Air Fryer Stouffer's Lasagna: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Cooking frozen lasagna in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, hot meal. It's a convenient option for those who don't have the time to make lasagna from scratch. You can cook Stouffer's lasagna in an air fryer, and it will taste just as good as if you made it yourself. This guide will show you how to cook frozen lasagna in an air fryer, including the steps to prepare Stouffer's lasagna specifically for cooking in an air fryer.

Stouffer's lasagna cooking temperature and time

Stouffer's frozen lasagna can be cooked in an air fryer, providing a convenient and quick way to enjoy this hearty dish. Here is a step-by-step guide for cooking Stouffer's lasagna in an air fryer, including the recommended temperature and time.

Firstly, remove the lasagna from its original plastic or paper packaging and place it in an air fryer-safe baking dish. It is crucial to transfer the lasagna to an appropriate dish to avoid burning and ruining your air fryer due to melted plastic.

Next, let the lasagna thaw for a few minutes. This step is optional, but it makes it easier to remove the lasagna from its original packaging and place it in the air fryer dish. If you choose to thaw the lasagna, remember to reduce the cooking time slightly.

Now, you can proceed to air fry your lasagna. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and set your air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time for this step is approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

After the initial cooking time, remove the foil and continue air frying for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the cheese on top should melt, and the center of the lasagna should reach a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to ensure the lasagna is cooked thoroughly.

Once the lasagna is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Allow the lasagna to cool down slightly before serving. Your Stouffer's lasagna is now ready to be enjoyed!

Some optional enhancements include adding shredded cheese or extra sauce to the top of the lasagna before cooking or seasoning it with herbs and spices like basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning to your taste.

Additionally, you can serve the lasagna with various toppings, such as marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. For a complete meal, pair it with garlic bread and a garden salad.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking your Stouffer's lasagna in the air fryer, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the appliance. First, it is important to note that you must remove the lasagna from its plastic or paper dish. If you don't, the plastic will melt and ruin your air fryer. So, take the lasagna out of its packaging and remove any plastic film. You can then place the frozen lasagna in an oven-safe dish or baking dish that is air fryer-safe. If you are using an oven-safe dish, spray it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the lasagna from sticking.

To protect your air fryer from any bubbling over cheese or moisture, line the air fryer basket or the dish with a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the foil doesn't touch the lasagna, as this can affect the cooking process and cause the top to burn. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes. This will ensure a crispy and cheesy crust.

If you are cooking a single serving of lasagna, you can place it directly in the air fryer basket. However, if you are cooking a larger portion, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces that fit in the basket. It is recommended to use an oven-safe dish for a nicer presentation and to prevent the cheese from sticking to the basket.

Placing the lasagna in the air fryer

Next, you will need to prepare the dish that will go into the air fryer. Spray an oven-safe dish that fits snugly into your air fryer with cooking spray. You can also line the dish with a piece of parchment paper or aluminium foil to protect the appliance from bubbling cheese or moisture. Place the frozen lasagna in the dish, ensuring there is enough room for the air to circulate. Cover the dish with aluminium foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the lasagna, to prevent the top from burning.

Finally, carefully place the covered dish into the preheated air fryer basket. You can now set a timer and let the air fryer work its magic!

Cooking the lasagna

Stouffer's frozen lasagna can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a convenient option for a hearty dish, and it can be cooked in a fraction of the oven bake time.

First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, remove the Stouffer's lasagna from its packaging, including any plastic film. Place the frozen lasagna in an oven-safe dish that fits snugly into your air fryer. Make sure there is enough room for the air to circulate around the dish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the lasagna. This will prevent the top from burning while the inside cooks. Carefully place the covered dish in the preheated air fryer basket.

Cook the lasagna for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the lasagna is golden brown and bubbly on top. The total cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your lasagna. If your lasagna is thicker, it may need more time to cook through.

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.

You can also add extra toppings such as shredded cheese, sauce, basil leaves, or Parmesan cheese. If you want an extra cheesy flavor, add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Always remember to remove the lasagna from its packaging before placing it in the air fryer basket. Additionally, if you are using a single-serve portion, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

Serving suggestions

Stouffer's Lasagna can be cooked in an air fryer and served as a convenient, hearty meal. It is a quick and easy solution for a weeknight dinner and can be served with a variety of sides and toppings.

Firstly, it is important to note that the lasagna must be removed from its original packaging and placed in an air fryer-safe baking dish. You can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to protect the appliance from any bubbling cheese or moisture.

For a single serving of Stouffer's Lasagna, you can air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the center is hot. It is recommended to use a food thermometer to ensure the lasagna reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the lasagna is cooked, let it cool slightly before serving. Stouffer's Lasagna can be served with garlic bread and a side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also add extra toppings such as marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle on some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.

If you are cooking for a larger group, Stouffer's also offers a family-size lasagna that can be prepared in the oven or slow cooker. However, for single servings, the air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy a delicious, hot and cheesy lasagna.

Frequently asked questions