Air-Fryer Lasagna: Is It Possible?

Lasagna is a well-loved comfort food, but it can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers offer a quick and convenient alternative to baking lasagna in the oven, and the results are just as delicious. You can make a classic lasagna in your air fryer with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, or get creative with vegetarian, chicken, or seafood variations.

Lasagna in an air fryer is quicker than in an oven

Lasagna is a classic comfort food that is typically baked in an oven. However, with an air fryer, you can cut down on the cooking time significantly. While a traditional oven-baked lasagna can take over an hour to cook, an air fryer can have your lasagna ready in about 30 to 45 minutes. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

The air fryer's concentrated heat source and convection mechanism efficiently cook the lasagna, resulting in a shorter cooking time. The even circulation of hot air ensures that the lasagna is cooked evenly, so you don't have to worry about undercooked or overcooked spots.

Tips for making Lasagna in an Air Fryer

• Use a heatproof baking dish that fits into your air fryer, allowing some space for air circulation.
• Blanching the lasagna sheets beforehand is recommended to ensure even cooking, especially if you're using dried pasta.
• Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning. You can remove the foil towards the end of the cooking time if you want a crispy top.
• Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow it to set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Recipe Example

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or beef
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 sheets of no-boil lasagna noodles
• Fresh basil leaves
• 16 ounces grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

• Brown the sausage or beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt (if desired), and pepper.
• Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish that fits your air fryer with cooking spray.
• Add a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce to the dish, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles (breaking them to fit if needed).
• Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then add sausage crumbles, torn basil leaves, and a handful of mozzarella.
• Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of noodles, followed by the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil, ensuring it's wrapped underneath to prevent it from blowing off.
• Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 340°F for 25 minutes.
• Lower the temperature to 280°F, remove the foil, and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Let the lasagna stand for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, classic lasagna in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. So, the next time you're craving lasagna, don't hesitate to use your air fryer for a quicker and equally tasty result!

You can make vegetarian lasagna in an air fryer

Yes, you can make vegetarian lasagna in an air fryer! Here's a recipe for spinach and ricotta lasagna, which serves one person:

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp sea salt, for the spinach
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 5.2 oz (150g) garlic and herb cream cheese (Boursin)
• 10 ½ oz (300g) fresh spinach
• 4 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 lemon, zest only
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (65g) flour, plain / all-purpose
• 3 cups (720ml) semi-skimmed milk
• 1 lemon, zest only (optional)
• 6 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper, a few turns of the mill
• 9-12 fresh lasagna sheets (or no-boil noodles), as needed
• 1 ½ cups (185g) shredded mozzarella
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch ground pepper

Method:

Prepare the spinach ricotta filling:

• Finely chop the spinach and place it in a bowl. Add the salt and leave it to stand so that the salt draws out the moisture.
• Place the spinach in a clean linen towel and wring out the spinach to remove the liquid.
• Place the spinach in a bowl and stir in the ricotta, garlic and herb cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper. Set aside.

Prepare the white sauce (béchamel):

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan until it is foaming. Whisk in the flour to make a paste (roux) and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring all the while.
• Gradually add the milk, whisking it in until it is incorporated into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
• Stir in the zest, freshly grated nutmeg, and Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the lasagna:

• Mist a 7-inch square loose-bottom baking pan with cooking spray (or use an air fryer cake barrel or anything of a similar size that fits). Cover the base with foil or plastic wrap to avoid any leaks.
• Add a ladleful of white sauce to the prepared pan and spread it out. Cover with lasagna sheets, cutting them to fit as needed. Add some white sauce where the sheets overlap each other.
• Spread a layer of the filling over the pasta and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Add some white sauce and top with more lasagna sheets. Repeat until you have used up all of the filling.
• Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles and spoon over the remaining white sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan and season with pepper and freshly grated nutmeg.
• Pierce with a skewer or knife in a few places to allow steam to escape and avoid the noodles "buckling".

Cook the lasagna in the air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/ 180°C for 5 minutes. Lower the heat to 275°F /135°C, then place the lasagna in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes.
• Increase the heat setting to 320°F / 160°C and cook for a further 15-20 minutes or until the lasagna is golden on top, easily pierced with a knife, and registers 165°F / 75°C on an instant-read thermometer.
• Let stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving with a salad and some garlic dough balls.

Storage:

Store any leftovers, once cooled, in the refrigerator in a suitable container for up to three days. Leftover lasagna is best reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Make sure it is hot all the way through before serving.

To freeze the whole lasagna, assemble and cool but don’t air fry. Cover with a lid and freeze for up to a month. Cook from frozen in the air fryer following the same method, adding extra time as needed. You can also cook frozen lasagna in the oven at 350°F /180°C for 50 minutes to an hour.

You can make chicken or turkey lasagna in an air fryer

Yes, you can make lasagna in an air fryer, and it's quicker and easier than the traditional oven method. You can also make chicken or turkey lasagna in an air fryer by substituting ground chicken or turkey for the beef or sausage in the recipe. Here's a recipe for chicken or turkey lasagna that you can make in an air fryer:

Chicken or Turkey Lasagna in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground chicken or turkey
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 sheets No-Boil Lasagna Noodles, lasagna sheets
• 6 basil leaves, fresh
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

