If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know how irresistible their Lasagna Fritta is—crispy, cheesy, and packed with layers of deliciousness! Now, you can recreate this indulgent appetizer right at home using your air fryer. This version gives you all the golden crunch without deep-frying, making it a little lighter but just as satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a fun twist on traditional lasagna, this air-fried Lasagna Fritta will wow everyone at the table!
Why This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a Game-Changer
- Healthier Twist: Air frying cuts down on the oil without sacrificing the crispiness.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes just like Olive Garden’s version!
- Cheesy Perfection: Filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and gooey mozzarella.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the fritta in advance and air fry just before serving.
- Perfect Appetizer or Snack: Great for parties or a unique family dinner starter.
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 cup (250g / 0.55 lb) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups (165g / 0.36 lb) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (120g / 0.26 lb) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (110g / 0.24 lb) seasoned breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Assemble the Fritta:
Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each noodle. Roll them up tightly and slice each roll in half to create bite-sized pieces. - Bread the Fritta:
Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Dip each lasagna roll piece into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. - Air Fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded fritta pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. - Serve:
Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Add a Kick: Mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese filling for a spicy twist.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Sauce Options: Try Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for an extra indulgent dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the lasagna fritta?
Yes! Freeze the breaded lasagna rolls before air frying. When ready to eat, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or even Gruyère for a richer flavor.
Can I bake the fritta instead of air frying?
Definitely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
How do I prevent the fritta from falling apart?
Make sure to roll the noodles tightly and coat them evenly with the breadcrumbs to hold everything together.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids will love the crispy exterior and cheesy center. Just pair it with their favorite dipping sauce!
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: If you’re hosting a party, keep the cooked fritta warm in the oven at 200°F (95°C) until ready to serve.
- Pro Trick: Spray the fritta generously with olive oil to get that perfect golden color in the air fryer.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these with a simple side salad or garlic bread to turn them into a full meal.
Variations
Get creative with your Lasagna Fritta! Try one of these fun variations next time:
- Pesto Fritta: Add a layer of pesto to the cheese filling for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Meaty Twist: Mix cooked sausage or ground beef into the ricotta filling for a heartier version.
- Vegetarian Delight: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture.
- Cheesy Alfredo Fritta: Serve with a side of Alfredo sauce for dipping instead of marinara.
- Buffalo-Style Fritta: Toss the cooked fritta in buffalo sauce for a spicy snack!
Easy Olive Garden Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Copycat
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a fun and crispy twist on a classic Italian favorite, inspired by Olive Garden’s version. Creamy ricotta filling is rolled inside lasagna noodles, coated with breadcrumbs, and air-fried to a crispy golden brown. It's a delicious appetizer or snack with the same rich taste but without the hassle of deep-frying!
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Fritta
- 8 lasagna noodles 0.5 lb, cooked al dente
- 1 cup 0.5 lb ricotta cheese
- ½ cup 0.25 lb shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup 0.12 lb grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Breading
- 1 cup 0.5 lb all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups 0.75 lb breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
For Frying and Serving
- Cooking spray or light olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
- Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle.
- Roll up each noodle tightly, then slice each roll in half to create smaller, bite-sized rolls.
Step 3: Bread the Rolls
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- One for flour
- One for beaten eggs
- One for breadcrumbs
- Dip each lasagna roll in flour, then egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 4: Air Fry the Lasagna Fritta
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded lasagna rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the lasagna fritta from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use spinach in the ricotta filling for extra flavor or swap Parmesan for Romano cheese.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling or serve with spicy marinara.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
- Baking Option: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes if you don't have an air fryer.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
