Air Fryer Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. The layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that is hard to resist. But what if you could enjoy this delicious dish in a healthier way? Enter the air fryer lasagna, a recipe that combines the traditional flavors of lasagna with the convenience and health benefits of air frying.
A Twist on a Classic
Air fryer lasagna is a twist on the classic recipe that we all know and love. By using the air fryer, we can achieve a crispy and golden top layer while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. The result is a lasagna that is lighter, lower in calories, and just as delicious as the traditional version.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of making air fryer lasagna, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that you will need:
- 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
Ingredients
- To start making the air fryer lasagna, we need to prepare the ingredients.
- In a medium-sized skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Once the sausage is cooked through, drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce.
- Set aside.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a creamy and rich texture to the lasagna.
- Now that the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the lasagna.
Layering the Lasagna
Start by spraying an 8x8x2.5 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add a quarter of the sauce to the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly. Top the sauce with two sheets of no-boil lasagna noodles, breaking them up if necessary to fit the dish.
Next, add a third of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, spreading it out evenly. Tear two fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them on top of the ricotta. Follow this with a quarter of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a top layer of lasagna noodles. Pour the remaining sauce over the noodles and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Air Frying the Lasagna
Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F, using the air fryer setting. Once preheated, place the assembled lasagna in the air fryer and cook for 30 minutes. This will give the lasagna a crispy top layer.
After 30 minutes, cover the dish with foil and continue air frying for another 20 minutes at 280 degrees F. This lower temperature will ensure that the inside of the lasagna is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lasagna from the air fryer and let it stand for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the lasagna to set and make it easier to serve.
Final Touches
Before serving, garnish the air fryer lasagna with more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. These finishing touches will add a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish.
Now, it’s time to plate, serve, and enjoy your delicious air fryer lasagna. The crispy top layer, creamy ricotta filling, and savory marinara sauce will make every bite a delight for your taste buds.
Air fryer lasagna is a game-changer for lasagna lovers who want to enjoy this classic dish in a healthier way. By using the air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly cooked lasagna with a crispy top layer and moist interior. The combination of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and fresh basil creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
