Air-Fryer Lasagna: Frozen To Fabulous In Minutes!

Cooking frozen lasagna in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, golden, and cheesy meal on the table without the need for an oven or extra dishes. It's a convenient method for busy weeknights, and you don't even need to defrost the lasagna first.

The first step is to remove the lasagna from its outer packaging and any plastic film. You can then place it in the air fryer basket or on the top shelf of an air fryer oven. It's recommended to line the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent bubbling cheese or moisture from escaping.

For a single portion of lasagna, cook at 250 degrees for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 340 and cook for another 30 minutes. For a full family-size lasagna, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature.

You can serve the lasagna with a variety of toppings, such as marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil leaves, and sides like garlic bread and salad.

Defrosting and cooking times and temperatures

Firstly, it is important to note that you should always remove the lasagna from its outer packaging and any plastic film before placing it in the air fryer. You may also need to transfer it to an air fryer-safe dish if the original packaging is not oven-safe.

If you wish to defrost your lasagna before cooking, you can do so by placing it in the air fryer at a low temperature for a short time. For example, you can defrost it at 100°C/215°F for 10 minutes. This helps to ensure that the lasagna cooks evenly and prevents the top from burning before the centre is cooked.

When cooking your frozen lasagna, the temperature and time will depend on the size and thickness of the lasagna, as well as the power of your air fryer. For a single-serve lasagna, you can cook it at 340°F for 30 minutes. For a larger lasagna, you may need to cook it at a lower temperature for a longer time, such as 330°F for 36 minutes. If your lasagna is still frozen in the middle, simply continue cooking it for a few more minutes until it is heated through.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your lasagna to avoid overcooking or burning it. You can use a meat thermometer to check if your lasagna is cooked; it should have an internal temperature of at least 165°F in the middle.

Removing the lasagna from its packaging

Before removing the lasagna from its packaging, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need an air fryer, a frozen lasagna, and an oven-safe dish or tray that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. It is also recommended to have some aluminium foil or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket and prevent any cheese or sauce from making a mess.

Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps:

• Remove the outer packaging: Take the frozen lasagna out of its box and remove any plastic wrapping or film that may be covering the dish. It is important to ensure that no plastic remains on the lasagna, as it could melt during cooking and ruin your meal.
• Transfer the lasagna to an oven-safe dish: Place the frozen lasagna in the oven-safe dish or tray. This step is crucial if your lasagna is in a paper or cardboard container, as these materials are not suitable for cooking in an air fryer. Even if your lasagna is in an oven-safe plastic container, it is still recommended to transfer it to a dish to ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from sticking to the basket.
• Prepare the lasagna for cooking: If your lasagna has a cheese topping, you may want to cook it upside down initially to prevent the cheese from burning. You can also cover the dish with aluminium foil to protect the top of the lasagna from drying out or burning. However, make sure the foil doesn't touch the lasagna, as it needs space for the air to circulate.
• Preheat the air fryer: While you are preparing the lasagna, you can preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Place the lasagna in the air fryer: Carefully place the dish or tray with the lasagna into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space around the dish for proper air circulation.
• Check the lasagna during cooking: Depending on the size and thickness of your lasagna, it may take between 20 to 40 minutes to cook. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking or burning. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached the ideal internal temperature of 165 -170 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Let the lasagna rest: Once the lasagna is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to cool slightly and ensures a perfect, bubbly lasagna every time.

Choosing the right air fryer dish

Choosing the right dish for your frozen lasagna is crucial to ensure even cooking and avoid spillage. Here are some tips to help you select the appropriate dish for your air fryer:

Size and Shape:

• Choose a dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer, allowing adequate space for air circulation. Consider the size and shape of your air fryer basket or oven when selecting a dish.
• For air fryer baskets, opt for a dish that is the right size to fit inside. If you have an air fryer oven with shelves, cooking on the middle shelf is generally recommended for most foods.
• If you're cooking a large frozen lasagna, such as a 1-kilo lasagna, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Material:

• Opt for a dish made of materials that are safe for use in an air fryer, such as silicone, ceramic, or metal.
• Avoid using plastic containers, as they may melt at high temperatures.
• If your frozen lasagna comes in a plastic or paper dish, transfer it to an air fryer-safe dish before cooking.

Preparation:

• Lightly grease the dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Avoid overfilling the dish to prevent spills. Leave some space at the top to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil during cooking.
• If using foil, ensure it is tightly wrapped or clipped to the dish to prevent it from coming loose due to circulating air.

Dish Type:

• A baking dish or pan is typically used for cooking frozen lasagna in an air fryer.
• If using a baking dish, an 8-inch square or an 8x8x2.5-inch dish is commonly recommended.
• You can also use a silicone baking pan, which is mentioned as a suitable option in one source.

Serving suggestions

Lasagna is a hearty, classic comfort food that is often served as a main course. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as garlic bread and a garden salad. If you're looking to make it a complete meal, you can serve it with air fryer frozen garlic bread and a side of vegetables.

You can also get creative with toppings and extra sauces to elevate your frozen lasagna. Here are some suggestions:

• Marinara sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• Basil leaves
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Extra sauce between layers of pasta

Additionally, if you're hosting a dinner, you can cook multiple lasagnas in the air fryer one at a time and keep them warm in the oven while you prepare side dishes. This way, you can easily serve a hearty and delicious meal to your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tips for success

• Always remove the lasagna from its packaging and place it in an air fryer basket or on the top shelf of an air fryer oven.
• If your lasagna is covered with a plastic film, remove it before placing the lasagna in the air fryer.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a crispy and cheesy crust.
• Use an oven-safe dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer, allowing enough space for air circulation.
• Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to protect it from any bubbling cheese or moisture.
• For a single serving of lasagna, preheat your air fryer to 250°F for a few minutes, then increase the temperature to 340°F and cook for 30 minutes.
• For a thicker lasagna, increase the cooking time accordingly to ensure it is heated through.
• If your lasagna is not fully cooked after the recommended time, return it to the air fryer for an additional 10 minutes.
• To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer pan with cooking spray before adding the lasagna.
• If you're cooking a Stouffer's lasagna, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 18-20 minutes.
• For a Costco frozen lasagna, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.
• You can also defrost your lasagna in the air fryer at 215°F for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• The internal temperature of the lasagna should be at least 165°F before serving.

Frequently asked questions