Air-Fried Lasagna: A Tasty, Crispy, And Easy Treat!

Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer lasagna is not only possible, but it's also a quick and easy way to enjoy this hearty dish. With its ability to cook lasagna faster than a traditional oven, the air fryer transforms this special occasion meal into a convenient weeknight treat.

Whether you prefer a classic meaty lasagna or a vegetarian option, the air fryer delivers delicious results. The key to success is in preparing the layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, which come together to create a mouthwatering dish. So, if you're craving lasagna but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, break out your air fryer and get ready to indulge in a comforting, flavourful meal.

Lasagna ingredients

The ingredients for lasagna can vary depending on your preferences and dietary requirements. Here is a list of ingredients that are commonly used in lasagna recipes, including both vegetarian and meat options:

Meat Options:

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Ground pork
• Ground turkey
• Meatballs

Vegetarian Options:

Vegetarian or vegan mince

Sauce:

• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste/puree
• Bechamel sauce (butter, flour, milk, and cheese)
• Cheese sauce

Pasta:

• Lasagna sheets (dried or fresh)
• No-boil lasagna noodles
• Fresh lasagna noodles

Cheese:

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• Gruyere cheese
• Cottage cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Mustard powder
• Nutmeg
• Basil
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Fennel seeds

Other Ingredients:

• Onion
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking lasagna in an air fryer will depend on the model of your air fryer, the ingredients used, and your personal preference for doneness. However, here is a general guide:

Most recipes recommend cooking your lasagna at around 350°F (180°C) for 25 minutes, and then removing the foil and continuing to cook for a further 5-10 minutes at a slightly lower temperature of 325°F (160°C) to ensure the top doesn't brown too quickly.

It is important to note that different air fryer models vary in the way they cook, so it is recommended to check on your lasagna while it bakes to ensure the top is not browning too much. If you notice that the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the lasagna with foil to prevent it from burning.

Additionally, if you are baking your lasagna in a ceramic dish, you may need to increase the cooking time as ceramic dishes take longer to heat up.

For air fryer lasagna made with ground beef, the total cooking time is 27 minutes, which includes 3 minutes to cook the onions, 9 minutes to cook the beef, and 15 minutes to bake the lasagna.

If you are using a pre-made frozen lasagna, it is recommended to cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning and start with half the cooking time and a slightly lower temperature of 350°F.

Lasagna assembly

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities will depend on the recipe you are following and the number of servings you want to make. Here is a list of common ingredients used in air fryer lasagna:

• Lasagna sheets/noodles (fresh or dried)
• Minced beef
• Onion
• Tomatoes (tinned or fresh)
• Tomato puree/paste/marinara sauce
• Garlic (fresh or frozen)
• Cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, etc.)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Eggs
• Spices and seasonings (co: 0,1,2>salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, etc.)
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Soaking the Lasagna Sheets (if using dried sheets)

If you are using dried lasagna sheets, you will need to soak them in water before assembling the lasagna. This step is not necessary if you are using fresh lasagna sheets. Place the dried lasagna sheets in a large dish or bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak until they become soft and pliable, then remove them from the water and place them on a clean work surface or chopping board to dry.

Preparing the Meat Sauce

To prepare the meat sauce, start by cooking the minced beef in a pan. You can use a pan that fits inside your air fryer or cook it separately on a stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to the pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the minced beef and break it up into small pieces as it cooks. You can also add onions and garlic to the pan at this stage, cooking until they are softened and translucent. Once the beef is browned, add your choice of tomato sauce, tomato puree, or marinara sauce. You can also add spices and seasonings to taste. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it is thickened and bubbling.

Preparing the White Sauce (optional)

If you want to include a white sauce in your lasagna, you can make a simple béchamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour to the melted butter and stir to form a roux. Gradually add milk to the roux, stirring constantly until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. You can also add spices and seasonings to the white sauce, such as garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and nutmeg. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside to cool and thicken.

Assembling the Lasagna

Now it's time to assemble the lasagna! Grease a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer with olive oil or cooking spray. Start by adding a layer of meat sauce to the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly. If using dried lasagna sheets, you may need to break them to fit the dish.

