Air-Fried Lasagne: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Air fryers are not just for cooking potatoes or breaded foods. You can also use them to make lasagne, cutting the cooking time down to 20–30 minutes compared to an hour or more in the oven. Air-fried lasagne is also cheaper and quicker than oven-baked lasagne, and it's just as tasty.

Preparing the meat sauce

The first step in preparing the meat sauce is to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 180°C / 350°F and let it heat up for about 3 minutes.

While the air fryer is heating up, you can start preparing the sauce. Take a pan that fits in your air fryer and add some olive oil to it. You can also use a non-stick saucepan and spray it with a low-calorie cooking spray instead of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef, garlic powder (or fresh garlic, finely chopped), salt, and Italian seasoning. You can also add other ingredients like onion, celery, and oregano at this stage if you like. Cook the beef mixture for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned.

Next, add the marinara sauce (or passata) to the pan. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce is bubbling. You can also add red wine vinegar to the sauce for extra flavour. At this point, your meat sauce is ready!

If you're not assembling the lasagne right away, simply set the sauce aside and let it cool down. You can also prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble and cook your lasagne.

Making the white sauce

A classic Béchamel sauce, also known as a white sauce, is a must for a creamy and cheesy lasagne. It is easy to make using butter, flour, milk and cheese. However, if you are pressed for time, you can also buy a pretty good pre-made lasagne white sauce.

To make your own white sauce, start by melting some butter in a saucepan. Then, add plain flour and stir continuously until it forms a paste, or what is known as a roux. Next, gradually add milk to the roux, stirring continuously again until you have a creamy sauce. You can then season the sauce with salt and pepper, and add some cheddar cheese and stir until it is combined. Finally, set the sauce aside so it can cool down and thicken.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your white sauce, you can stir in some garlic powder, mustard powder and grated nutmeg. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for a more savoury sauce.

Once you have your white sauce, you can start assembling your lasagne. Grease a baking dish that fits in your air fryer and add a layer of meat sauce. Top with lasagne noodles, cutting them to fit as needed. Then, spread another layer of meat sauce over the pasta and spoon some of the white sauce over it. Repeat these layers until you have used all of your meat sauce, and finish with a layer of white sauce.

Assembling the lasagne

Now that you have your bolognese, white sauce, and lasagne sheets ready, it's time to assemble the lasagne!

First, grease an ovenproof dish that fits your air fryer. You can use a square or rectangular baking dish, or even a foil tin if that's what works best for your air fryer. Just make sure there's a little space around the edges for airflow.

Add a layer of the bolognese sauce to the base of your dish, spreading it evenly. Then, take your lasagne sheets and place them on top, cutting them to fit if needed. You can overlap the sheets slightly, but try to limit this.

Next, spread a layer of white sauce over the lasagne sheets, making sure to cover all the pasta. Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese on top.

Repeat these layers until you've used up all your bolognese sauce. Then, use the remaining white sauce to cover the top layer of pasta. Finish it off by sprinkling grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top.

Cover the dish with foil, securing it tightly so it doesn't blow off during cooking. Now your lasagne is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking the lasagne

Now that you have your ingredients ready and your sauces prepared, it's time to assemble and cook your lasagne in the air fryer.

First, grease a square or rectangular baking dish that fits into your air fryer basket with a little space around it for air circulation. An 8-inch square baking dish is a good size, but you can also use smaller oven-proof dishes for individual portions. If your dish is heatproof, you can assemble the lasagne directly in it. Otherwise, you'll need to use a separate dish for assembly and then transfer it to the air fryer basket.

For the first layer, spread a layer of meat sauce (bolognese) on the base of your dish. Top it with a layer of lasagne sheets, cutting them to fit as needed. You can use fresh or blanched lasagne sheets. If using blanched sheets, be sure to overlap them slightly so that they don't fall apart.

Next, spread another layer of meat sauce over the pasta. Follow this with a layer of white sauce (bechamel), spreading it evenly and making sure to cover the entire layer of pasta. Sprinkle a small amount of mozzarella cheese on top.

Repeat these layers until you have used up all your meat sauce, or your dish is full. Remember to end with a layer of white sauce.

For the final topping, sprinkle grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the lasagne. If desired, you can also add some oregano.

Now, carefully transfer the lasagne to your preheated air fryer. Cook at 170-180°C for 15-25 minutes. If the top layer starts to get too crispy, cover it with foil and continue cooking.

Check the lasagne after 15 minutes to see if it's done. The lasagne is ready when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the pasta is cooked through. If the pasta is still firm, you can cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes at a slightly lower temperature (around 160°C).

Once cooked, remove the lasagne from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow it to cool slightly and make it easier to slice and serve.

Your air-fried lasagne is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or your favourite pasta sides.

Storing and reheating the lasagne

Storing and reheating lasagne is a delicate process, but if done right, you can enjoy delicious leftovers without compromising on taste and texture. Here's a comprehensive guide on storing and reheating your lasagne:

Storing Lasagne

Lasagne can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep it.

Refrigerating Lasagne

If you plan to consume your lasagne within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator is a good option. Place the leftover lasagne in an airtight container or cover it with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. It can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, according to food safety guidelines.

Freezing Lasagne

If you want to store lasagne for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Cut the lasagne into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen lasagne can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lasagne

The key to successfully reheating lasagne is to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which is hot enough to kill most bacteria. Here are some common methods for reheating:

Oven

The oven is the best method for reheating lasagne, as it provides even heating and prevents the lasagne from drying out. Preheat your oven to 325-350°F (163-177°C). Place the lasagne in an oven-safe dish, and sprinkle a little water or sauce on top to maintain moisture. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for 20-45 minutes, depending on the portion size, until heated through. If you desire a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Microwave

The microwave is a quick and convenient option for reheating individual portions or small amounts of lasagne. Place the lasagne in a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle with a little water or sauce to prevent dryness. Cover the dish and heat in 30-second to 1-minute intervals until the lasagne is heated through. Be cautious, as lasagne can dry out or even explode in the microwave if heated for too long.

Stovetop

For those who love crispy edges on their lasagne, the stovetop method is a great choice. Heat a bit of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cut your lasagne into thick slices and place them in the pan, cooking until heated through and crispy on both sides. This method produces drier lasagne, so it's best served with extra sauce on the side.

Air Fryer

To reheat lasagne in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F (190°C). Place the lasagne in a loaf pan or another suitable container that fits in your air fryer. Cover the dish with aluminium foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from sticking to the basket. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Lasagne

• Always ensure your lasagne is cooled to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
• When reheating, make sure the lasagne reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
• For a more flavoursome experience, serve reheated lasagne with extra sauce, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a little extra cheese.
• If you're reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw the lasagne in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it. However, if you're short on time, you can reheat frozen lasagne directly, but it may take twice as long.
• Lasagne can be reheated multiple times, but the quality will degrade with each reheating, so it's best to consume it within one or two reheatings.

Frequently asked questions