If you are craving something that takes the beloved flavors of classic lasagna and transforms them into fun, crispy bites, then the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender cooked lasagna noodles filled with a blend of luscious cheeses, all rolled up and air fried to golden, crunchy perfection. With every bite, you get the perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy filling and a satisfyingly crisp outer shell. It’s a playful and indulgent twist on a traditional favorite that’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a unique main course. Trust me, once you try these bites, they’ll become an instant crowd-pleaser at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together wonderfully to create the rich texture, bright flavors, and irresistible crispiness of this dish. Each component plays a key role: the cheeses provide melty goodness, the seasonings add a flavorful punch, and the coatings ensure that crisp exterior.
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles: The soft pasta base that wraps all the cheesy goodness inside.
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a smooth texture to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that stretchy, gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that intensifies the filling.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheese mixture, keeping everything nicely combined.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that boosts the authentic Italian flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Provides the crispy, crunchy coating when air fried.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the batter stick perfectly for even coating.
- 2 large eggs, beaten (for coating): Creates a sticky layer to cling onto the breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil spray: Gives the fritta rolls a golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
- Marinara sauce for dipping: Classic tomato sauce to complement the cheesy fritta with a tangy kick.
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Filling
Start by whisking together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a medium bowl along with one egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The goal is to create a smooth, well-combined cheese mixture that will be creamy inside each roll. This cheesy blend is absolutely the heart of the fritta, delivering richness and flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Roll Up the Lasagna Noodles
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Then, gently but firmly roll each noodle up from one end to the other, creating neat little cheese bundles. Placing the rolls seam-side down helps them keep their shape better during cooking.
Step 3: Chill the Rolls
Pop the rolled noodles into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling step is key—it helps the cheese filling firm up and makes the rolls easier to handle when coating. Plus, it prevents the filling from oozing out when air frying, so you’ll get perfect, intact fritta every time.
Step 4: Coat the Fritta Rolls
Set up a dredging station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and Italian-style breadcrumbs. Take each chilled roll and first dust it with flour, which helps the egg adhere. Then dunk it into the beaten eggs before rolling it generously in breadcrumbs for that signature crunch. Make sure each roll is evenly coated for the best crispy finish.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the fritta rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation—work in batches if needed. Give the tops a light spray as well. Air fry for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy all around.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Marinara
Once cooked, serve your Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast between the crispy shell, gooey cheese inside, and tangy tomato sauce is simply divine. You’re in for a treat that’s fun to eat and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your fritta to the next level, try sprinkling some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving. A dusting of extra Parmesan adds an elegant touch and extra richness. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the cheesy flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as an appetizer, but it also pairs well with a light salad—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad. For a heartier meal, add some roasted vegetables or garlic bread alongside. The beauty of the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe is its versatility, effortlessly working for casual gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the fritta rolls on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe. Alternatively, arrange them in a pretty circular pattern on a large platter with small bowls of marinara sauce around the edges for dipping. For parties, consider toothpicks or small appetizer forks to make grabbing them easy and mess-free—so everyone can enjoy the cheesy goodness without missing a beat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might not be likely, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispness, it’s best to reheat them in the air fryer rather than the microwave.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully before air frying. After rolling and coating, place the fritta rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, air fry them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. This makes the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe a convenient option for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers and bring back that crispy exterior, use your air fryer set to 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and crunchy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect texture—this way, each bite stays deliciously crisp and gooey inside.
FAQs
Can I add meat or vegetables to the cheese filling?
Absolutely! Ground beef, sausage, or cooked spinach can be mixed into the cheese filling for extra flavor and heartiness. Just make sure any added ingredients are cooked and drained well before mixing to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these rolls in an oven at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Turning them halfway through baking helps ensure an even crust.
Can I use uncooked lasagna noodles?
It’s best to use pre-cooked noodles for ease and better texture. Using uncooked noodles might result in a crunchy or undercooked center, as they won’t soften adequately during the short frying time.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Chilling the rolled noodles before coating helps firm up the filling, reducing the chance of leakage. Also, be sure to roll the noodles tightly and seal the edges as best as you can.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles, gluten-free all-purpose flour, and gluten-free breadcrumbs for an allergy-friendly version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe that turns an Italian classic into a crispy, handheld delight. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich, cheesy, crunchy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this recipe stole my heart and will have a permanent spot in your meal rotation too.
Print
Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 lasagna fritta rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe transforms classic lasagna noodles into crispy, bite-sized rolls filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these air-fried fritta are quick to prepare, delightfully golden, and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping, offering a delicious Italian-American twist on traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna Rolls
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
Breading Station
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
Additional Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Lasagna Rolls: Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles on a flat surface. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then roll up tightly.
- Chill Rolls: Place the rolled noodles seam-side down and chill in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and Italian-style breadcrumbs respectively. Dip each chilled lasagna roll first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air Fry Rolls: Arrange the fritta rolls in a single layer inside the basket (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fritta are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy lasagna fritta hot, accompanied by warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For variation, add cooked ground beef or sautéed spinach to the cheese filling.
- These fritta freeze well before air frying, making them ideal for make-ahead appetizers or meals.
