There’s something about lasagna fritta that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with rich Italian flavors. Inspired by the famous appetizer from Olive Garden, this Air Fryer 5-Cheese Lasagna Fritta delivers that perfect balance of crunch and creaminess without the heaviness of deep frying.

Lasagna fritta is traditionally deep-fried, which makes it irresistibly crispy but also quite greasy. That’s where the air fryer comes in. By using hot air circulation instead of submerging in oil, this method cuts down on excess grease while still achieving that golden-brown, crunchy exterior. It’s a lighter alternative that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.

This recipe takes classic lasagna noodles, rolls them up with a rich five-cheese filling, and coats them in crispy Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. The result is a golden, crunchy bite bursting with cheesy goodness, served with marinara and Alfredo sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. If you’ve ever had Olive Garden’s version, you know how addicting these little bites can be. Making them at home allows you to customize everything, from the type of cheese used to the level of crispiness.

Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special appetizer, a fun weekend treat, or a family gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Plus, with an air fryer, the process is much easier and less messy than traditional frying. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries—you can also pan-fry them for a similar crispy effect. Either way, you’re in for a delicious experience that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer 5-Cheese Lasagna Fritta is a game-changer for Italian food lovers. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Crispy, But Not Greasy – Unlike traditional deep-frying, the air fryer achieves a golden, crunchy crust without excess oil. You get all the crispiness without the heaviness.
Packed with Cheesy Goodness – The five-cheese blend (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago) creates an ultra-creamy, flavor-packed filling.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve these as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course. They’re perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and parties.
Easier Than You Think – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for a special occasion.
Customizable – Whether you want to add spinach, swap cheeses, or add a protein like chicken or turkey, this recipe is super flexible.

Every bite of lasagna fritta delivers a perfect contrast of crispy breading and velvety cheese, making it a dish that everyone will remember.

Health Benefits

While lasagna fritta is an indulgent dish, this air fryer version makes it a healthier alternative to deep-fried appetizers. Here are some benefits:

Less Oil, Fewer Calories – Air frying reduces the amount of oil needed, lowering the overall fat and calorie content compared to deep-fried versions.
Good Source of Protein – The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a good amount of protein, which helps keep you full longer.
Calcium-Rich – Dairy-based cheeses like ricotta and Parmesan are excellent sources of calcium, essential for bone health.
Lower in Saturated Fat – By using part-skim ricotta or mozzarella, you can reduce the saturated fat content while keeping the dish delicious.
No Preservatives – Homemade lasagna fritta allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary preservatives and additives often found in restaurant versions.

By balancing this dish with a fresh salad or a veggie-packed side, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—comfort food with a mindful approach.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: About 1 hour (including freezing time)
Active Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories per Serving: ~350-400 kcal
Protein: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~18g

This makes for a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish that fits well into a balanced diet when paired with lighter sides.

Ingredients List

For the Lasagna Fritta

10 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup Romano cheese, grated
½ cup Asiago cheese, grated
2 large eggs (one for filling, one for breading)
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking spray (for air frying)
Canola or vegetable oil (for pan frying)
1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

For the Alfredo Sauce (Optional)

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ teaspoon garlic salt
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles until al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, one egg, and Italian seasoning.
Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

3. Assemble the Lasagna Rolls

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each lasagna noodle.
Roll the noodle tightly into a log and place it seam-side down.
Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.

4. Prepare the Breading

In one bowl, beat an egg.
In another bowl, mix bread crumbs with olive oil and microwave for a few seconds to enhance crispiness.

5. Coat the Lasagna Rolls

Dip each frozen roll in egg wash, then roll it in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

6. Air Fry the Lasagna Fritta

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with cooking spray.
Place coated rolls inside, leaving space between them.
Spray lightly with oil and cook for 8 minutes.
Flip, spray again, and cook another 6-8 minutes until golden brown.

7. Pan Frying Alternative

Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Fry rolls for 2 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with marinara and Alfredo sauce, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

How to Serve

Classic Style: Serve over a pool of marinara sauce.
With Alfredo Drizzle: Top with a swirl of creamy Alfredo sauce.
Paired with a Side Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.

Pairing Suggestions

Beverages: Lemon-infused water or iced tea complement the dish well.
Sides: Garlic bread or roasted vegetables add a delicious contrast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or bake at 375°F for 7-8 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lasagna fritta at home is easier than it seems, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them for the perfect crispy, cheesy bites every time.

