The first time I smelled marinara bubbling over fried pasta, I was standing in line at Olive Garden, stomach growling. This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden copycat brings all that cheesy, golden comfort homewithout the deep fryer. It’s crispy, gooey, and wildly craveable. No wonder it’s all over home cook feeds right now.
It’s creamy ricotta tucked into pasta sheets, breaded, then air-fried till the edges go golden and snappy. We skip the oil bath but keep the indulgence. Tastes like your favorite lasagna, just handheld and crispy around the edges. And unlike the restaurant version, this one uses simple grocery staples and keeps cleanup light. Feels like a splurge, but fits into a cozy weeknight.
I first played with this one in spring 2022 after my sister begged me to recreate her takeout favorite. The first batch disappeared before I could plate the last one. Big win: chilling the rolled lasagna before breading helps them hold shape in the air fryer. It’s a tip I’ve kept since, and I’ve tested plentybeen writing and refining recipes for over a decade, always chasing that perfect bite.
Joe Rooney
Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden Delicious Recipe
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden copycat recipe delivers a crispy, golden twist on traditional Italian flavors. Filled with a creamy blend of five cheeses and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s a must-try for fans of Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta Air Fryer dishes. Enjoy a delicious appetizer that’s easy to prepare and bursting with cheesy goodness.
Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then rinse with cold water and trim ribbon edges if needed.
In a bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, mozzarella cheeses, and Italian seasoning.
Lay noodles flat and spread cheese mixture over each; roll into 2–3 inch rolls.
Place rolled noodles on parchment and freeze for 1-2 hours to firm up.
For batter, scramble eggs in a shallow dish.
Microwave olive oil and bread crumbs until golden brown, stirring every 30 seconds, then let cool and add Parmesan.
Dip frozen rolled noodles first into egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture; shake off excess.
To air fry: Spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place lasagna frittas inside and lightly spray tops.
Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip, then cook another 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
If needed, lightly spray with oil during cooking to keep moist.
Remove and serve hot with marinara and/or Alfredo sauce.
For pan-fried: Heat canola oil over medium-high heat.
Carefully place rolls in hot oil; fry 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and serve with sauces.
Notes
For best results, freeze the rolled noodles before coating to maintain shape. You can fry the breadcrumbs with olive oil in the microwave before coating for extra flavor and crispiness. Serve immediately with warm marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cozy nostalgia: This recipe channels Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta vibes at homea taste of your favorite appetizer, but made simpler.
Air fryer magic: Skip the mess of deep frying but keep the heavenly crispy, cheesy goodness.
Beginner-friendly: With a few practical tips, even first-timers can master this impressive dish.
Freezer-friendly: Prep ahead and freeze the rolls to have these ready for last-minute cravings or entertaining.
What You’ll Need
Crafting delicious Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta at home requires a few key ingredients. Together, they create that irresistible creamy, cheesy center and golden, crispy crust. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this copycat Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta Air Fryer recipe:
Ingredients List (Example Quantities)
Please note: These are example quantities. Adjust to your preference and desired yield.
Lasagna noodles: 6-8 sheets, oven-ready or traditional (boiled till al dente).
Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (about 250g).
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated, plus more for coating (about 50g).
Pro Tip: If you have leftover cheese, throw it into your Alfredo sauceit’s perfect for dipping!
Helpful Ingredient Breakdown
Ingredient
Role in Recipe
Lasagna Noodles
Holds the creamy cheese filling and creates the structure for the rolls.
Ricotta
Main creamy filling that pairs beautifully with the other cheeses.
Parmesan
Adds salty, nutty depth to both the filling and breadcrumbs.
Panko
Gives the rolls that crispy coating in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving perfectly crispy and cheesy Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is simpler than you think. Follow these clear steps for a fuss-free cooking experience:
Boil and prepare the lasagna noodles: Cook until just al dente (firm to the bite) according to package directions. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Gently trim any uneven ribbon edges for neat rolls.
Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Mozzarella cheeses. Add one egg and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the rolls: Lay each prepared lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cheese mixture over each noodle. Carefully roll each noodle into a snug 2-3 inch roll. Place the assembled rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. This crucial step helps them maintain their shape during breading and cooking.
