If you are looking for a comforting, crispy, and utterly satisfying dish that reinvents a classic favorite, the Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is your new best friend. This clever twist on traditional lasagna transforms gooey, cheesy layers into perfectly golden, bite-sized fried rolls bursting with flavor. Whether you want a fun appetizer, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a fresh take on Italian-American comfort food, this recipe delivers irresistible texture and taste with minimal fuss and maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each item plays an essential role in creating that crispy exterior and melty, flavorful filling that make these fritta irresistible.
- Lasagna Noodles (10 ounces): The tender base that wraps all those cheesy layers together.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (15 ounces): Offers creamy richness and smooth texture inside.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup + ½ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the filling and breading.
- Freshly Grated Romano Cheese (½ cup): Brings a bold, savory depth to the mixture.
- Freshly Grated Asiago Cheese (½ cup): Contributes a subtle tang and complexity.
- Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup): Melts beautifully for that classic lasagna stretch.
- Italian Seasoning (2 tablespoons): Infuses fragrant herbs that elevate the whole dish.
- Large Eggs (4 total): Bind the filling and help the breading adhere perfectly.
- Italian Bread Crumbs or Panko (1 ½ cups): Create the irresistibly crunchy outer crust.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons + spray): Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps crisp the fritta evenly.
- Canola Oil: Optional for pan frying if not using an air fryer.
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce and Jar of Marinara Sauce: Delicious dipping companions that bring creamy or tangy contrasts.
How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Step 1: Noodle Prep
Begin by boiling your lasagna noodles just until they reach an al dente texture. This ensures the noodles will hold their shape without becoming mushy when rolled. Once boiled, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and lay them out flat, ready for the cheesy filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta, freshly grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses. Add the Italian seasoning and two eggs, then mix everything thoroughly. This mixture becomes the melty heart of the fritta, balancing sharpness with creamy softness in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble and Freeze Rolls
Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up into a neat cylinder. Place the rolls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to the freezer so they firm up. Freezing helps maintain their shape during cooking and makes breading easier.
Step 4: Prepare the Breading Station
Beat the remaining two eggs in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs with olive oil and finely grated Parmesan cheese. This combination adds a golden, flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer or pan.
Step 5: Bread the Frozen Rolls
Remove the cheese-filled lasagna rolls from the freezer and dip each one first into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. This double coating gives you the crispy exterior that everyone will rave about.
Step 6: Cook in the Air Fryer
Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded lasagna fritta rolls in the basket in a single layer and lightly spray the tops. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, then flip each fritta over and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Step 7: Alternative Pan-Fried Method
If you prefer a traditional approach, heat canola oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fritta for about 2 minutes on each side or until they are beautifully golden and crispy. Drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your cooked fritta with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a fresh herbal pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of Parmesan on top right before serving also amps up that cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Serve the fritta alongside tangy marinara and creamy Alfredo sauces for dipping. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic-roasted veggies to balance out the richness of the fried pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack several fritta rolls on a platter for a casual party platter, or slice them into bite-sized pinwheels for fun appetizers. You can even skewer these with toothpicks for easy finger food at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover lasagna fritta rolls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave to maintain crispiness.
Freezing
The beauty of this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is that it’s freezer-friendly. Freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this treat anytime without extra prep.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the fritta in a preheated air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular marinara sauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely! A good-quality jarred marinara works perfectly as a flavorful dipping sauce. Homemade is a nice touch if you have it, but not necessary.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! The recipe includes a pan-frying alternative that delivers crispy, golden fritta with just a bit more oil and attention on the stovetop.
Can I make the rolls vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it focuses on cheeses and herbs, but double-check your bread crumbs to ensure they don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
How do I keep the fritta from falling apart?
Freezing the rolled noodles before breading and cooking is key to helping them hold their shape. Also, make sure to press the breading firmly so it adheres well during cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes! The lasagna rolls can be assembled and frozen in advance, then breaded and cooked right before serving. It’s a perfect make-ahead appetizer.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves lasagna but wants a fresh, crispy twist with less mess and fuss. The combination of melty cheeses, fragrant herbs, and a crunchy crust make every bite downright addicting. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen and at your table. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for more before the plate is even empty!
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Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe transforms traditional lasagna into crispy, bite-sized rolls perfect for snacking or appetizers. Rolled lasagna noodles filled with a rich blend of cheeses and Italian seasonings are breaded and air fried to golden perfection. Served with homemade Alfredo and marinara sauces, these fritta bites offer all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a fun, easy-to-make format.
Ingredients
Lasagna Rolls
- 10 ounces lasagna noodles (about 10 noodles)
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs (for filling)
Breading
- 1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs (for breading)
Cooking and Serving
- Olive oil spray
- Canola oil (for pan-frying alternative)
- Homemade Alfredo sauce (for serving)
- Jar of marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Noodle Preparation: Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses with 2 large eggs and Italian seasoning to create the filling mixture.
- Assemble and Freeze: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle, then carefully roll them up into tight rolls. Place the rolled noodles on a flat surface and freeze them until firm; this helps them hold their shape during breading and cooking.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a bowl, scramble the remaining 2 eggs. In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs, olive oil, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. This will be used for coating the frozen lasagna rolls.
- Bread the Rolls: Dip each frozen lasagna roll first into the scrambled eggs, ensuring it is evenly coated, then dredge in the bread crumb mixture to cover all sides thoroughly.
- Air Fryer Cooking: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded lasagna fritta in the basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops with olive oil spray. Cook for 8 minutes, then carefully flip each fritta and cook for an additional 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the cooked lasagna fritta from the air fryer and serve hot with homemade Alfredo sauce and marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pan-Fried Alternative: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded fritta for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with Alfredo and marinara sauces.
Notes
- Freezing the rolled lasagna before breading helps maintain the shape and makes breading easier.
- For a crispier texture, ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated and spray with olive oil before air frying.
- Can be prepared ahead and frozen; just adjust cooking time slightly if cooking from frozen.
- Use Italian seasoning or a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme for optimal flavor.
- Both air frying and pan-frying methods are provided, but air frying is recommended for a healthier alternative.
