Air Fryer Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the most beloved homemade dinners, offering layers of rich flavors and comforting textures. However, it’s also known for being a bit time-consuming and messy. This recipe simplifies the process with an air fryer, cutting down on cook time while preserving the deliciousness you expect from a classic lasagna.

Duration

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 sheets no-boil lasagna noodles
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Cooking spray
• Optional garnish: additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked (no pink remains), drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, mixing thoroughly. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the beaten egg, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Spray an 8x8x2.5-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Place two sheets of lasagna noodles on top. (You may need to break them to fit.)
   • Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, smoothing it evenly.
   • Tear two basil leaves and scatter them on top of the ricotta layer.
   • Sprinkle 1/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the basil.
   • Repeat these layers two more times. For the final layer, top with noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Cook the Lasagna in the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
   • Place the assembled lasagna in the air fryer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
   • Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning and reduce the temperature to 280°F. Cook for an additional 20 minutes.
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
   • Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Substitutions: Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter option or substitute cottage cheese for a similar texture.
• Meat Options: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian alternative like crumbled tofu or plant-based sausage.
• Layering Hack: Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to evenly distribute the ricotta mixture.
• Noodle Adjustment: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them to al dente before assembling.
• Foil Tip: Ensure the foil doesn’t touch the cheese when covering to avoid sticking.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Adjust cooking time slightly as it will start cold.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A: Of course! Homemade marinara adds a personal touch and allows you to control the flavors.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: You can bake this lasagna in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, covering with foil halfway through.