If you adore appetizers that are both pure comfort and show-stoppingly fun, you simply have to try Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta. Imagine all the flavors you love in classic lasagna, but rolled up, breaded, crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer, and served with a zesty marinara for dipping. Each bite is creamy, crispy, and impossibly satisfying — it’s as if your favorite Italian restaurant appetizer came skipping right out of your kitchen. Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta takes just 35 minutes and transforms simple pantry staples into bite-sized magic. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this recipe helps build those craveworthy layers of flavor and crunchy-cheesy magic! You’ll find most of these are kitchen basics, and when brought together, they’re so much greater than the sum of their parts.
- Lasagna noodles (8, cooked): Wide and sturdy, these are perfect for rolling up with generous amounts of cheese filling.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Soft and creamy, ricotta creates that classic lasagna richness in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy pulls.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty depth and that signature Italian flair.
- Egg (1, for cheese mix): Helps bind the filling together so it doesn’t ooze out when sliced or cooked.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings herbal notes of basil, oregano, and thyme that make these bites pop.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Lends a subtle, savory warmth to the filling.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The first step in breading, flour helps the egg and crumbs adhere for a crispy crust.
- Eggs (2, beaten): The glue for a perfectly even breading.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1½ cups): For that irresistibly crispy, seasoned coating.
- Olive oil spray: Just a light mist gives you air-fried golden perfection.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup, for dipping): Brings a tangy, tomatoey contrast to all that cheesy richness.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Step 1: Mix the Cheesy Filling
Start by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, a single egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and just enough salt and black pepper to wake up the flavors. Blend everything until wonderfully smooth — you want the mixture thick, velvety, and irresistible. This lavish combo will soon be at the heart of every crunchy, cheesy fritta bite.
Step 2: Fill and Roll Up the Noodles
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles out on a clean, flat surface — don’t worry if some stick together, just gently peel them apart. Spread two generous tablespoons of your cheese mix over each noodle, then roll them up tightly from one end to the other. To make perfect appetizer-sized Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta, cut each roll neatly in half.
Step 3: Bread the Lasagna Rolls
Set up a triple breading station by arranging three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Work in batches, dredging each lasagna roll first in flour, then dipping it in egg, and finally coating it thoroughly in breadcrumbs. This is where the magic happens — every layer ensures that crispy, golden finish you’re dreaming of.
Step 4: Air Fry for Crunchy Perfection
Lightly spritz each breaded lasagna roll with olive oil spray, then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, making sure to give them a gentle flip halfway through for even crispiness. When they emerge, they’ll be perfectly golden and ready to steal the show!
Step 5: Serve Warm With Marinara
Arrange your hot, crisp Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta on a platter and serve immediately, with plenty of warm marinara sauce for dipping on the side. Each bite will deliver both crunch and creamy lasagna bliss — it’s practically impossible to eat just one!
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a shower of extra grated Parmesan, and maybe a little crushed red pepper for a hit of gentle heat. The fresh herbs and cheese look gorgeous and add a burst of flavor that takes your Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta to the next level.
Side Dishes
These fritta bites shine alongside a fresh Caesar salad or a pile of garlicky sautéed greens. If you want a true Italian-American feast, pair them with a basket of warm garlic bread and an iced glass of your favorite vino.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta on a rustic wooden board for an appetizer spread, or stack them in a high, cheesy tower with little flag picks for parties. For an interactive twist, make a build-your-own fritta platter with multiple dipping sauces — try pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or a creamy Alfredo for a fun crowd pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta left, simply let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the breaded (but not yet air-fried) lasagna rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Pop them straight into the air fryer from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to achieve crispy, cheesy perfection.
Reheating
To bring leftover fritta back to life, add them to your air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes until heated through and crunchy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the shell crispy!
FAQs
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! For an even heartier Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta, sprinkle cooked crumbled sausage or seasoned ground beef into the cheese filling before rolling up the noodles.
How do I keep the fritta from falling apart?
Be sure your cheese filling isn’t too runny and roll your noodles tightly. The breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) also helps hold everything together, providing a sturdy, crisp shell.
What can I do if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! Just bake your breaded lasagna rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes. While you won’t get quite the same level of crispiness, they’ll still be delicious.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It sure is — as long as you skip the optional meat addition and use vegetarian Parmesan. These Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta are a scrumptious vegetarian appetizer everyone will rave about.
Can I make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta ahead for a party?
Definitely! Bread the rolls and stash them in your fridge (covered) until it’s time to air fry. This makes life so much easier when prepping for guests — you’ll just pop them in and serve golden hot snacks right on cue.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is everything I want in a party appetizer: melty, crispy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for family movie night or to wow your friends, these bites are sure to impress. Try the recipe and get ready for a shower of compliments — I can’t wait for you to taste just how fun and delicious homemade fritta can be!
Print
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 fritta pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these crispy and cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta bites, a delightful appetizer reminiscent of Olive Garden’s famous dish. Stuffed with a flavorful cheese mixture and air-fried to perfection, these frittas are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Lasagna Rolls:
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Lasagna Rolls: Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles. Spread 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each noodle and roll tightly. Cut each roll in half for smaller fritta bites.
- Breading and Air Frying: Dredge each lasagna roll in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Lightly spray with olive oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make ahead by breading the rolls and refrigerating until ready to air fry.
- For extra flavor, add crumbled cooked sausage or spinach to the cheese filling.
- Can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
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