Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat)

Introduction

When I first tried making Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta at home, I was instantly hooked. It’s a crispy, cheesy twist on traditional lasagna that is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer or a comforting meal. Inspired by the famous Olive Garden version, this recipe delivers the rich, creamy flavor of lasagna in a bite-sized, crispy form. My family couldn’t get enough of these golden, crunchy little rolls, and the homemade alfredo sauce paired perfectly with them. What really stood out to me was how easy the air fryer made the cooking process—no oil splatter, no deep frying, and best of all, the texture was spot-on. It’s a great way to enjoy lasagna with less mess and in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re craving a fun snack or need a unique dish for a party, this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat)

This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe is a fun, innovative way to enjoy the classic lasagna flavors with a crispy twist. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Crispy and Cheesy: The outer coating gets perfectly crispy in the air fryer, while the inside remains warm, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors from the variety of cheeses.
• Easy and Quick: With the help of the air fryer, these lasagna frittas come together quickly and cook in less than 20 minutes, making them perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute gathering.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the cheese mixture or dip options to suit your tastes. Add some ground beef or sausage to the filling for a heartier version.
• Air Fryer Convenience: No need for deep frying! The air fryer produces the perfect crisp texture with minimal oil, making this dish a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Perfect for Parties or Appetizers: These mini lasagna rolls are great for parties, game nights, or as an appetizer before a big dinner.

Ingredients

For the Lasagna Fritta:

• 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 the Batter:

• 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs or panko
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs

For Cooking:

• Olive oil spray (for air fryer)

For Serving:

• Homemade Alfredo sauce or jarred marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to make them easier to handle. Trim any ribbon edges if necessary to create flat noodles.
2. Make the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and eggs. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna Rolls: Lay each lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Carefully roll the noodles into 2-3 inch long rolls. Place the rolls in a container lined with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Freeze the rolls for 1-2 hours to firm up.
4. Prepare the Batter: In a shallow dish, scramble the eggs. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the olive oil and breadcrumbs. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until golden brown. Let the breadcrumbs cool before mixing in the Parmesan cheese.
5. Coat the Rolls: Dip each frozen lasagna roll into the scrambled egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess to ensure an even coating.
6. Cook in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated lasagna rolls in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil to help with crisping. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the rolls and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Remove the lasagna frittas from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or homemade Alfredo sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Servings: 4 (2 rolls per serving)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15-18 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes (plus 1-2 hours for freezing)

How to Serve

• As an appetizer: Serve these Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping at your next gathering or party.
• With a side salad: Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens to balance the richness of the cheese-filled rolls.
• As a main dish: These can also be served as a main dish, accompanied by garlic bread or a vegetable side.
• For kids: These make a fun, kid-friendly meal. The smaller portions and crispy texture are sure to be a hit.
• For a dinner party: Serve as part of a buffet or as an appetizer before the main course, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.

Additional Tips

1. Freezing: Don’t skip the freezing step! Freezing the lasagna rolls before coating helps the filling stay inside the rolls while they cook, ensuring you don’t end up with a messy dish.
2. Air Fryer Tips: Make sure to spray the rolls with olive oil before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely. If needed, you can cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
3. Breadcrumb Variations: For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs or even seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
4. Flavor Variations: Feel free to add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for a more hearty meal.
5. Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have all the cheeses listed, you can use other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.

FAQ

1. Can I make these lasagna fritta ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and freeze the lasagna rolls in advance. Simply coat and cook them when ready to serve.
2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but Italian breadcrumbs add more flavor and seasoning to the coating.
3. What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the lasagna fritta in a regular oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even crisp.
4. Can I use a different pasta for this recipe? While lasagna noodles are traditional, you could experiment with other wide pasta like manicotti or cannelloni, although they may need a little extra attention when assembling.
5. Can I make these without cheese? You can, but the dish would lose its creamy, cheesy texture. For a lighter version, consider using a dairy-free cheese or a ricotta substitute.
6. Can I add meat to the filling? Yes, you can easily add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese mixture for added flavor and protein.
7. How can I make the batter more crispy? If you want extra crispiness, try adding a little cornmeal to the breadcrumb mixture.
8. What sauces pair well with lasagna fritta? Both marinara and Alfredo sauce pair well with lasagna fritta. You can also use a creamy pesto sauce for a different flavor.
9. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to make the recipe gluten-free.
10. Can I prepare the cheese filling in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna rolls.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is an incredibly fun and delicious twist on a classic Italian dish. The crispy, golden coating combined with the cheesy, flavorful filling makes this recipe a must-try. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for a party, a fun snack for the family, or even as a main course, these mini lasagna rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer makes the process quick and easy, while still delivering a crispy, satisfying result. Serve them with a side of marinara or Alfredo sauce, and enjoy a crispy, cheesy treat that everyone will love!

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