If you love lasagna but crave a fun, crispy twist, the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine perfectly rolled lasagna noodles stuffed with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all seasoned to perfection and transformed into irresistible golden fritters in the air fryer. This appetizer offers a delightful crunch on the outside and gooey cheesy goodness inside, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and satisfyingly scrumptious. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a cozy treat, these crispy bites hit every craving spot in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays its part to build layers of flavor, texture, and that perfect cheesy pull you dream about. From the creamy cheese blend to the crunchy breadcrumb coating, every element is essential to this savory snack.
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles: The base for rolling, tender but firm noodles work best for easy handling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness that keeps the filling soft and silky.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that ooey-gooey stretch we crave.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances depth.
- 1 egg: Binds the cheese mixture together, ensuring it holds inside the noodles.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the filling with classic Italian hints.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic punch without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden crust for a delightful texture contrast.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the noodles so the crust stays intact.
- 2 eggs (beaten, for coating): Used to help the breadcrumbs adhere and build an even crust.
- Cooking spray: Ensures a crispy finish without excess oil.
- Marinara sauce for dipping: A tangy, flavorful partner that takes these fritta to the next level.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Start by combining the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything until it’s a smooth, creamy blend. This cheesy filling is the heart of your lasagna fritta, so take a moment to appreciate how these flavors come together in harmony.
Step 2: Roll Up the Lasagna Noodles
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly across each noodle, then carefully roll them up tightly from one end to the other. This rolling step seals in the delicious filling and creates the perfect shape for frying.
Step 3: Chill the Rolls
Pop the rolled noodles into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This chilling helps the cheese firm up a bit, making the coating process much easier and ensuring the filling stays put when cooking.
Step 4: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the remaining beaten eggs, and one with the Italian-style breadcrumbs. This classic breading trio is essential for creating that irresistible, crispy crust that contrasts so beautifully with the gooey center.
Step 5: Coat the Lasagna Rolls
Take each chilled lasagna roll and dip it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the roll into the beaten eggs, allowing the coating to stick nicely. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs and press gently to ensure an even, thick coating all around. This triple dip is what makes the fritta so delightfully crunchy.
Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the coated lasagna fritta in a single layer without overcrowding – work in batches if necessary. Mist the tops of the rolls with cooking spray to encourage browning. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy, golden, and hot all the way through.
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your cheesy air fryer lasagna fritta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley. A dusting of extra Parmesan can also add a savory finish that turns an already tasty appetizer into something truly special and picturesque.
Side Dishes
These fritta pair amazingly well with crisp salads, like a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables that offer a wholesome balance. A bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping is non-negotiable if you want to up the flavor quotient.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate the fritta in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering, or arrange them on a sleek serving platter with ramekins of marinara and garlic aioli for dipping. They are perfect bite-sized treasures that bring excitement to any party or family dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna fritta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to 3 days while maintaining their cheesy goodness. Just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating so they stay crisp as long as possible.
Freezing
This Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is freezer-friendly! Prepare and bread your fritta as instructed, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, cook directly from frozen, just adding 2-3 extra minutes to the air frying time. This makes for a fabulous last-minute snack or appetizer option.
Reheating
To reheat, place the fritta in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. This method preserves their crunchy exterior way better than microwaving, guaranteeing that delightful texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Because you need the noodles pliable enough to roll without cracking, pre-cooked traditional noodles work best. No-boil noodles tend to be stiffer and might not roll as easily, but if you soak them well beforehand, it can be possible with care.
Is this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is completely vegetarian as it relies on cheeses and seasoning for flavor. You can optionally add cooked sausage or vegetables in the filling if you want to customize it, just keep in mind that may affect the diet classification.
What’s the best marinara sauce to serve with the fritta?
A good quality, slightly chunky marinara sauce with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic complements these fritta perfectly. You can make your own or pick up a flavorful store-bought option; just make sure it isn’t too watery so the fritta don’t get soggy.
Can I add herbs or veggies to the filling?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach, chopped basil, or parsley can brighten the flavor, and cooked, crumbled sausage or mushrooms can add heartiness to the cheese mixture. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from vegetables first to avoid soggy filling.
How many fritta does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 delicious lasagna fritta. Each one is the perfect bite-sized portion that’s ideal for serving as appetizers or a fun snack for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about turning a beloved classic like lasagna into fun, crunchy bites, and this Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe does just that with flair and flavor. Whether you’re introducing friends to a new favorite or treating yourself after a long day, these fritta bring that perfect blend of gooey cheese and crispy crust. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before you know it!
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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 offers a crispy, golden twist on classic lasagna by rolling cooked noodles with a rich cheese filling, breading them, and air frying to perfection. Served with warm marinara sauce, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or a delicious 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 Station
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten, for coating)
Additional
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed and smooth.
- Roll Lasagna Noodles: Lay cooked lasagna noodles flat on a surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each noodle and roll them tightly to form compact rolls.
- Chill Rolls: Place the rolled noodles in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape during breading and cooking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Rolls: Dip each chilled lasagna roll first into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Rolls: Place the breaded fritta in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary). Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook to Crisp: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the fritta are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- To make ahead, prepare and bread the fritta, then freeze them. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the air frying time.
- For variety, mix spinach, chopped fresh herbs, or cooked sausage into the cheese filling before rolling.