Add a layer of lasagna sheets on top of the meat sauce, covering the entire surface. You can cut or break the sheets as needed to fit your dish.

Spread another layer of meat sauce over the lasagna sheets. If using a white sauce, spoon some of it over the meat sauce.

Sprinkle a layer of grated or shredded cheese over the sauce. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or ricotta.

Repeat these layers until you have used up all the meat sauce, or until your dish is almost full, leaving enough space for a final layer of cheese.

For the final layer, use all the remaining white sauce to top the lasagna, and sprinkle with grated or shredded cheese.

Cooking the Lasagna

Cover the top of the lasagna dish with aluminium foil, ensuring that it is wrapped securely around the dish to prevent it from flying off during cooking.

Place the covered lasagna dish in the air fryer basket and set the temperature and time according to your recipe. Many recipes recommend cooking the lasagna at around 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes, then removing the foil and continuing to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes at a slightly lower temperature to ensure the top doesn't burn.

After cooking, carefully remove the lasagna from the air fryer and let it cool down. It is recommended to let it stand for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storing and Reheating

Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Cover the dish with a lid or transfer the lasagna to an airtight container. To reheat, simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.

You can also freeze lasagna for future meals. Cut the lasagna into portions and wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer. Frozen lasagna can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the same reheating instructions as above.

Storing and reheating

Storing Lasagna:

Firstly, when storing leftover lasagna, use an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap. Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. If you don't plan on eating it within that time frame, it's best to freeze it. Lasagna can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Lasagna:

There are several ways to reheat lasagna, including using an oven, microwave, stove, or air fryer.

• Oven: Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, add a little water or sauce, and cover with foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 325-350°F for 30-45 minutes, or until the lasagna reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you want a browned and crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• Microwave: This method is best for one or two servings. Place the lasagna on a microwave-safe dish, add a little water or sauce, and cover with a paper towel or plastic wrap. Heat in 90-second increments or on medium power for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overheat and dry out the lasagna.
• Stove: This method is for individual servings only. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Cut the lasagna into thick slices and place them in the pan. Cook until heated through and crispy, adjusting the heat as needed. This method will result in drier lasagna, so it's best served with extra sauce on the side.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the lasagna in a loaf pan, cover with foil, and air-fry for 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Continue cooking in 5-minute increments until the lasagna reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Reheating Frozen Lasagna:

If you're reheating frozen lasagna, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, follow the same reheating methods as above, but expect the cooking time to be longer, up to twice as long as for refrigerated lasagna. If you're short on time, you can reheat frozen lasagna directly from frozen, but be mindful of the increased cooking time and the risk of shattering glass or ceramic dishes due to extreme temperature changes.

Tips for Optimal Reheating:

• To prevent the lasagna from drying out, add a splash of water or sauce before reheating.
• Cover the lasagna while reheating to trap moisture and prevent dryness.
• For oven and air fryer methods, use a toothpick to keep the foil from touching the cheese and stealing your melty goodness.
• Always bring the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after reheating to allow the ingredients to settle and cool slightly before serving.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to store and reheat your air fryer lasagna like a pro!

Air fryer lasagna vs oven lasagna

Cooking Time

Air fryer lasagna is much quicker to cook than oven lasagna. While oven lasagna takes at least an hour to bake, air fryer lasagna can be ready in about 30 minutes. The air fryer's ability to quickly cook lasagna makes it a convenient weeknight meal option.

Convenience

The air fryer's compact size and ability to cook lasagna without requiring oven usage are notable advantages. It is also more convenient to clean up after cooking lasagna in an air fryer, especially when using a silicone container.

Taste and Texture

Air fryer lasagna delivers the classic flavors of oven-baked lasagna, with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. The air fryer's ability to produce a crispy top layer on the lasagna adds a unique texture.

Customization

Both air fryer and oven lasagna offer ample opportunities for customization. You can experiment with different types of cheese, sauces, and proteins, or even create vegetarian or vegan versions.

Tips for Air Frying Lasagna

• Use foil to cover the lasagna dish during cooking to prevent excessive browning.
• Monitor the lasagna closely to avoid overcooking, as cooking times can vary between air fryer models.
• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to speed up the preparation process.
• Lightly grease the dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after air frying to make slicing and serving easier.

Frequently asked questions