Description
Crispy Italian-American fusion defines this air fryer lasagna fritta, blending classic pasta layers with a golden, crunchy exterior. Melted cheese and savory marinara sauce create an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Romano cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Asiago cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Seasoning:
- 10 ounces (280 grams) lasagna noodles (about 10 noodles)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
Binding and Breading Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) Italian bread crumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (50 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Sprays and Oils:
- Olive oil spray (for air fryer method)
- Canola oil (for pan-fried method)
Sauces:
- Homemade Alfredo sauce
- Jar of marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare lasagna noodles by boiling them until perfectly tender, then cool under running water. Trim any decorative edges for uniform rolls.
- Craft a luxurious cheese blend combining ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, mozzarella, eggs, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl.
- Carefully spread the cheese mixture across each noodle, ensuring even coverage from edge to edge.
- Gently roll the noodles into compact cylinders approximately 2-3 inches long.
- Transfer the rolled lasagna to a parchment-lined container, then freeze for 1-2 hours to firm the structure.
- Create a golden breadcrumb coating by microwaving breadcrumbs with olive oil, stirring frequently until they achieve a warm, toasted hue.
- Allow the breadcrumb mixture to cool, then incorporate grated Parmesan for additional flavor complexity.
- Whisk eggs in a shallow dish for the initial coating process.
- Individually dip each frozen lasagna roll into whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated rolls through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, gently shaking off excess coating.
- For air frying, lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Arrange the breaded rolls in the basket, maintaining space between each piece.
- Spritz the tops with additional olive oil for enhanced crispiness.
- Air fry at 400°F, cooking for 8 minutes, then carefully flip each roll.
- Continue air frying for another 6-8 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp exterior.
- Alternatively, for pan-frying, heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature.
- Gently place breaded rolls into hot oil, cooking approximately 2 minutes per side.
- Transfer fried rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve immediately alongside marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freeze the rolled lasagna noodles for 1-2 hours to help them maintain their shape and make coating easier during the breading process.
- Microwave breadcrumbs with olive oil to achieve a golden, toasted flavor that adds extra crispiness to the exterior of the lasagna fritta.
- Use multiple cheese varieties like ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and mozzarella to create a rich, complex flavor profile in the filling.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket and frittas with olive oil to ensure even browning and prevent sticking during cooking.
- Have marinara and Alfredo sauces ready for dipping, as they complement the crispy exterior and creamy cheese filling perfectly.
- Trim any ribbon edges from lasagna noodles to create uniform, neat rolls that cook evenly and look more professional.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes (Air Fryer)
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg