Air Fried Lasagna is a contemporary twist on the classic Italian comfort dish, marrying the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna with the modern convenience of air frying. This innovative recipe transforms the layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese into a delightful, crispy-edged marvel.
To craft this culinary delight, sheets of lasagna noodles are typically parboiled to achieve the ideal texture before layering. The heart of the dish lies in the well-seasoned meat sauce, which commonly features ground beef or a blend of ground meats, sautéed onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs such as oregano and basil. This savory concoction is simmered to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
The creamy béchamel sauce, another crucial component, brings a velvety texture and a rich, slightly nutty taste. Combining butter, flour, and milk, this sauce is a luscious counterpart to the robust meaty layers, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the entire dish.
Assembly is an art form in Air Fried Lasagna, as each layer is carefully crafted to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile. The lasagna noodles cradle alternating layers of meat sauce, béchamel, and a generous scattering of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The cheese not only adds a gooey, melty texture but also forms a golden crust when air-fried, providing a satisfying crunch to each bite.
The air frying process imparts a unique twist to the dish, producing a lasagna with a golden-brown, crispy exterior while maintaining a succulent, cheesy interior. This method reduces cooking time and enhances the overall texture, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy edges and the tender, layered goodness within.
Air Fried Lasagna is a testament to culinary ingenuity, offering a quicker and more efficient way to enjoy the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna. The result is a dish that captures the essence of homemade comfort food while embracing the modern technology of air frying, making it a standout and irresistible addition to the world of contemporary cuisine.
Ingredients:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (cooked and drained)
1/ 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for greasing
Preparation:
In a bowl put the ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, half the parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano and Mix salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Take the basket of your air fryer and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Start with a layer of precooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
Place a layer of the ricotta and cheese mixture on top of the pasta, followed by a layer of cooked ground meat or sausage.Pour a layer of marinara sauce over the meat and sprinkle some mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up and finish with a layer of cheese on top.
Preheat your deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place the lasagna in the air fryer basket. You may need to trim the lasagna to fit in the basket.Air fry the lasagne for about 15-20 minutes. Check it after 10 minutes to make sure it isn’t burning. You want the cheese melted and bubbly and the lasagna completely hot and crispy around the edges.
Carefully remove the lasagne from the fryer using tongs or a spatula.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy!
