Nothing quite compares to the crispy, cheesy goodness of Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta – Olive Garden Copycat Recipe. Imagine biting into a golden-brown nugget that gives way to layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. a flavorful breakfast option The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making your stomach growl louder than a toddler denied dessert.
This dish brings a piece of Olive Garden right into your home, and trust me when I say it’s best enjoyed on a Friday night after a long week—or maybe any day ending in “y.” It’s perfect for family gatherings or just as an excuse to indulge yourself while binge-watching your favorite show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is not only easy to make but also packs a flavor punch that will leave everyone wanting more
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with different fillings based on what you have at home
- Enjoy this delightful dish as an appetizer or a main course!
I remember the first time I made these little bites of happiness. My friends couldn’t get enough—one even suggested I open a restaurant! Their reactions inspired me to keep perfecting the recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Shrimp Recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Lasagna Noodles: Use oven-ready noodles for convenience; they cook perfectly in the air fryer without boiling.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for the best texture. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Go for fresh mozzarella if you can; it melts beautifully and gives that gooey factor. fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Choose lean ground beef or spicy sausage for added flavor; feel free to mix both!
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it’s the secret weapon for flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the dish; sprinkle generously before serving for extra flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil enhances the overall taste; don’t skip this!
- Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together, ensuring every bite is satisfying and holds its shape.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These create that irresistible crunch on the outside; they’re essential for air frying perfection!
- Cooking Spray: A light spray ensures everything crisps up nicely without sticking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Create Your Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Add marinara sauce and simmer until heated through. Stir in Italian seasoning to enhance flavors.
Prepare The Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well until smooth and creamy—this will be your luscious filling.
Cook The Noodles: Take those oven-ready lasagna noodles and cut them into manageable squares. They should fit nicely inside your air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Assemble The Fritta: Layer each noodle with a spoonful of the cheese mixture followed by meat sauce. quick and comforting soup Roll them up tightly like little lasagna burritos—deliciousness wrapped in carbs!
Bread And Air Fry: Dip each rolled fritta into panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and arrange fritta inside in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
Airing Out The Flavor: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Now go forth and enjoy these delightful bites! Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as part of a cozy dinner spread, they’re sure to impress everyone at the table.
You Must Know
- This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is not just a treat; it’s an experience
- The crispy exterior hides gooey cheese and savory meat, making each bite a mini celebration
- Perfect for parties but easy enough for a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress everyone
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly crispy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta, cook them in batches for even crispness. Begin by preparing your filling while the air fryer preheats, ensuring everything is hot and ready.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with fillings like spinach or mushrooms for a veggie twist. You can also switch up the cheese blends to suit your taste and add some heat with red pepper flakes. Greek nachos for a fun twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about five minutes until crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, make sure your lasagna noodles are fully cooled before frying to prevent sogginess
- Always spray a light coat of oil on both sides for extra crispiness
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning
Sharing this recipe with friends at a gathering always leads to laughter and compliments; I still remember my friend’s face when he bit into that cheesy goodness—it was pure joy!
FAQ
What type of cheese works best in Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta?
Using a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Can I freeze leftover Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta?
Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they’re completely cooled before freezing in an airtight container.
How long should I cook them in the air fryer?
Cooking them for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F gives the best results, ensuring they’re crispy.

Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a delectable twist on traditional lasagna, delivering crispy bites filled with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. This Olive Garden copycat recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, making every bite a celebration of flavors. With its golden exterior and mouthwatering filling, it’s sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for any home cook to master.
Ingredients
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer until heated.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, and half of the mozzarella until smooth.
- Cut lasagna noodles into squares suitable for rolling.
- Layer each noodle with the cheese mixture followed by the meat sauce; roll tightly.
- Coat rolled fritta with panko breadcrumbs. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and arrange fritta in a single layer; spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 fritta (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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