Air-Fried Lasagne: A Tasty, Crispy Twist On A Classic

Air fryers are not just for cooking potatoes or breaded foods. You can also use them to make lasagne. This method reduces the cooking time by two-thirds compared to using an oven, and it also reduces electricity costs. The air fryer lasagne recipe includes layers of al dente pasta, bolognese sauce, and cheese melted on top. It is a simple dish to make and can be prepared in just 20 minutes.

Air fryer lasagne recipe and ingredients

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Garlic puree or cloves
• Red pepper
• Beef mince
• White sauce (shop-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar cheese
• Bolognese sauce
• Lasagne sheets

Optional Ingredients:

• Basil
• Red wine
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Beef stock
• Chopped tomatoes
• Tomato puree

Utensils:

• Heatproof baking tin or dish that fits into your air fryer
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Dutch oven or frying pan
• Bowls to blanch the pasta
• Jug and whisk
• Spatula and slotted spoon
• Meat thermometer

Steps:

• Blanch the pasta sheets by placing them in a bowl of boiled water and salt for 10 minutes. Remove them with tongs and place them on greaseproof paper.
• Mist a flameproof pan with cooking spray and add the onions, frying for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and peppers, followed by the beef mince, breaking it up with a spatula.
• Pour in the wine and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Add the stock, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius.
• In a heatproof dish, add a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of pasta sheets and white sauce. Repeat until everything is used up, reserving some white sauce for the top.
• Finish with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Air fry for 15-20 minutes, checking that the cheese is golden brown and the pasta is cooked.
• If the pasta is still firm, reduce the temperature and cook for a further 5 minutes.
• Cover with foil if the cheese is browning too quickly.
• Allow the lasagne to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to assemble an air fryer lasagne

Ingredients:

• Bolognese sauce
• White sauce
• Lasagne sheets
• Grated cheese
• Salt
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-step guide:

• Grease a heatproof baking tin or dish that fits into your air fryer basket with a little space for air to circulate. An 8-inch square baking dish is a good size, but you may need to adjust depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Add a layer of bolognese sauce to the base of your dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
• Top the bolognese with a layer of lasagne sheets. You may need to cut the sheets to fit your dish.
• Add another layer of bolognese sauce, followed by a layer of white sauce.
• Repeat the layers of bolognese, lasagne sheets, and white sauce until you have used all the bolognese sauce.
• Use the remaining white sauce to cover the top of the lasagne.
• Sprinkle grated cheese over the white sauce.
• Cover the dish with foil, ensuring it is wrapped tightly around the dish to prevent it from flying off during cooking.
• Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 25 minutes at 180°C.
• Carefully remove the foil and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes at 160°C, keeping an eye on the lasagne to ensure the top is not browning too quickly.
• Allow the lasagne to cool down in the air fryer for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can use either fresh or dried lasagne sheets, but if using dried, it is recommended to blanch the sheets first by soaking them in boiled water for about 10 minutes. This helps to soften the pasta and ensure it is fully cooked in the air fryer.
• If you want to add more layers to your lasagne, simply prepare more pasta sheets and sauce earlier on.
• You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a mix of these.
• If you are concerned about the cheese burning, you can cover it with foil during cooking, but make sure the foil is secure and cannot blow off.
• It is important to know the size of your air fryer and choose a dish that fits comfortably inside with a little space for air circulation.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer lasagne!

Air fryer lasagne cooking time and temperature

Air fryer lasagne is a quick and easy way to make a classic comfort food with a rich meat sauce, layers of soft pasta, creamy white sauce, and a golden, cheesy top.

The cooking time for lasagne in an air fryer is significantly shorter than in a conventional oven, taking around 20-30 minutes, depending on the recipe.

When cooking lasagne in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that your dish fits into the air fryer basket with a little space for air to circulate. You will also need to preheat the air fryer, usually to around 180 degrees Celsius.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before assembling your lasagne, preheat your air fryer to 180°C / 350°F for about 3 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy, golden brown top.

