Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta: The Crispiest, Easiest Recipe Ever

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, get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer (or even a fun main course!). This air fryer version takes the classic Italian dish and transforms it into golden-brown, bite-sized perfection.

Lasagna Fritta, meaning “fried lasagna,” has roots in the Campania region of Italy, particularly Naples. It was traditionally a way to use up leftover lasagna, transforming it into a delightful snack. Think of it as a resourceful and delicious way to prevent food waste – a concept that resonates just as much today as it did centuries ago!

What’s not to love? The combination of crispy fried pasta, creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella is simply divine. People adore Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta because it delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the hours of baking. Plus, the air fryer makes it incredibly easy and healthy, using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. The texture is also a huge draw – the satisfying crunch gives way to a soft, cheesy interior that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a fun weeknight treat, this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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 (80/20 blend)
• 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 Filling:
• 15 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and cooled
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese, whole milk
• 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
• For the Breading:
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 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:
• Olive oil spray
• For Serving:
• Marinara sauce, warmed (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Making the Béchamel Sauce:

This creamy sauce is the heart of our Lasagna Fritta, adding richness and moisture. Don’t skip this step!

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Make sure it doesn’t brown.
2. Make a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. It should be smooth and pale golden.
3. Add the Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the warmed milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Make sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This is crucial for a smooth sauce.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
5. Season: Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside and keep warm. A trick to prevent a skin from forming is to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce.

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

A flavorful meat sauce is essential for a delicious Lasagna Fritta. I like to let mine simmer for a while to develop the flavors.

1. 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 browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: 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.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Assembling the Lasagna Rolls:

This is where the magic happens! We’re creating individual lasagna rolls that will be perfectly crispy in the air fryer.

1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Lay Out the Noodles: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean work surface. You might want to lightly pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle.
4. Add the Meat Sauce: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat sauce over the ricotta mixture on each noodle.
5. Roll Up the Noodles: Carefully roll up each lasagna noodle tightly, starting from one end.
6. Cut into Portions: Using a sharp knife, cut each rolled lasagna noodle into 3 equal pieces. You should now have 45 lasagna rolls.

Breading the Lasagna Rolls:

This breading process is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior. A good breading station is essential!

1. Set Up a Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat in Flour: Dredge each lasagna roll in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Dip in Egg: Dip each floured lasagna roll into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
4. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, dredge each egg-coated lasagna roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to all sides.

Air Frying the Lasagna Fritta:

The air fryer is our secret weapon for achieving that crispy, golden-brown perfection without all the oil!

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at that temperature for a few minutes.
2. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded lasagna rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Air Fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the lasagna rolls are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time.
4. Repeat with Remaining Rolls: Repeat the process with the remaining lasagna rolls, spraying the basket with olive oil spray before each batch.

Serving:

Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious homemade Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta!

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Lasagna Fritta immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
2. Optional: Serve with Marinara Sauce: Serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
3. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying interior that will have everyone reaching for more. It’s the perfect way to elevate your next gathering, impress your family with a fun weeknight treat, or simply indulge in a little bit of Italian comfort food, reimagined for the modern kitchen. What makes this recipe a must-try? First, the air fryer cuts down on the mess and calories associated with traditional deep-fried lasagna fritta, without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. You get that incredible crunch without all the extra oil. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delectable bites in no time. And third, the flavor is simply irresistible. The combination of the crispy breading, the rich ricotta filling, and the savory meat sauce is a match made in culinary heaven. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a classic presentation, serve your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Want to kick things up a notch? Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce or a creamy pesto for dipping. Looking for variations? Consider using different types of cheese in the filling. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan would be absolutely divine. You could also add some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for a boost of nutrients and flavor. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat sauce and replace it with a hearty vegetable ragu. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of pasta sheets, like whole wheat or gluten-free, to cater to dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Marinara Dip * Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce * Creamy Pesto Dip * Garlic Aioli * A sprinkle of fresh herbs

Variations:

* Three-Cheese Filling (Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan) * Spinach and Ricotta Filling * Mushroom and Ricotta Filling * Vegetarian Ragu Filling * Use different types of pasta sheets (whole wheat, gluten-free) I’m confident that this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a guaranteed way to satisfy your cravings for Italian comfort food. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to experience lasagna fritta like never before! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What dipping sauce did you choose? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Buon appetito!

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