Air-Fried Lasagna: A Tasty, Crispy Twist On A Classic

Yes, you can cook lasagna in an air fryer! It's quicker and easier than the traditional oven method, and you'll still get that classic crispy, golden-brown top layer. The air fryer is also great if you're short on time or oven space. You can make a meaty lasagna or a vegetarian version, and you can even assemble it in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

Lasagna ingredients

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that can be made in an air fryer or a conventional oven. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make a delicious lasagna:

Meat and Sauce:

• Ground Italian Sausage: Adds savoury flavour and protein. You can also use ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage links.
• Marinara Sauce: Brings the classic tomato-based flavour. You can use store-bought or make your own from crushed tomatoes and canned tomatoes.
• Tomato Products: For a richer sauce, you can add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
• Spices and Seasonings: Fresh or dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, black pepper, garlic powder, onion, and salt to taste.

Cheese:

• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy and slightly tangy texture to the layers. You can also use cottage cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides the melty, gooey element that holds the layers together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick to the dish.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder for the ricotta layers.

Noodles:

Lasagna Noodles: You can use no-boil lasagna noodles or traditional lasagna noodles that need to be boiled before assembling. Fresh lasagna noodles are also an option and don't require pre-cooking.

Other Ingredients:

• Fresh Basil: Adds a garnish and extra flavour to the dish.
• Spinach (Optional): For a healthier option, you can add thawed and squeezed frozen spinach to the cheese layer.
• White Sauce (Optional): For a creamy and cheesy lasagna, you can make a Bechamel sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.

Step-by-step guide to making lasagna in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground Italian Sausage
• Marinara Sauce
• Ricotta Cheese
• Eggs
• Parmesan Cheese
• No-Boil Lasagna Noodles/Lasagna Sheets
• Fresh Basil
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Seasonings: garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Method

• Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up and cook until there is no pink meat left. Drain any excess fat, take it off the heat, and stir in the marinara sauce. Set aside.
• Make the cheese filling by mixing the ricotta, egg, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
• Spray a baking dish that fits in your air fryer with cooking spray. Add a layer of sauce to the bottom of the dish, followed by lasagna noodles (you may need to break them up to fit).
• Top the noodles with the ricotta mixture, smooth it out, and add basil leaves. Then, add a layer of mozzarella. Repeat these layers until you have a top layer of noodles, followed by the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the cook time for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and air fry for another 20 minutes at 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Let the lasagna stand for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Tips:

• You can make vegetarian, chicken, turkey, seafood, spinach and ricotta, pesto, Mexican-inspired, gluten-free, and vegan variations of this recipe.
• Fresh lasagna noodles are best for air fryer lasagna as they cook quickly and don't need to be soaked or pre-cooked.
• You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles, but they may require a shorter cooking time.
• To prevent the lasagna from sticking to the dish, start with a layer of sauce and lightly grease the dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Cover the lasagna with foil during the second part of cooking to prevent excessive browning. You can remove the foil towards the end for a crispy top layer.

Air fryer lasagna cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer lasagna vary depending on the specific recipe and air fryer model. However, on average, you can expect the cooking process to take between 25 and 40 minutes, and the temperature to be set within the range of 325°F to 360°F.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

The ingredients for air fryer lasagna are similar to those used in a traditional recipe. You will need ground meat (such as Italian sausage, ground beef, or a combination), marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, no-boil lasagna noodles, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add other ingredients like vegetables or different types of cheese to customize your lasagna.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Prepare the Sauce

If you are using ground meat, start by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat and set it aside. You can also add spices and seasonings to your meat at this stage, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or salt.

For the sauce, you can either use a jarred marinara sauce or make your own. If making your own, simply add the sauce ingredients to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sauce is bubbling.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish that fits into your air fryer with cooking spray. Start by adding a layer of sauce to the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles. You may need to break the noodles to make them fit. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixture (a mixture of ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) over the noodles, then add a layer of meat sauce and a handful of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until you have three layers, ending with a layer of sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for about 5 minutes. Place the assembled lasagna dish into the air fryer basket and set the cook time for 25-30 minutes. After this initial cooking time, cover the dish with foil and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes at a lower temperature of around 325°F. This will ensure that the lasagna is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the lasagna is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it stand for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve. You can garnish it with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lasagna:

• Monitor the lasagna closely while it cooks, as cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Cover the lasagna dish with aluminum foil during the second part of cooking to prevent excessive browning. You can remove the foil towards the end for a crispy top layer.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after air frying to let the layers set and make slicing and serving easier.
• Reheat any leftovers at a lower temperature or in the microwave to prevent the top layer from burning.

