Lasagna Fritta is a crispy, cheesy appetizer inspired by the popular restaurant dish. This easy air fryer version features layers of five creamy cheeses wrapped in cooked lasagna noodles, breaded, and air-fried to golden perfection. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a delicious, crispy, cheesy bite that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or an indulgent meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy – A crunchy breaded exterior with a rich, gooey cheese filling.
- Air Fryer Friendly – No deep frying needed, making it lighter and less messy.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – Get the taste of your favorite Italian restaurant dish at home.
- Great for Parties – Perfect appetizer or snack for game days and gatherings.
- Customizable – Easily swap cheeses or add extra flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheese Filling:
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Romano cheese, grated
- Provolone cheese, shredded
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
For the Lasagna Wrapping:
- Cooked lasagna noodles
For the Breading:
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs (beaten)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Cooking & Serving:
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, provolone, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
- Lay out cooked lasagna noodles and spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly on each one.
- Fold or roll the noodles into a square or log shape, securing the filling inside.
Step 3: Bread the Lasagna Fritta
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each lasagna roll in flour, dip in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the breaded lasagna pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Spray the tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- Meaty Version – Mix in crumbled cooked sausage or ground beef with the cheese filling.
- Extra Crispy – Double coat with breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs.
- Different Cheeses – Swap in fontina, asiago, or gouda for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after air frying. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until crispy again.
FAQs
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
No, regular boiled lasagna noodles work best as they are more flexible for rolling.
Do I have to use all five cheeses?
No, you can customize it with fewer cheeses or substitute your favorites.
What dipping sauces go well with lasagna fritta?
Marinara, Alfredo, or a garlic butter sauce pair beautifully.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
How do I keep them from unrolling while cooking?
Make sure to fold them securely and press gently when breading to hold their shape.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I get an extra crispy texture?
Use a double layer of breadcrumbs or spray extra oil on top before air frying.
Can I make this in a deep fryer?
Yes! Fry in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
What’s the best way to cut them for serving?
Cut in halves or thirds to make bite-sized pieces perfect for dipping.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother filling.
Conclusion
Easy Air Fryer 5 Cheese Lasagna Fritta is a crispy, cheesy, and delicious twist on classic lasagna. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, this air-fried version is healthier than deep-frying while keeping all the amazing flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a party or making it for a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress!
Print
Easy Air Fryer 5 Cheese Lasagna Fritta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a crispy, golden-fried take on classic lasagna, stuffed with five kinds of cheese and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. It’s an easy, no-deep-fry version of Olive Garden’s famous appetizer—perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun Italian-inspired meal!
Ingredients
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Romano cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Lasagna & Coating:
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles (cooled and patted dry)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheese.
- Add the egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Lasagna Fritta
- Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the center of each noodle, then fold the noodle over like an envelope to seal the filling inside.
- Press down gently to ensure it stays closed.
Step 3: Coat the Lasagna Bites
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs + Parmesan) into three separate bowls.
- Dredge each stuffed lasagna piece in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat in the breadcrumbs. Press the coating onto the lasagna to ensure it sticks.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the fritta pieces with cooking spray.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Extra Crispy? Double-coat by dipping in egg and breadcrumbs a second time before air frying.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the egg wash.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing Option: Assemble and coat, then freeze before air frying. Cook from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.