Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
If you’re looking for a seriously crave-worthy twist on classic Italian comfort food, Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is about to become your new obsession. Imagine creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella wrapped in tender lasagna noodles, coated in a crispy golden crust, and air fried to perfection. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors—crunchy outside, melty cheesy inside, with zesty marinara for dipping. It’s an appetizer that will steal the show or a fun main for a cozy night in, and the best part is you can make it fresh in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is that it only takes a handful of simple, familiar ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. From the creamy cheeses to the crunchy coating, every element brings something delicious to the table!
- Lasagna noodles (8 cooked): Use classic lasagna noodles—just cook them until tender, then let them cool slightly so they’re easy to handle and roll.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): This gives the fritta their signature creamy, luscious filling—choose whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melty mozzarella adds that irresistible cheese pull when you bite in—don’t skimp!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Parmesan ramps up the savory depth and gives the filling a nutty, salty kick.
- Egg (1, for filling): Helps bind the cheesy mixture so it stays perfectly creamy and scoopable.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs for that unmistakable Italian flavor—basil, oregano, and more.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A little goes a long way for a pop of garlicky goodness in every bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season generously to make the cheese flavors shine.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): These provide that signature crispy, seasoned coating—panko works too for extra crunch.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): The first layer in the breading station, helping everything stick together.
- Eggs (2, beaten, for coating): Acts as glue between the flour and breadcrumbs—don’t skip this step!
- Cooking spray: A light mist ensures the fritta gets golden and crispy in the air fryer.
- Marinara sauce (for dipping): Warm, tangy marinara is the perfect finishing touch for dunking every cheesy bite.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Step 1: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, one egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and the mixture is creamy and fluffy. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning—this is your flavor-packed center!
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Lasagna Noodles
Lay the cooked lasagna noodles out on a clean, flat surface. Spread about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, going all the way to the edges. Then, starting from one end, roll each noodle up tightly into a cute little spiral—these cheesy rolls are the heart of Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta.
Step 3: Chill to Firm
Transfer your rolled noodles to a plate or tray and pop them in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick chill helps the filling set up, so your rolls hold their shape and don’t ooze when you start breading and air frying.
Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls: fill one with flour, one with the two beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chilled lasagna roll in flour first (tap off the excess), then dip it in egg, and finally coat it generously in breadcrumbs. This triple-layer breading is what gives Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta that ultra-crispy bite!
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, then arrange the fritta in a single layer—work in batches if you need to. Spritz the tops with a little more cooking spray, then air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy all over.
Step 6: Serve with Marinara
Serve your Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta piping hot, with a bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The contrast of the crunchy coating, molten cheese, and tangy tomato sauce is totally irresistible!
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Garnishes
To make your fritta extra inviting, sprinkle them with a little more grated Parmesan and a shower of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little kick if you love heat!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, some roasted veggies, or even a bowl of hearty minestrone. They also make a fun party platter alongside other Italian-inspired bites like garlic knots or bruschetta.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fritta on a wooden board with small ramekins of different dipping sauces—think pesto, Alfredo, or spicy arrabbiata. Or skewer them for a playful appetizer platter. However you style them, Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta are guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing to keep the coating crisp.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble and bread the fritta, then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container; they’ll keep for up to two months. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the fritta back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crisp again. You can also reheat in the oven, but the air fryer is quickest and keeps them crunchy!
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta?
No-boil noodles tend to be too dry and brittle for rolling. For best results, stick to regular lasagna noodles and cook them until just tender so they’re flexible enough to roll without cracking.
What other cheeses can I use in the filling?
Feel free to experiment! Cottage cheese, fontina, provolone, or even a bit of creamy goat cheese can all be swapped in or added to the classic ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan blend for extra flavor.
How can I make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta gluten free?
Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles, use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, and choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. The process and cook time will be the same!
Can I add meat or veggies to the filling?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked sausage, crumbled ground beef, or sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or chopped herbs to the cheese filling for your own custom twist on Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F. Spray them well with cooking spray and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. They won’t be quite as crunchy as the air-fried version, but they’ll still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta, you’ll want to make them for every gathering—or just because you’re craving something cheesy and comforting. They’re fun, satisfying, and always a huge hit. Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of crispy, cheesy goodness!
Print
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 lasagna fritta 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a delightful Italian-American appetizer featuring rolled cooked lasagna noodles filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and air-fried to golden perfection. Served hot with marinara sauce, this recipe is an easy and flavorful twist on classic lasagna that’s perfect for parties or a fun snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten (for coating)
Other
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed, creating a creamy and flavorful cheese mixture.
- Roll the Lasagna Noodles: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly onto each noodle. Then, roll each noodle up tightly to form individual lasagna roll-ups.
- Chill the Rolls: Place the rolled noodles in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up the filling and help them hold their shape during frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs to prepare for coating the rolls.
- Bread the Rolls: Dip each chilled lasagna roll first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and crispy outer layer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while preparing the basket.
- Air Fry the Lasagna Fritta: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded rolls in a single layer inside, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops of the rolls with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook Until Golden: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping the fritta halfway through cooking to ensure even golden brown and crispy texture.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare and bread the fritta ahead of time and freeze them. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and crispy.
- For added variety, mix chopped spinach, fresh herbs, or cooked sausage into the cheese filling before assembling the rolls.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritta
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