Storing and reheating lasagna

Storing Lasagna:

It is important to store lasagna properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate leftover lasagna within 2 hours of cooking and consume it within 3-4 days.
• If you want to freeze lasagna, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. Frozen lasagna can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For quicker reheating, cut the lasagna into individual portions before freezing.

Reheating Lasagna:

There are several ways to reheat lasagna, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common methods:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the lasagna with foil and place it on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Bake for 30-45 minutes until heated through, checking occasionally to ensure it's not drying out.
• Microwave: Place a piece of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a paper towel or plastic wrap to prevent splattering. Reheat in 1-2 minute intervals on medium power until heated through, as microwave ovens vary.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F-375°F. Cut the lasagna into portions that fit your air fryer basket and place them in a loaf pan. Air fry for 4-8 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Skillet: Place a slice or two of lasagna in a skillet and add 1/4 cup of water for each slice. Heat over medium-high heat until the water simmers, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes.

Tips for Optimal Reheating:

• Always reheat lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
• To prevent lasagna from drying out during reheating, add a splash of water or sauce to the dish and cover it with foil, plastic wrap, or a paper towel to retain moisture.
• When reheating in the oven, do not set the temperature higher than 350°F, as this can dry out the lasagna.
• If reheating in the microwave, use a toothpick to keep the cover from touching the cheese and prevent it from sticking.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after reheating to let the heated layers absorb moisture and make it easier to slice.

Lasagna recipe variations

There are endless ways to make lasagna your own, whether you're adapting to dietary restrictions, adding your favourite ingredients, or making the most of seasonal produce. Here are some ideas for lasagna recipe variations:

Vegetarian and Vegan Lasagna

Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy lasagna too! For a vegetarian lasagna, simply replace the ground beef with vegetarian or vegan mince. For a vegan lasagna, substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu or cashew-based ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella.

Chicken or Turkey Lasagna

For a lighter option, substitute ground sausage with ground chicken or turkey. Season the poultry with Italian herbs and spices for extra flavour.

Seafood Lasagna

For a unique twist, create a seafood lasagna using layers of cooked shrimp, crab, or a combination of seafood. Pair it with a creamy white sauce instead of the traditional marinara sauce.

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

This classic variation involves layering sautéed spinach with the ricotta cheese mixture. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra depth of flavour.

Pesto Lasagna

Instead of the traditional marinara sauce, use basil pesto! Layer it with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Mexican-Inspired Lasagna

For a Mexican twist, use corn tortillas instead of lasagna noodles. Layer them with seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, and shredded Mexican cheese blend.

Gluten-Free Lasagna

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that all your ingredients are gluten-free.

Low-Carb or Keto Lasagna

Substitute lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a low-carb or keto-friendly version.

Four-Cheese Lasagna

Add a variety of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda in addition to the traditional ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for an indulgent, cheesy lasagna.

Individual Servings

Make single-serving lasagnas in ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for a personalized touch.

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

This vegetarian lasagna is a great way to use up any veggies in your fridge. Zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers are roasted to bring out their flavour before being added to the lasagna. You can also substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.

Spicy Brunch Lasagna

Who says you can't have lasagna for breakfast? This white lasagna combines lasagna noodles, Alfredo sauce, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and sausage.

Smoked Salmon Lasagna

This elegant seafood lasagna features layers of smoked salmon, mushroom, and tomato sauce, along with six kinds of cheese.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

This meatless lasagna features thick butternut squash slices in a rich rosemary cream sauce.

Lobster Lasagna

Lobster lasagna is a luxurious and impressive dish, perfect for holiday celebrations or New Year's Eve dinners.

Vegetable Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce

This creamy, rich, and satisfying vegetarian lasagna is loaded with crunchy bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli, layered with lasagna noodles, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, and store-bought Alfredo sauce.

Rolled Lasagna Florentine

Instead of flat noodles, the noodles are rolled up with ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian cheeses. Cover the top and bottom with a savory homemade meat sauce, or omit the ground beef for a vegetarian version.

Vegetable-Polenta Lasagna

Savoury polenta adds an extra layer of flavour to this vegetarian lasagna. It features a layer of creamy cornmeal under tender mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkling of mozzarella.

Chicken Caesar Lasagna

This chicken lasagna is a twist on the classic Caesar salad. Use whole wheat noodles, light Alfredo sauce, and spinach for a lower-fat version.

White Lasagna Cupcakes

These mini-lasagnas are baked in ramekins and layered with prosciutto, chives, and Fontina cheese. They're perfect for solo meals, on-the-go lunches, or frozen for later.

Frequently asked questions