Air Fryer Lasagna Recipe

I’ve always loved lasagna, but let’s be honest—making it the traditional way can feel like a full-day project.

Between boiling noodles, layering ingredients, and waiting for it to bake, it’s a labor of love.

That’s why I was thrilled when I figured out how to make a delicious lasagna in my air fryer.

This air fryer lasagna recipe is a game-saver for busy weeknights or when you’re craving that cheesy, saucy comfort without all the fuss.

It’s got all the classic flavors—rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella—but it comes together faster and with less cleanup.

I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I think it’ll win a spot in yours too!

Read Also: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Air Fryer Lasagna Recipe - The Easiest Way to Make Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lasagna Recipe

This air fryer lasagna recipe is a total win for anyone who loves comfort food but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

It delivers all the gooey, savory goodness of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time, thanks to the air fryer.

The layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce crisp up beautifully on top while staying tender and flavorful inside.

Plus, it’s perfect for small households since it makes just enough for a cozy dinner without overwhelming leftovers.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Less Mess: No need to boil noodles or use multiple pots and pans.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own.
Perfect Portions: Ideal for 2-4 servings, great for small gatherings or date nights.
Crispy Topping: The air fryer gives the cheese a golden, bubbly finish that’s irresistible.

Read Also: Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

This air fryer lasagna recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a hearty, flavorful dish.

You’ll need a mix of cheeses, pasta, and a good marinara sauce to bring it all together.

6 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups (360ml) marinara sauce
1/2 pound (225g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Read Also: Healthy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need a ton of gear to whip up this air fryer lasagna, but having the right tools makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Air fryer (at least 5-quart capacity)
8-inch round baking pan (metal or oven-safe glass that fits in your air fryer)
Medium skillet for cooking meat
Mixing bowl for cheese mixture
Spatula for spreading layers
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife for trimming noodles (if needed)
Tongs for handling hot pan
Aluminum foil for covering during cooking

Air Fryer Lasagna Recipe - A Must-Try Air Fryer Meal

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna

Making air fryer lasagna is straightforward, but I’ve broken it down into detailed steps to ensure success, even if you’re new to cooking.

Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a bubbly, cheesy lasagna in no time.

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Add 1/2 pound (225g) of ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups (360ml) of marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes, then set aside.

2. Mix the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240g) of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup (50g) of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup (25g) of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 large egg.
Mix thoroughly with a spatula until smooth and well combined.
Set the cheese mixture aside for layering.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

Lightly grease an 8-inch round baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Spread a thin layer (about 1/4 cup or 60ml) of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan.
Place 2 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them with a knife on a cutting board to fit the round pan if needed.
Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles, using a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
Spoon 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese, sauce) two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50g) of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

4. Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil carefully using tongs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
Check that the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Rest and Serve

Carefully remove the baking pan from the air fryer using tongs and let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes to set.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Slice into wedges and serve hot.

Tips for The Best Air Fryer Lasagna

To make sure your air fryer lasagna turns out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some tips from my own trial and error.

These will help you avoid common pitfalls and get that restaurant-quality result at home.

Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and ensure they cook properly in the air fryer.
Don’t skip greasing the baking pan to prevent sticking.
Break noodles to fit your pan snugly for even layers and cooking.
Cover with aluminum foil during the first part of cooking to keep the cheese from drying out.
Let the lasagna rest before slicing to help the layers hold together.
Check your air fryer’s manual to ensure your baking pan fits comfortably.
Use a high-quality marinara sauce for better flavor; homemade or a trusted brand works great.

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Serving Suggestions

This air fryer lasagna pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its rich, cheesy flavors.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a small gathering, these ideas will round out your meal perfectly.

Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic match for lasagna’s saucy goodness.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with tangy dressing adds a fresh contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon for a hearty, savory side.
Green Salad: A light chickpea salad with fresh greens balances the meal.
Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, like Chianti, enhances the Italian flavors of the lasagna.

Variations of Air Fryer Lasagna

This air fryer lasagna recipe is super versatile, so you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Here are some creative spins to try.

Vegetarian Lasagna: Swap meat for sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Spicy Sausage Lasagna: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
White Lasagna: Replace marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce and add chicken.
Low-Carb Lasagna: Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles.
Pesto Lasagna: Mix pesto into the ricotta cheese for a fresh, herby twist.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover air fryer lasagna tastes just as good the next day if stored properly. Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it for the best flavor and texture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, covered with aluminum foil.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating.

Nutritional Facts

This air fryer lasagna is a hearty dish, and here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving (based on 4 servings).

Note that values may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 6g)
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 90mg

Read Also: Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This air fryer lasagna isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with ingredients that offer some great health benefits.

From protein to antioxidants, here’s why this dish is as good for you as it tastes.

Ricotta Cheese: Provides calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.
Marinara Sauce: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.
Ground Beef: A great source of iron and zinc for energy and immune support.
Mozzarella Cheese: Offers protein and calcium, plus a dose of vitamin B12.
Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats that promote heart health.

FAQs About Air Fryer Lasagna

1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook regular lasagna noodles until al dente before layering. Boil them in a pot of salted water for about 8 minutes, then drain and cool slightly to handle. No-boil noodles are recommended for convenience and to fit the air fryer’s quick cooking time.

2. How do I know if my baking pan fits my air fryer?

Measure the interior of your air fryer basket and compare it to your 8-inch round baking pan. Ensure there’s at least a 1/2-inch (1cm) gap around the pan for air circulation. Check your air fryer’s manual for maximum pan size recommendations.

3. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in the baking pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, cook as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold.

4. Is it possible to make this lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. Double-check all other ingredients, like cheeses, for hidden gluten in additives.

5. Can I double the recipe for a larger air fryer?

If your air fryer is large enough (8-quart or more), you can double the recipe using a larger baking pan. Increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes, checking for doneness. Ensure the pan still fits with room for air circulation.

Read Also: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Final Thoughts

This air fryer lasagna has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I’m craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The layers of cheesy, saucy goodness come together so easily, and the air fryer gives it that perfect golden top that makes every bite irresistible.

I love how versatile it is—whether you’re adding veggies or tweaking the sauce, it always turns out delicious.

Give this air fryer lasagna a try for your next cozy dinner, and let me know in the comments how it went or share your favorite twists on this classic dish!

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