Bread and prep for frying: In a shallow dish, whisk the remaining egg. In another shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with an additional tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each frozen lasagna roll first into the scrambled egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan blend. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks evenly.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded lasagna rolls in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the rolls and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If they appear dry, lightly spray with olive oil mid-cooking. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro Tip: Freezing the rolls helps them stay together during breading and air frying, resulting in perfectly formed, crispy bites.
Troubleshooting and Easy Tweaks
Even expert chefs run into snags! If your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta isn’t quite perfect, these tips will help:
Rolls falling apart? Ensure your lasagna noodles are cooked just al denteovercooked noodles become too soft. Remember, freezing the assembled rolls for 1-2 hours is essential for shape retention.
Not crispy enough? For maximum crispness, lightly spray the rolls with additional olive oil halfway through air frying. You can also pre-toast your breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before coating for an even crunchier texture.
Looking unevenly cooked? The key is good air circulation. Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary, allowing enough space between each roll for even heat distribution.
Swap Idea: No Panko breadcrumbs? Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to achieve a similar crispy texture.
Crispy Timeline
Step
Approximate Time
Boil noodles
10 minutes
Assemble rolls
20 minutes
Freezing
1-2 hours
Air frying
14-18 minutes
Serving & Storing
Maximize the enjoyment of your homemade crispy creations with these tips:
Serving suggestion: For the classic Olive Garden experience, pair your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta with warm marinara sauce and creamy Alfredo sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.
Leftovers: Store any leftover fritta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To revive their crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crunchy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Freezing tip: To prepare ahead, assemble and freeze the un-breaded rolls as directed. When ready to cook, thaw them slightly before proceeding with the breading and air frying steps.
Pro Tip: Hosting a gathering? Arrange the lasagna fritta on a platter with small bowls of various dipping sauces for an impressive and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Expert Insight on Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden
Recreating Olive Garden’s beloved Lasagna Fritta using an air fryer offers a fantastic blend of crispy texture and melted, cheesy goodness, all without the excess oil of deep frying. This modern cooking method harnesses rapid hot air circulation for incredibly even cooking, making the Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden recipe a convenient, healthier, and equally flavorful twist on a cherished Italian-American appetizer.
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Mastering Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden Style
After several rounds of tweakingburnt edges here, soggy centers thereI finally nailed the perfect Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden copycat. It was a patient process, but each trial brought me closer to that crisp, cheesy bite we all crave. This recipe is the result of that dedicated, hands-on testing, designed to bring you the best possible homemade version.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden )
How do I get the lasagna fritta crispy in the air fryer?
For a crispy finish, spray the fritta pieces lightly with cooking oil before air frying. Arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to ensure even heat circulation. Cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
Can I use pre-cooked lasagna in this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked lasagna is fine. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces, coat as directed, and air fry. This helps reduce cooking time and maintains the layers’ flavor and texture perfectly in the Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta Air Fryer version.
What dipping sauces work best with this dish?
Classic marinara sauce is the best match for this meal, providing a tangy balance. You can also try a creamy garlic aioli or a herbed ranch dip for variety. These options complement the crispy, cheesy fritta well and enhance your overall flavor experience.
How do I store leftover lasagna fritta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fritta soggy.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free marinara sauce. This simple swap keeps the crispy texture and flavor intact, making the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden recipe brings that beloved appetizer right to your kitchen. With clear steps and common ingredients, you’ll love how these rolls turn outwonderfully crispy, cheesy, and comforting. They’re perfect for a cozy weeknight treat or an impressive party appetizer that feels special without the fuss.
Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe! Swap in your favorite cheese blend or add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for your own unique twist. And remember, leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, keeping that golden crunch for days. Giving the assembled rolls a good freeze before breading is the secret to clean, neat cooking every time.
Give this recipe a try and share your delicious creations or favorite tweaks! Does this dish bring back memories of family dinners? Share it with your loved ones and savor a homemade moment that’s equal parts nostalgia and kitchen confidence.
