Easy Air Fryer Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer lasagna is quick, easy, and ideal for small-batch cooking. It delivers all the rich flavors and textures of traditional oven-baked lasagna—bubbly cheese, savory sauce, and soft pasta—without the long cook times. Plus, it’s a great way to use your air fryer for more than just snacks. No need to preheat a large oven or wait for a casserole to bake for an hour. This version is just as satisfying and much more efficient.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• No-boil lasagna noodles (or regular, pre-cooked)

• Ground beef or Italian sausage

• Onion (diced)

• Garlic (minced)

• Marinara or pasta sauce

• Ricotta cheese

• Egg

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil (for sautéing)

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

5. Lightly grease a small air fryer-safe baking dish (about 6–7 inches wide).

6. Assemble the lasagna: start with a spoonful of sauce, then layer noodles (broken to fit), ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella on top.

7. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the air fryer basket.

8. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and air fry for another 5–7 minutes to brown the cheese.

10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–4 people, depending on portion size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

• Cheesy Overload: Add layers of provolone, fontina, or goat cheese.

• Low-Carb Option: Use thin zucchini slices instead of noodles.

• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.

• Mini Lasagnas: Use ramekins or small tins for single-serve portions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer, covered, at 300°F (150°C) for 20–25 minutes, then uncover to brown.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.

What size dish should I use in the air fryer?

A round or square dish 6–7 inches wide fits most basket-style air fryers.

Can I use cooked noodles?

Yes, pre-cooked or no-boil noodles both work. Just ensure they fit your dish.

Do I have to cover it with foil?

Yes, covering prevents the cheese from over-browning before the noodles cook through.

Can I cook it without a baking dish?

No, you need a dish to hold the layers together properly during cooking.

What meat works best?

Ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage are all great options.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Covering with foil and using enough sauce will keep it moist. Don’t overcook.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free ricotta and shredded cheese substitutes.

Can I double the recipe?

For larger batches, cook in two batches or use a larger air fryer oven model.

What if my air fryer is too small?

You can make individual portions in ramekins or stack fewer layers.

Conclusion

Easy Air Fryer Lasagna is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience. It delivers everything you love about classic lasagna in a faster, smaller, and smarter format. Whether you’re cooking for two or craving a quick Italian-style dinner without the oven, this recipe brings flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction in every bite.

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