This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a fun twist on traditional lasagna! It features layers of cheesy goodness wrapped in crispy, golden breadcrumbs. Yum!
It’s like having lasagna in finger-food form! I always enjoy these little bites while watching a movie. Who says you can’t have pasta as a snack? 🤗
Making this dish is super easy. I just layer, coat, and pop them in the air fryer. In no time, I have delicious bites to share—or not! 😂 I can never resist keeping some for myself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Cooked lasagna noodles are essential for this dish. If you’re short on time, you might use any flat pasta like lasagna sheets or even penne broken into smaller pieces. Just ensure they’re cooked enough so they mix well.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use cottage cheese instead, blending it smooth. You can also try vegan ricotta made from tofu for a dairy-free alternative.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that familiar cheesy pull. If unavailable, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses works nicely. Dairy-free mozzarella also serves as a good substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
Egg: The egg helps bind the mixture. For a vegan version, substitute with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce for a similar binding effect.
Breadcrumbs: These create a crispy exterior. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even crushed cornflakes will do the trick! Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be used if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Shape and Cook the Lasagna Fritta?
Shaping and cooking these fritters takes a little care, but it’s worth it! Start by forming small cylindrical rolls, about the size of a small egg. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to bite into.
- Mix all ingredients well, ensuring no lumps remain to help with binding.
- Use a scoop to get even portions; this keeps each fritta uniform in size.
- When air frying, don’t overcrowd the basket. Leaving space allows hot air to circulate, making them crispy all around.
- Turning them halfway through helps achieve that beautiful golden color on all sides.
Letting them cool briefly post-cooking also helps them firm up. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy bites with marinara for dipping!
How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta – Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked lasagna noodles, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Coating and Serving:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil spray (for air frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Get ready to impress with a total time of just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lasagna noodles with the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add in the egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s nice and smooth.
2. Shaping the Fritta:
Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into a cylindrical roll roughly the size of a small egg. Keep forming rolls until all the mixture is used. Place them onto a plate once shaped.
3. Coating the Fritta:
In a shallow bowl, pour in the breadcrumbs. Roll each lasagna fritta in the breadcrumbs until it’s coated all around, ensuring a crispy crust when cooked.
4. Preheating the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the fritta cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture!
5. Air Frying the Fritta:
After preheating, spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Carefully place the lasagna fritta in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other. This is key for even cooking.
6. Cooking Time:
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they get golden brown and crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end!
7. Cooling Before Serving:
Once they’re cooked, remove the fritta from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle and enjoy.
8. Serving Your Delicious Creation:
Serve your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with warm marinara sauce drizzled on the plate. Don’t forget to garnish it with some fresh chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of ricotta or mozzarella cheese if you like!
Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-inspired Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various cheeses like cottage cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor. Just keep the ratios similar to maintain the texture.
What if I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with any tomato-based sauce like pizza sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce. A simple mix of crushed tomatoes with Italian spices works beautifully as well!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and coat them in breadcrumbs, then refrigerate for up to a day before air frying. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
