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Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden Delicious Recipe

Nothing beats the crispy golden crunch of fried lasagna hitting your plate at your favorite Italian restaurant. This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden recipe brings that beloved appetizer straight to your kitchen, and it’s become such a hit because who doesn’t want restaurant magic at home?

Think tender pasta sheets layered with ricotta and mozzarella, then breaded and crisped to perfection. The air fryer does all the work without the mess of oil, giving you those golden edges and melted cheese centers. It tastes just like the restaurant version but uses ingredients you probably have on hand.

Started recreating restaurant favorites back in 2012 when my granddaughters couldn’t get enough of this appetizer during family dinners out. The first batch was too soggy until I learned to freeze the assembled squares for 30 minutes before breading. Now they come out crispy every time, and the girls say mine taste even better than the original.

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Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden Delicious Recipe

AIR FRYER LASAGNA FRITTA OLIVE GARDEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

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This Olive Garden copycat recipe features air fryer lasagna fritta filled with five cheeses and rolled noodles. Crispy and golden, this appetizer brings the taste of Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta Air Fryer style right to your kitchen. Perfect for Italian cuisine lovers.

  • Author: Julia Royale
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
  • Yield: 10 Pieces 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Standard

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 ounces Lasagna Noodles About 10 noodles
  • 15 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
  • ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • ½ cup Freshly Grated Romano Cheese
  • ½ cup Freshly Grated Asiago Cheese
  • ½ cup Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 ½ cups Italian Bread Crumbs or Panko
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • ½ cup Finely Grated Parmesan
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • Olive Oil Spray
  • Canola Oil
  • Homemade Alfredo Sauce If you have leftover Parmesan Romano or Asiago cheese it is perfect to throw in this recipe
  • Jar of Marinara Sauce

Instructions

  1. Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente then rinse with cold water and trim ribbons if needed.
  2. Mix eggs all five cheeses and Italian seasoning, spread over noodles and roll into 2-3 inch lengths then freeze for 1-2 hours.
  3. Scramble egg dip rolled noodles in egg then breadcrumbs prepared with olive oil and Parmesan.
  4. Spray air fryer basket with oil place lasagna frittas inside spray top with oil.
  5. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes flip and cook 6-8 more minutes until golden and crispy.
  6. Serve with marinara or Alfredo sauce.

Notes

  • There are 2 options to fry breadcrumbs in the air fryer: Spray the breadcrumb coating that is already on your food with cooking spray or oil or heat a small amount of olive oil with breadcrumbs in microwave until lightly browned before coating

Nutrition

  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 482 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g + 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 108 mg

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Why This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Will Win Your Heart

This recipe embodies the best of comfort food: crispy edges giving way to luscious melted cheese, reminiscent of sharing appetizers with loved ones. The air fryer transforms what used to be a messy, oil-heavy process into something beautifully manageable for your home kitchen.

What makes this special is how it brings together five different cheeses – ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago – creating layers of flavor that dance on your tongue. The freezing step might seem like extra work, but it’s the secret that keeps everything from falling apart when you bite into that golden crust.

The Magic Behind These Golden Treasures

AIR FRYER LASAGNA FRITTA OLIVE GARDEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden copycat transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Each of the five cheeses contributes its unique character, from creamy ricotta to sharp Romano, building layers of unforgettable flavor.

Essential ingredients for success:

  • Fresh lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
  • A blend of five cheeses for that restaurant-quality richness
  • Italian breadcrumbs, optionally tossed with olive oil for enhanced crispiness
  • Your trusty air fryer and some parchment paper for easy handling

The freezing step is what separates success from soggy disappointment. Those little cheese-filled rolls need time to firm up, so they hold their shape beautifully when they hit the hot air.

Cheese TypeAmountWhat It Brings
Ricotta15 ozCreamy base and moisture
Mozzarella½ cupStretchy, melty texture
Parmesan½ cupSharp, nutty flavor
Romano½ cupBold, salty punch
Asiago½ cupSweet and tangy notes

Step-by-Step Kitchen Magic

Start by cooking those lasagna noodles until they’re just al dente – you want them tender enough to roll but sturdy enough to hold all that gorgeous cheese filling. Once they’re cool enough to handle, trim off any fancy ribbon edges so they roll up neat and tidy.