Step 2: Assemble the Lasagne

Grease a heatproof baking dish that fits into your air fryer basket. Add a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagne sheets, and then a layer of white sauce. Repeat these layers until you have used all your meat sauce, ending with a layer of white sauce on top.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagne

Place the assembled lasagne in the preheated air fryer and cook for 15-25 minutes at 180°C / 350°F. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes at a slightly lower temperature of 160°C / 325°F. Keep an eye on the lasagne during this final stage to ensure the top doesn't brown too quickly.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lasagne from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the lasagne to set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lasagne:

• Blanching your lasagne sheets beforehand can help ensure even cooking, especially if you are worried about the middle being undercooked.
• Cover each layer of pasta generously with white sauce to help keep the pasta soft.
• If your lasagne is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
• Different air fryer models vary in temperature, so it's important to keep an eye on your lasagne while it cooks to ensure even cooking.
• Always use an oven-safe dish that fits properly into your air fryer basket to avoid any spills or messes.

Air fryer lasagne is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a classic dish with a shorter cooking time and a delicious, golden cheesy top.

Storing and reheating air fryer lasagne

Storing Air Fryer Lasagne

Before storing your lasagne, it's important to let it cool down, especially if you plan on storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help prevent the formation of excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess during reheating. Once your lasagne has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored lasagne can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Air Fryer Lasagne

When it comes to reheating your air fryer lasagne, the air fryer is your best friend. It will help you achieve that perfect crispy crust and gooey cheese filling. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking throughout.
• Prepare your lasagne: If your leftover lasagne is not already in an oven-safe container, transfer it to one. You can also layer individual servings on sheets of aluminium foil. If your lasagne seems dry, you can add a bit of extra sauce on top.
• Cut into portions: For optimal heating, cut your lasagne into individual servings. This allows for quicker and more even reheating.
• Place in the air fryer basket: Arrange the lasagne pieces in the basket, ensuring there is enough space for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding.
• Cover with foil (optional): If you want to prevent the top from browning too quickly, loosely cover the lasagne with aluminium foil.
• Reheat: Set the timer for about 7-15 minutes, depending on the thickness and amount of lasagne. Check for doneness around the 5-minute mark to prevent overheating.
• Check and serve: Once heated, ensure the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Then, carefully remove the lasagne from the air fryer using oven mitts and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfectly Reheated Lasagne

• Don't skip the preheat: Preheating is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
• Use a meat thermometer: For accuracy, use a thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
• Monitor cooking time: Adjust the timing based on your air fryer model and heat settings.
• Seasoning enhancement: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top before reheating for an extra burst of flavour.
• Cheese meltdown: For a gooey finish, sprinkle additional mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top before reheating.
• Don't overcrowd: Allow space for air circulation to ensure a crispy result.
• Don't use too high of a temperature: Higher temperatures can lead to burnt outsides and cold insides.
• Cover with foil: Covering the lasagne with foil during reheating helps retain moisture and prevents dryness. Remove the foil towards the end of cooking to allow the top to crisp up.

Air fryer lasagne serving suggestions

Air fryer lasagne is a quick and easy meal that can be served with a variety of sides. It's a great option for a family midweek dinner or a simple date night. Here are some serving suggestions to make your air fryer lasagne a delicious and satisfying meal:

• Salad: A side salad is a refreshing accompaniment to the hearty lasagne. You can opt for a classic garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favourite dressing. Or, you could try a more robust salad like a Caesar or a Greek salad.
• Garlic Bread: Toasty, buttery garlic bread is a perfect match for lasagne. It can be served as a side or used for dipping into any extra sauce.
• Dough Balls: If you're looking for something a little different, try serving your lasagne with garlicky dough balls. They are a fun and tasty alternative to garlic bread.
• Chips: For a heartier meal, consider serving chips alongside your lasagne. This can be a great way to fill up hungry bellies and make the meal go further.
• Bread and Butter: Sometimes, simple is best. A few slices of buttered bread can be the perfect sidekick to your lasagne, especially if you want to mop up any extra sauce.
• Vegetables: Adding a vegetable side can round out the meal and provide some extra nutrition. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans would pair nicely with the lasagne.
• Pesto: For an extra flavour boost, consider adding a dollop of pesto on top of your lasagne. It can elevate the dish and provide a fresh herbal note.

When it comes to leftovers, air fryer lasagne can be easily reheated. Simply pop it back into the air fryer at a lower temperature, such as 150 degrees Celsius, or warm it up in the microwave. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-4 days, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions