Air-Fryer Lasagna: Cooking Time And Tips

Cooking lasagna in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare this classic dish. It takes less time than cooking in a conventional oven, with some recipes suggesting cooking times of around 30 minutes, and others suggesting 40 minutes. This is a great option if you don't want to heat up your entire kitchen by turning on the oven, and it also frees up your oven for cooking other dishes.

Cooking times for frozen lasagna

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen lasagna, as they can cook it to perfection in just 40 minutes. This is much quicker than the 60-90 minutes it usually takes to cook a frozen lasagna. To cook a frozen lasagna in an air fryer, first, place the lasagna in the tray in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 340 and cook for another 30 minutes. You can use any type of lasagna, including meat, spinach and cheese, veggies, or even gluten-free varieties. It's important to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to protect the appliance from any bubbling over cheese or moisture. Be sure to check the dish occasionally to ensure it doesn't get too crispy or burn.

If you're making a smaller, ramekin-sized lasagna, you can cook it in the air fryer at 350º for 10 minutes covered in foil, then remove the foil, turn the temperature down to 280º, and air fry for another 4 minutes. This method will take about 30 minutes in total.

For a vegetarian lasagna, lower the heat to 275°F /135°C and cook the lasagna in the air fryer basket for 30 minutes. Then, increase the heat to 320°F / 160°C and cook for another 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 it stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.

If you're using an oven-style air fryer, cover the top of the lasagna with foil, making sure it's either clipped or wrapped around the bottom of the dish. Cook for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F), then carefully remove the foil and cook for another 5-10 minutes at 160° (325°F). Keep an eye on the lasagna to make sure the top isn't browning too quickly.

Cooking times for vegetarian lasagna

The cooking time for vegetarian lasagna in an air fryer depends on the size of the lasagna and the temperature of the air fryer. For a small, ramekin-sized lasagna, it is recommended to cook at 350º for 10 minutes covered in foil, then turn the temperature down to 280º and cook for another 4 minutes without the foil. For a larger lasagna, it is recommended to cook at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes covered in foil, then remove the foil and cook for a further 5-10 minutes at 160° (325°F).

If you are cooking a frozen lasagna, it is recommended to cook at 340° for 30 minutes. However, if you are cooking a vegetarian lasagna from scratch, it may take less time. One recipe recommends cooking at 275°F /135°C for 30 minutes, then increasing the temperature to 320°F / 160°C and cooking for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is golden on top and easily pierced with a knife.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer and the ingredients used in the lasagna. It is always a good idea to check the lasagna occasionally to ensure it is cooking evenly and not burning.

Cooking times for ramekin-sized lasagna

One source recommends cooking at 350º for 10 minutes covered in foil, then removing the foil, turning the temperature down to 280º and air frying for another 4 minutes. This source also suggests that it will take around 30 minutes to "bake" your lasagna in the air fryer.

Another source recommends cooking at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes, then removing the foil and cooking for a further 5-10 minutes at 160° (325°F).

A third source recommends cooking at 275°F /135°C for 30 minutes, then increasing the heat setting to 320°F / 160°C and cooking 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.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your lasagna. It's always a good idea to check on your lasagna occasionally to ensure it's cooking evenly and not burning.

Cooking times for non-frozen lasagna

You can cook a non-frozen lasagna in an air fryer in 30-40 minutes. If you are making a smaller, ramekin-sized lasagna, it will take around 30 minutes. Start by cooking the lasagna covered in foil at 350º for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil, turn the temperature down to 280º and cook for another 4 minutes. If your lasagna is larger, you can cook it for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F) covered in foil, then carefully remove the foil and cook for another 5-10 minutes at 160°C (325°F).

If you are using an instant-read thermometer, you can check that your lasagna is cooked when it reaches 165°F / 75°C. You can also check by piercing the lasagna with a knife. It should be easily pierced.

How to prevent burning

Cooking lasagna in an air fryer can be a quick and convenient way to prepare this classic dish. However, it's important to take steps to prevent burning, as air fryers can reach high temperatures and cook food quickly. Here are some tips to help you avoid burning your lasagna:

Use Foil or Parchment Paper

One way to prevent burning is to use foil or parchment paper to cover your lasagna. This creates a barrier between the direct heat of the air fryer and your lasagna, preventing it from burning or browning too quickly. For best results, wrap the foil or parchment paper securely around the bottom of your dish to avoid it flying off during cooking.

Adjust the Temperature

Air fryers can cook at high temperatures, so it's important to monitor and adjust the temperature as needed. Start by setting the air fryer to a lower temperature than you might typically use for lasagna. You can always increase the temperature gradually if needed. Additionally, be mindful of the cooking time. Check your lasagna frequently to ensure it's not overcooking, and adjust the temperature or cooking time as necessary.

Use a Thermometer

To ensure your lasagna is cooked perfectly without burning, consider using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of your lasagna to check its internal temperature. For most recipes, a lasagna is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C.

Choose the Right Size

To prevent burning, it's important to choose the right size of lasagna for your air fryer. If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, consider making individual, ramekin-sized lasagnas. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the lasagna from burning or drying out.

Check for Doneness

Finally, to prevent overcooking or burning, it's crucial to check for doneness before removing your lasagna from the air fryer. Insert a knife into the centre of the lasagna to ensure it's cooked through. The knife should slide in easily, indicating that the lasagna is ready to be enjoyed!

Frequently asked questions