Air Fryer Frozen Lasagna: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Cooking frozen lasagna in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to make a classic meal. It is a convenient option for a hearty dish, especially when you don't have the time to make it from scratch. Air fryers are smaller than standard ovens, so the hot air is constantly blowing directly against the food, cooking it more quickly and efficiently. This means that you can have a delicious, hot, and cheesy lasagna on your table in under 30 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures for different lasagna types

Frozen Lasagna in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for frozen lasagna in an air fryer varies depending on the source. One source recommends cooking the frozen lasagna for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (176.6°C) covered in aluminum foil, then removing the foil and cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes. Another source recommends cooking the frozen lasagna at 375°F (190.5°C) for 10-15 minutes or until bubbling. It is important to note that the lasagna should be removed from any plastic or paper dish and placed in an air fryer-safe baking dish before cooking.

Fresh Lasagna in an Air Fryer

When making fresh lasagna in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 180°C/350°F for 3 minutes. The lasagna should then be cooked for 25 minutes at the same temperature, followed by an additional 5-10 minutes at 160°C/325°F without the foil.

Fresh Lasagna in an Oven

When cooking fresh lasagna in a conventional oven, most sources recommend preheating the oven to 350°F (176.6°C) or 375°F (190.5°C). The lasagna should then be baked for about 30 minutes, covered in foil, and then the foil should be removed and the lasagna baked for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that the oven temperature for lasagna is not as important as the cooking time, as the water content in the lasagna will prevent the temperature from exceeding 212°F (100°C). Therefore, it may be possible to cook lasagna at a lower temperature and simply broil the top at the end to brown the cheese. However, this may result in a higher water content in the final dish.

How to prepare the lasagna for cooking

Preparing frozen lasagna to be cooked in an air fryer is a simple process. First, remove the lasagna from its box packaging and clear plastic covering. If you are using a single-serve lasagna, you may want to microwave it before placing it in the air fryer to speed up the cooking process.

Next, you can either place the lasagna in the air fryer basket in its original tray or transfer it to an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer. If you choose to use a baking dish, lightly spray it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. If you are cooking a single-serve lasagna, you may want to reduce the cooking time. For a thicker lasagna, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure that all the layers are heated thoroughly.

How to cook the lasagna

Air fryer lasagna is a quick and easy way to cook this classic dish. It's a convenient option for a hearty meal, ready in under 30 minutes—a fraction of the oven bake time!

First, remove the frozen lasagna from its box and plastic packaging. You can then place the lasagna in the air fryer basket in its original tray or transfer it to an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer. If you are using a baking dish, lightly spray it with olive oil or cooking spray first to prevent sticking.

Next, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and air fry the lasagna for 15-20 minutes. 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 has an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

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 on its own or with a side of garlic bread and a garden salad.

Tips

• Depending on the brand and thickness of your lasagna, you may need to adjust the cooking time. If you are working with a thicker lasagna, add an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure that all the layers are heated thoroughly.
• If you are cooking a single-serve lasagna, it will likely need less time in the air fryer than a family-sized portion.
• If your lasagna has a cheese topping, consider cooking it upside down initially to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Different air fryer models vary in the way they cook, so check the internal temperature of the lasagna to ensure it is cooked through.

How to serve the lasagna

Once your frozen lasagna is ready, remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the lasagna on its own or with a side of garlic bread and a garden salad. If you want to add more toppings, you can add marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil leaves.

If you want to serve the lasagna with a side dish, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: You can serve the lasagna with a simple salad of fresh greens such as arugula, red onion, and a lemony vinaigrette. If you want something more substantial, try a Cobb salad or a salad with baby spinach, seasonal ingredients like Honeycrisp apple and dried cranberries, or beets, fennel, and navel oranges.
• Breads: While some people suggest avoiding carbs with carbs, others enjoy garlic bread or crusty bread with their lasagna. If you want to avoid garlic bread, you can try ciabatta with olive oil and herbs or garlic knots.
• Vegetables: You can serve the lasagna with roasted carrots, zucchini, or grilled eggplant.
• Soups: A simple chicken broth-based soup with shaved Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and dandelion greens can be a nice light starter before the lasagna.

What to cook lasagna with

Lasagna is a delicious meal, but it's always nice to have some side dishes to go with it. A simple salad is a great option, especially if you add some fresh ingredients like arugula, red onion, cucumber, and lemon to give it a tangy flavour. If you're looking for something with more crunch, try adding fennel, celery, or even grilled zucchini with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

If you want something more substantial, garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs well with lasagna. You could also try roasting some vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own dressing for a salad with olive oil and honey, or a lemon caper dressing.

Now, let's talk about what you'll need to cook lasagna in an air fryer. You can use a frozen lasagna, which is an easy and convenient option that can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. Just remember to remove the plastic or paper dish and place the lasagna in an air fryer-safe dish. If you're making it from scratch, fresh lasagna noodles are the best option as they cook quickly and don't need to be soaked or cooked beforehand. For the sauce, you can make a simple roux with butter, flour, and milk, then add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and grated Parmesan. Don't forget to preheat your air fryer before cooking!

Frequently asked questions