Air Fryer Lasagna is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic Italian dish with less fuss and faster cooking time. By using the air fryer, you can get a perfectly cooked, golden-brown lasagna with a crispy top and tender layers inside. Here’s a simple recipe for Air Fryer Lasagna:
Ingredients:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to break them in half)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey (or a mix of both)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (for mixing with ricotta)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, draining and setting them aside. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step (but be sure to add extra sauce to help soften the noodles).
- Let the noodles cool slightly, then cut or break them to fit the size of your air fryer basket or a baking dish that fits inside it.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and thicken.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or a small oven-safe dish that fits into your air fryer with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then layer the lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers (noodles, sauce, ricotta mixture, mozzarella) until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce and mozzarella on top.
5. Air Fry the Lasagna:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the assembled lasagna into the air fryer basket or the dish inside the air fryer. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent it from getting too brown while cooking.
- Air fry for 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top to brown and the cheese to bubble.
- The lasagna is done when it’s hot throughout, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips:
- Air Fryer Size: Make sure to adjust the number of noodles and the size of the dish based on the size of your air fryer basket. You may need to make smaller individual portions if you have a smaller air fryer.
- No-Boil Noodles: If you’re using no-boil noodles, make sure to add enough sauce to ensure the noodles soften as they cook. You might also want to add a bit of water to the bottom of the dish to create some steam.
- Customize the Filling: You can add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the ricotta filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, refrigerate it, and air fry it when ready to eat. Just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
This Air Fryer Lasagna is a fast and convenient way to enjoy the comfort of lasagna without the long cooking time of a traditional oven method. Perfect for small families or individual portions!