• In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chicken or turkey, breaking it up with cooking into crumbles. Once there is no pink left, drain any excess fat, take it off the heat and stir in the marinara sauce, then set aside.
• Mix the ricotta, egg, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
• Spray an 8x8x2.5-inch baking dish or small baking pan with cooking spray.
• Add 1/4 of the sauce to the bottom of the baking dish. Top with two sheets of lasagna noodles; you will need to break them up to fit. Add 1/3 of the ricotta mixture and smooth it out over the noodles. Tear two of the basil leaves and add them on top. Add 1/4 of the mozzarella on top of the basil. Repeat twice until you have a top layer of noodles, followed by the remaining sauce. Add the remaining mozzarella.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F for 5 minutes.
• Add the lasagna pan to the air fryer basket and set the cook time for 25-30 minutes. Cover the dish with foil and air fry the lasagna for another 20 minutes at 280 degrees F.
• Let stand for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with more parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Tips for Making Lasagna in an Air Fryer:

• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and make the process easier.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or goat cheese.
• You can add vegetables to your lasagna, such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, to add flavor and nutrition.
• You can switch up the protein by using ground beef, ground turkey, or diced chicken, or experiment with different types of sausage such as spicy sausage or chorizo.
• Adding wine to your sauce can give your lasagna a rich and complex flavor.
• The cooking time for air fryer lasagna can vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so monitor it throughout the cooking process and adjust the cooking time if needed.

You can make seafood lasagna in an air fryer

Yes, you can make seafood lasagna in an air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious dish:

Ingredients

For the seafood lasagna in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Seafood of your choice: shrimp, crab, or a combination of seafood.
• White sauce: You can make a classic Bechamel sauce or use a store-bought alternative.
• Lasagna noodles: Fresh lasagna noodles are best as they cook quickly and don't need pre-soaking or cooking.
• Cheese: A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese is ideal, but you can also add other types like Gruyere.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and other herbs and spices to taste.
• Other ingredients: Onion, garlic, olive oil, and any vegetables or meats you wish to include.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of making seafood lasagna in your air fryer:

• Prepare the seafood: If you're using shrimp, peel and devein them. If you're using crab, make sure it's cleaned and cooked. You can also use a combination of seafood to create a delicious mix.
• Make the white sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and stir to make a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and nutmeg. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and set aside to cool and thicken.
• Prepare the seafood sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil and add onion, garlic, and any other vegetables you wish to include. Sauté until softened, then add your seafood. Cook until the seafood is done, then add your white sauce and any seasonings. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes.
• Assemble the lasagna: Grease a square or rectangular baking dish that fits in your air fryer. Start with a layer of seafood sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread another layer of seafood sauce and spoon some white sauce over it. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until you've used all the seafood sauce, ending with a layer of white sauce and cheese.
• Air fry the lasagna: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F for 5 minutes. Place the lasagna dish in the air fryer basket and set the cook time for 25-30 minutes. Cover the dish with foil and air fry for another 20 minutes at 280 degrees F.
• Rest and serve: Remove the lasagna from the air fryer and let it stand for about 10 minutes. This will allow the lasagna to set and make it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips and Tricks

• You can experiment with different types of seafood and cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• Don't overfill your dish to avoid spills.
• Blanching the lasagna noodles before assembly can help ensure they are soft and cooked through.
• Covering the lasagna with foil during cooking can help prevent excessive browning and keep the moisture in.
• Always allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and enhance.

Enjoy your delicious seafood lasagna, freshly made in your air fryer!

You can make spinach and ricotta lasagna in an air fryer

Yes, you can make spinach and ricotta lasagna in an air fryer! This method is quicker than using a traditional oven and can produce delicious results. Here is a recipe for spinach and ricotta lasagna that serves 2-3 people.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 5.2 oz (150g) garlic and herb cream cheese (Boursin)
• 10 ½ oz (300g) fresh spinach
• 4 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 lemon, zest only
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (65g) plain/all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720ml) semi-skimmed milk
• 1 lemon, zest only (optional)
• 6 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 9-12 fresh lasagna sheets (or no-boil lasagna noodles), as needed
• 1 ½ cups (185g) shredded mozzarella
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch of ground pepper

Method:

Prepare the spinach and ricotta filling:

• Finely chop the spinach and place it in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let it stand to draw out the moisture.
• Place the wilted spinach in a clean linen towel and wring out the spinach to remove the liquid.
• Place the spinach in a bowl and stir in the ricotta, garlic and herb cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper. Set aside.

Prepare the white sauce (béchamel):

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan until it is foaming.
• Whisk in the flour to make a paste (roux) and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously.
• Gradually add the milk, whisking it in until it is incorporated into the sauce.
• Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
• Stir in the lemon zest, nutmeg, and Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the lasagna:

• Mist a 7-inch square loose-bottom baking pan with cooking spray (or use an air fryer cake barrel or anything of a similar size that fits). Cover the base with foil or plastic wrap to avoid any leaks.
• Add a ladleful of white sauce to the prepared pan and spread it out.
• Cover with lasagna sheets, cutting them to fit as needed. Add some white sauce where the sheets overlap each other.
• Spread a layer of the spinach and ricotta filling over the pasta and sprinkle with mozzarella.
• Add some white sauce and top with more lasagna sheets. Repeat until you have used up all of the filling.
• Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles and spoon over the remaining white sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and season with pepper and nutmeg.
• Pierce with a skewer or knife in a few places to allow steam to escape and avoid the noodles from buckling.

Cook the lasagna in the air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/ 180°C for 5 minutes.
• Lower the heat to 275°F /135°C, place the lasagna in the air fryer basket, and cook for 30 minutes.
• Increase the heat setting to 320°F / 160°C and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is golden on top, easily pierced with a knife, and registers 165°F / 75°C on an instant-read thermometer.
• Let the lasagna stand for at least 10 minutes before serving. If you used a loose-bottomed pan, you can carefully remove it to show off the layers.

Storage:

Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it is hot all the way through before serving.

Frequently asked questions