Attempt At Lasagna In Air Fryer

Making lasagna in an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve a delicious, hearty meal with a crispy top layer and perfectly cooked pasta. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making a classic lasagna in your air fryer.

Air Fryer Lasagna Recipe

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1/2 onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Cheese Mixture:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Other Ingredients:

9-12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked)
Extra shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Equipment:

Air fryer
9-inch round or 8×8-inch square baking dish (that fits in your air fryer)
Mixing bowls
Cooking utensils

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1.1. Cook the Meat:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.

1.2. Add Aromatics:

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

1.3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add sugar if using, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

2.1. Mix Cheese Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley if using. Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

3.1. Prepare the Dish:

Lightly grease the baking dish that fits in your air fryer.

3.2. Layer the Lasagna:

Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. If using no-boil noodles, ensure they fit in the dish and overlap slightly.
Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
Top with additional shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Air Fry the Lasagna:

4.1. Preheat Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

4.2. Cook:

Place the assembled lasagna in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the noodles are cooked through.

4.3. Check for Doneness:

If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Ensure the lasagna is heated through and the noodles are tender.

5. Serve:

5.1. Cool and Slice:

Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

5.2. Enjoy:

Serve warm with a side salad and garlic bread, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lasagna:

Use a Suitable Dish: Ensure the baking dish you use fits comfortably in your air fryer. If needed, use a smaller dish or adjust the recipe to fit the size of your air fryer.
Pre-Cooked Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package instructions before layering.
Cover to Prevent Burning: If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil and continue cooking until the lasagna is done.