Introduction
Craving the crispy, cheesy delight of Olive Garden’s Lasagna Fritta but don’t want to head out for a restaurant visit? You’re in luck! This Easy Olive Garden Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Copycat recipe brings the delicious taste of this popular appetizer right to your kitchen. Perfectly crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, this recipe is a game-changer for your next meal or party.
What is Lasagna Fritta?
Lasagna Fritta is a fan-favorite appetizer at Olive Garden, featuring lasagna noodles that are breaded and fried to perfection. This dish combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with a crispy coating, making it an irresistible treat. The air fryer version of this recipe provides the same crispy texture but with less oil, making it a healthier alternative.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 onion, chopped (if using ground meat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (if using ground meat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
For the Bread Crumb Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lasagna Filling:
- If using ground beef or sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each lasagna noodle. Add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture and a spoonful of the cooked meat mixture if using. Roll each noodle tightly into a pinwheel shape.
4. Bread the Lasagna Rolls:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs.
- Dip each lasagna roll in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the rolls to ensure they stick.
5. Air Fry the Lasagna Fritta:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded lasagna rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
- Serve your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Fritta
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s enough space between each lasagna roll in the air fryer for even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Health Benefits
By using an air fryer, you cut down on the amount of oil needed to achieve that crispy texture, making this recipe a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The result is a tasty treat with less fat but all the flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Olive Garden Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Copycat recipe brings a beloved restaurant dish into your home with a healthier twist. Perfect for appetizers, party snacks, or a fun family meal, these crispy lasagna rolls are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the classic taste of lasagna with the convenience and efficiency of an air fryer!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: For an appealing presentation, arrange the Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also add a nice touch.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. You can also offer a side of creamy Alfredo sauce for a different twist.
- Accompaniments: These lasagna fritta rolls pair well with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a pasta dish.
- Temperature: Serve the lasagna fritta hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the coating is still crispy.
Storage Tips:
- Cooling: Allow the lasagna fritta to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the coating crispy.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover lasagna fritta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked lasagna fritta. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the lasagna fritta in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. This helps restore some of the original crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Avoid Microwave: While convenient, microwaving may result in a soggy coating. For the best texture, reheating in the air fryer or oven is recommended.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta at its best, whether freshly cooked or as leftovers!
1. Can I use pre-made lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-made lasagna noodles, but make sure they are cooked until al dente before rolling. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy after air frying.
2. Can I make the lasagna fritta in advance and freeze them?
Absolutely! You can freeze the breaded lasagna rolls before air frying. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground meat. You can add extra vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to the ricotta filling for added flavor and nutrition.
4. What should I do if the lasagna fritta are not crispy enough?
If your lasagna fritta aren’t crispy enough, try spraying them with a bit more cooking spray before air frying. Additionally, make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. You can also increase the cooking time by a minute or two if needed.