Air Fryer Lasagna: Can You Cook Stouffer's This Way?

Stouffer's Lasagna is a popular choice for a quick and easy meal, and it can be made even more convenient by using an air fryer. Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens as they significantly reduce cooking time and deliver a delicious, golden-brown, cheesy lasagna. They are also perfect for melting cheese on your lasagna and reheating any leftovers.

Cooking time and temperature

Stouffer's Lasagna can be cooked in an air fryer and it is considered a quick and easy way to get a warm, filling meal on the table. It is also a convenient option to have a hearty dish without the hassle of having to make it from scratch.

The cooking time and temperature for Stouffer's Lasagna in an air fryer vary across sources. Some sources recommend cooking the lasagna at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the center of the lasagna is hot (at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit).

Other sources suggest cooking the lasagna at a higher temperature of between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. One source recommends cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, while another suggests 18 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then flipping the lasagna and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the lasagna, as well as the specific model of the air fryer. It is recommended to check the internal temperature of the lasagna before serving to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, it is important to remove the lasagna from its original packaging and place it in an air fryer-safe dish before cooking. Some sources suggest covering the lasagna with aluminum foil for the initial cooking time to prevent splattering and then removing the foil for the final cooking stage to allow the cheese to melt and brown.

Preparing the lasagna

Once the lasagna is in the baking dish, you can place it in the air fryer. It is recommended to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to protect the appliance from any bubbling or moisture. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a single-serve lasagna, cook it for 10 to 15 minutes. For a thicker, family-sized lasagna, it may need up to an hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure the lasagna is cooked properly, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, remove the lasagna from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs, as it will be very hot. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with garlic bread or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Using the air fryer

Stouffer's Lasagna can be cooked in an air fryer and it is a great appliance for doing so. It cooks the dish from frozen with no need to defrost and heats the lasagna faster than a traditional oven. It is a convenient option to have a hearty dish ready in 25-30 minutes.

Firstly, remove the lasagna from its packaging and any plastic film. It is important to note that you must remove the frozen lasagna from the pan or dish that the frozen lasagna comes in and place it in an air fryer-safe baking dish. You can use a baking dish that will fit in your air fryer and prep it with non-stick spray, or brush it with oil, so the lasagna doesn't stick to it.

Next, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and place it in the air fryer. If you are cooking a single serving, you can place it directly in the air fryer basket, and line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to protect the appliance from bubbling over cheese or moisture.

Now you can set the temperature and timer. Different sources recommend different cooking times and temperatures, but generally, it is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the lasagna, and then remove the foil and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes. The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and the center is hot. You can use a food thermometer to ensure the lasagna has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the lasagna is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with garlic bread or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving suggestions

Stouffer's Lasagna can be cooked in an air fryer and served with a variety of toppings and sides. It is recommended to remove the lasagna from its original packaging and place it in an air fryer-safe baking dish.

Once cooked, you can serve the lasagna with a variety of toppings, such as extra marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. You can also add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesiness. If you want to enhance the flavor even more, season with herbs and spices, like basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning.

For a complete meal, serve the lasagna with garlic bread and a side of vegetables, such as a garden salad or roasted veggies. If you're serving it with garlic bread, it's a good idea to put the lasagna in the oven to keep it warm while you prep the garlic bread, so everything is ready to serve at the same time.

If you're craving a more indulgent option, you can also serve the lasagna with Air Fryer Frozen Bacon-Wrapped Scallops or Air Fryer Trader Joe's Frozen Mini Cheeseburgers.

Defrosting

Stouffer's frozen lasagna can be cooked in an air fryer straight from the freezer. However, some people recommend defrosting it first, as this can help to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked. If you choose to defrost your lasagna before air frying, you can do so by leaving it out of the freezer for a few minutes. This will make it easier to remove the lasagna from its original packaging and transfer it to an air fryer-safe dish.

Once your lasagna is defrosted, you can slice it and place it in an air fryer basket or air fryer oven. If you are using the original tray, check that it is safe for the air fryer. If not, transfer the lasagna to an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer.

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue air frying for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the center of the lasagna is hot. Use a food thermometer to ensure the lasagna reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the lasagna is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions