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
Scale
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.
