve immediately alongside a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast of the crispy exterior, gooey inside, and zesty sauce will have you hooked instantly.
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Garnishes
While the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is a showstopper on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a dusting of Parmesan cheese on top can add an extra layer of fabulous flavor and a fresh, vibrant look. You might even drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch that brightens the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a simple bowl of roasted vegetables to keep things light but satisfying. For heartier meals, a bowl of creamy tomato soup alongside can turn this fritta into a full Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, serve the lasagna fritta on a platter with small bowls of various dipping sauces—think classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or even a garlic aioli. Arrange them on skewers with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for an elegant finger food presentation that will impress your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe, allow the fritta pieces to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days and remain just as delicious when reheated carefully.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Once the fritta pieces are fully coated but before air frying, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the air fryer time.
Reheating
To keep the fritta nice and crispy when reheating, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the crunchy coating soggy. This method revives that lovely crisp exterior and warm, melty cheese inside.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe?
No-boil noodles can work but make sure they are fully softened beforehand, as the brief cooking time in the air fryer won’t be enough to cook them through. Tender noodles are essential to make rolling easier and ensure a tender bite.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t your favorite or you don’t have any, you can substitute cream cheese or cottage cheese strained to remove excess moisture. Each will change the texture slightly, but the cheesy filling will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour and Italian-style breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, and use gluten-free lasagna noodles. The air fryer magic stays the same, and you’ll still get fantastic crispy results.
Can I prepare these fritta ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can roll and coat the lasagna fritta, then store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. This is great for meal prep or easing party day stress.
What dipping sauces work best with the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe?
Classic marinara sauce is a natural choice, but you can also try pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or even a creamy garlic ranch dip for exciting flavor twists that complement the cheesy fritta perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe truly redefines comfort food with each crispy, cheesy bite. It’s fun, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying whether you’re serving it up for a casual snack or a party platter. Once you try this delicious twist on lasagna, it’s sure to become a new favorite that you’ll return to again and again. So grab those noodles and cheese, fire up your air fryer, and prepare for a wonderful flavor adventure!
Print
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta are an irresistible appetizer or snack. Made by rolling cooked lasagna noodles with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, then breaded and air-fried until golden and crunchy. Served with tangy marinara sauce for dipping, they offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna with less oil and mess thanks to air frying.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 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
Additional
- 1 tbsp Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 cup Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the fritta evenly and quickly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one large egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients until thoroughly blended into a creamy, seasoned cheese filling.
- Assemble Lasagna Rolls: Lay cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread a spoonful of the cheese filling evenly along each noodle, then carefully roll each noodle tightly into a log. Cut each rolled noodle into three equal-sized pieces to create bite-sized portions.
- Coat Rolls for Frying: Set up a breading station with three separate bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and Italian-style breadcrumbs. Dip each lasagna roll first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy crust. Arrange the breaded lasagna fritta in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the tops of the fritta with olive oil spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping the fritta halfway through the cooking time to ensure even golden browning on all sides.
- Serve: Once golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the lasagna fritta from the air fryer. Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, enjoying this delicious twist on classic lasagna.
Notes
- Ensure lasagna noodles are fully cooked and drained to avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor, but you can substitute with dried basil if needed.
- For extra crispiness, a light spray of olive oil before air frying helps achieve a golden crust.
- The marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate properly for even cooking.
- If you prefer, you can double the recipe for larger gatherings.
- Make sure to flip halfway through air frying to avoid burning on one side.
