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
Units
Scale
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.