Description
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is a delicious Olive Garden copycat recipe that transforms classic lasagna noodles into crispy, golden brown rolled bites perfect for dipping. Featuring a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses, Italian seasoning, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, these lasagna rolls are air-fried to perfection for a healthier twist on a popular appetizer. Serve them with marinara and homemade Alfredo sauce for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Lasagna Rolls
- 10 ounces lasagna noodles (about 10 noodles)
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
Breading
- 1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs (for dipping)
- Olive oil spray (for air fryer basket and tops)
- Canola oil (for optional pan frying)
Sauces
- Homemade Alfredo sauce (optional, can use leftover cheeses: Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
- Jar of marinara sauce
Instructions
- Noodle Prep: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool and make them easier to handle. If your noodles have ribbon edges, trim them off for easier rolling.
- Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 2 large eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses along with the Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth cheese filling.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay the cooled lasagna noodles flat. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Roll them up tightly into about 2–3 inch length rolls. Place the rolled noodles in a container lined with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking, then freeze for 1–2 hours until firm.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, scramble 2 eggs for dipping the rolls. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the bread crumbs and olive oil. Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the crumbs are golden brown. Let this breadcrumb mixture cool and then mix in the finely grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Rolls: One at a time, dip each frozen lasagna roll first into the egg wash, then coat well with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess crumbs between coatings.
- Air Fry the Lasagna Fritta: Lightly spray the inside basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray. Place the breaded lasagna rolls in the basket, ensuring they are spaced out. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil as well. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes. Flip each roll and cook for another 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If they appear dry during cooking, lightly spray again with oil. Remove when done.
- Serve: Plate the lasagna fritta and serve warm alongside marinara sauce and homemade Alfredo sauce for dipping.
- Optional Pan-Frying Method: Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the lasagna fritta rolls in the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve with marinara and Alfredo sauces.
Notes
- Freezing the rolled noodles helps them hold their shape during breading and air frying.
- Microwaving the breadcrumbs with olive oil before coating adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Air frying is a healthier alternative to pan frying, reducing oil usage.
- If you don’t have all the cheese varieties, you can substitute with what you have but aim for a mix of hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano for best authenticity.
- Rolls can be prepped and frozen ahead to save time on the day of serving.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crisping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