Combine all five cheeses with Italian seasoning and eggs until well blended. Spread this creamy mixture evenly across each cooled noodle, then carefully roll them into compact 2-3 inch logs. Arrange them on parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking.

The breading process is where the magic happens:

  • Dip each frozen roll in beaten egg first
  • Roll in those golden, oil-toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan
  • Give them a light spray of oil before they go into the air fryer

Troubleshooting Your First Batch

If your first attempt comes out soggy, you likely skipped the freezing step or didn’t freeze them long enough. Those cheese rolls need at least an hour to firm up properly, though two hours gives you even better results.

Common fixes that save the day:

  • Rolls falling apart? Freeze them longer next time
  • Not crispy enough? Give them an extra spray of oil halfway through cooking
  • Cheese leaking out? Make sure your noodles are completely cooled before filling

This Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta Air Fryer method is surprisingly forgiving once you master the technique. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t absolutely perfect; they’ll still deliver that irresistible golden, cheesy flavor.

Making It Your Own

While this recipe shines as written, it’s also adaptable to your pantry staples. Feel free to use regular breadcrumbs if Italian ones aren’t available, and experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your family’s preferences.

Some families love adding a pinch of garlic powder to the cheese mixture, while others prefer extra Italian seasoning. The recipe is sturdy enough to handle your personal touches without losing that restaurant-quality result.

Original IngredientEasy SwapResult
Italian breadcrumbsPlain + Italian seasoningSame great crunch
Romano cheeseExtra ParmesanMilder but still delicious
Asiago cheeseSharp cheddarMore familiar flavor
Olive oil sprayAvocado oil sprayHigher smoke point

Serving and Storing Your Golden Treasures

Serve these golden gems immediately, hot from the air fryer, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the coating is at its peak crispiness. Offer small bowls of warm marinara and creamy Alfredo sauce for dipping, transforming your kitchen into an Italian eatery.

Leftover lasagna fritta can be stored in an an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, though their magic is undeniably best when fresh. To revive their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Storage MethodTime LimitReheating Instructions
Refrigerator3 daysAir fryer 350°F, 3-4 minutes
Freezer (unbaked)2 monthsCook from frozen, add 2-3 minutes
Freezer (cooked)1 monthThaw overnight, reheat as above

Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half before breading. You’ll have restaurant-quality appetizers ready whenever the craving strikes, and your future self will thank you for the thoughtfulness.

Expert Says: The Science Behind Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden

The air fryer method achieves perfectly crisp lasagna fritta with significantly less oil, resulting in a lighter yet equally indulgent texture. Successfully replicating Olive Garden’s renowned version at home depends on expertly balancing moisture retention and golden-brown perfection, a feat this technique masterfully accomplishes without sacrificing flavor or richness.

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Perfecting Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden Style

Perfecting the beloved Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden required numerous kitchen experiments – some batches were overly crispy, others disappointingly soggy. Yet, each attempt taught valuable lessons in balancing heat and timing. The recipe presented here encapsulates those learnings, consistently delivering that comforting, golden bite reminiscent of cherished family dinners and laughter.

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.

AIR FRYER LASAGNA FRITTA OLIVE GARDEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered_pin

Experience the magic of Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta Olive Garden in just 12 minutes. Watch as golden edges yield to luscious pools of melted cheese; the irresistible aroma alone will draw your family to the kitchen, eager to discover how you brought their favorite restaurant appetizer home. Every bite promises that perfect, satisfying crunch.

Here’s a pro tip from my kitchen: for an extra layer of richness, brush the tops with garlic butter halfway through cooking. While these beauties reheat wonderfully in the air fryer the next day, they seldom last that long! Consider serving them with both marinara and Alfredo for an authentic restaurant-style dipping experience.

I’d love to hear how this recipe enhances your dinner table experience! Please share photos of your culinary creations; there’s immense satisfaction in seeing these golden treasures fresh from your fryer. Be sure to save this recipe for your next family gathering, as nothing conveys love quite like homemade comfort food that evokes a special night out.

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