If you’re on the hunt for a fun twist on a classic comfort food, this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is calling your name. Picture perfectly rolled, cheese-loaded lasagna noodles, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, then air fried to golden, irresistible perfection. It’s like your favorite lasagna transformed into bite-sized, crunchy delights that are quick to whip up and just begging to be dipped in marinara. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to party appetizer or cozy snack that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack big flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheeses that provide richness to the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs that create that amazing crispy exterior you crave.
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles: The sturdy, tender base that holds our cheesy filling together perfectly.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mild richness essential for the cheese filling’s smooth texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic gooey, stringy cheese experience.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty kick that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1 egg: Binds the cheese mixture to keep it from oozing out before cooking.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds layers of savory herb notes.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the overall taste with just the right amount of garlicky warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but vital seasoning to balance all the flavors.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Provides the crunch and golden crust that makes this dish truly special.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating adhere evenly for the crispiest finish.
- 2 eggs (beaten, for coating): Acts as the glue between the flour and breadcrumbs for perfect coverage.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the fritta from sticking and ensures a crisp, golden exterior.
- Marinara sauce for dipping: The classic tangy companion your fritta deserve for dunking delight.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by mixing the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, one egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This melty, flavorful filling is what takes these fritta to the next level. Making sure the mixture is well combined will guarantee every bite bursts with cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Assemble and Chill the Rolls
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture across each noodle, then roll them up tightly. Pop these into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes so the filling firms up and makes the next steps easier. Chilling helps maintain shape during breading and cooking.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the Italian-style breadcrumbs. This classic breading routine is key to getting that satisfyingly crisp fritta crust.
Step 4: Bread the Lasagna Rolls
Coat each chilled roll first in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. Don’t rush here — a thorough coating means maximum crunch and prevents cheese leakage during air frying.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange the fritta in a single layer — don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up properly. Give the tops a light spray as well for even browning. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re irresistibly golden brown and crunchy on the outside.
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh, bright burst of color and an herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy fritta. A dusting of extra Parmesan on top before serving is a great finishing touch, too.
Side Dishes
Serve these fritta alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. A vibrant roasted vegetable medley or steamed broccoli also complements beautifully and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the lasagna fritta on a platter with small bowls of marinara spread around for dipping fun. Or, place each fritta on mini skewers with a basil leaf for a charming, bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties. Turning this into a finger food experience makes it even more irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fritta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, reheat using the air fryer for best results instead of the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the pre-breaded rolls before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, air fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For perfectly crispy leftover lasagna fritta, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This method crisps the outside back up without drying out the cheesy filling inside.
FAQs
Can I add meat to the cheese filling?
Absolutely! Cooked Italian sausage or ground beef mixed into the cheese filling can add a delicious meaty twist to this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked and drained before incorporating.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these lasagna fritta in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden. However, the air fryer tends to give a crisper crust in less time.
Can I use fresh pasta noodles instead of cooked lasagna noodles?
Cooked lasagna noodles work best because they’re pliable but firm enough to roll and hold the filling. Fresh noodles might be too delicate and could tear during rolling or breading.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! The basic Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe contains no meat, making it perfect for vegetarians. Of course, you can add cooked veggies or plant-based sausage for extra flavor and variety.
How do I ensure the fritta stays crispy?
Using cooking spray generously and avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket helps the fritta get evenly crispy. Also, air frying at the recommended temperature keeps the outer crust golden without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about taking a beloved classic like lasagna and reinventing it into these crunchy, cheesy, and totally addictive fritta. This Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is a game changer — easy enough for weeknight dinners, yet special enough for guests. Give it a try soon, and get ready to have a new favorite appetizer that’s bursting with comfort and crunch in every bite!
Print
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 15-20 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 lasagna fritta
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a delicious Italian-American appetizer featuring rolled lasagna noodles filled with a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. These cheesy rolls are breaded and air fried to a golden, crispy perfection, making a convenient and crowd-pleasing finger food served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
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 Station
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten (for coating)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
Other
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Roll Lasagna Noodles: Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles flat. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each noodle evenly, then roll each up tightly to form individual rolls.
- Chill Rolls: Place the rolled noodles in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up, making them easier to bread.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and Italian-style breadcrumbs respectively for the breading process.
- Bread the Rolls: Dip each chilled lasagna roll first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs to ensure crispiness when fried.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Fritta: Arrange the breaded lasagna rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, then air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy lasagna fritta hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare and bread the lasagna fritta ahead of time, freeze them, and cook directly from frozen—adding 2–3 extra minutes to the air frying time.
- For variety, mix chopped spinach, fresh herbs, or cooked sausage into the cheese filling before rolling.
- Ensure even coating and flipping for uniform crispiness.