1. Overcooking the Lasagna Noodles
If the noodles are too soft, they will tear when rolling, making it difficult to keep the cheese filling intact. Cook them until al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Not Freezing the Rolls Before Breading
Skipping the freezing step can lead to messy, loose rolls that are hard to handle. Freezing for at least an hour helps them hold their shape, making them easier to coat and cook.

3. Using Too Much or Too Little Filling
Adding too much cheese filling can cause it to ooze out while cooking, while too little makes them less flavorful. Spread a thin, even layer of filling for the best balance.

4. Not Coating Evenly in Breadcrumbs
A proper coating ensures a crispy, golden crust. Press the breadcrumbs onto the roll firmly after dipping in the egg wash to create an even layer.

5. Overcrowding the Air Fryer
Placing the rolls too close together prevents hot air from circulating, resulting in uneven cooking. Leave enough space between them to ensure they crisp up properly.

6. Not Spraying with Oil Before Air Frying
A light spray of oil before air frying enhances crispiness and helps the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Skipping this step may leave the fritta dry instead of crunchy.

7. Cooking at the Wrong Temperature
Setting the air fryer too high can burn the outer coating before the inside is warm and gooey. Cooking at 400°F ensures the perfect combination of crispy exterior and melted cheese inside.

8. Skipping the Resting Time
Letting the cooked lasagna fritta sit for a minute before serving allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from spilling out immediately when cut or bitten into.

Pro Tips

To get the best possible results when making Air Fryer 5-Cheese Lasagna Fritta, keep these expert tips in mind.

1. Use a Sharp Knife to Cut the Noodles Evenly
If your lasagna noodles have ruffled edges, trim them slightly for more even rolling. This makes it easier to get a tight, uniform roll that holds its shape.

2. Enhance the Breadcrumb Coating for Extra Crispiness
Toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a dry pan before using them for coating. This step pre-browns the breadcrumbs, leading to an even crunchier texture once air-fried.

3. Double-Coat for Maximum Crunch
For an extra crispy crust, repeat the breading process: dip in the egg wash, coat with breadcrumbs, then repeat. This double layer creates a sturdier shell that holds up well in the air fryer.

4. Customize the Cheese Blend for More Flavor
While the five-cheese combination is already delicious, adding a small amount of smoked mozzarella or gouda can introduce a subtle, smoky depth to the filling.

5. Let the Cheese Filling Sit Before Rolling
Mix the filling ahead of time and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend better, resulting in a more delicious, well-balanced filling.

6. Flip Carefully for Even Cooking
When air frying, use tongs to gently flip the fritta halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides get evenly crispy without breaking the rolls apart.

7. Make It a Meal by Adding a Side
Pair your lasagna fritta with a light arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

8. Freeze Extra Rolls for Quick Future Batches
If you’re making a big batch, freeze the assembled, uncooked rolls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you can fry or air fry them directly from frozen for a quick snack or appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the breading step, then freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can pan-fry the lasagna fritta in a skillet with about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. You can also bake them at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for a unique twist.

4. How do I keep the rolls from unrolling while cooking?
Freezing the rolls for at least an hour before breading and cooking helps them hold their shape. Also, placing them seam-side down in the air fryer helps prevent them from unrolling.

5. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.

6. What’s the best dipping sauce for lasagna fritta?
Marinara and Alfredo sauce are classic choices, but you can also try garlic butter, pesto, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for variety.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna fritta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. How do I reheat them without losing crispiness?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in an oven at 375°F for 7-8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

9. Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes! Cooked ground turkey, chicken, or beef can be added to the cheese mixture for a heartier version.

10. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the cheeses used are made with vegetarian-friendly rennet. Check the labels to be sure.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There’s something truly special about homemade Air Fryer 5-Cheese Lasagna Fritta—it’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with delicious Italian flavors. This recipe brings the indulgence of Olive Garden’s lasagna fritta right to your kitchen, and the best part is that it’s lighter, less greasy, and easier to make than the deep-fried version.

With the right techniques—such as freezing before breading, double-coating for extra crunch, and flipping carefully—you can achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey, melty cheese filling. Plus, by customizing the cheese blend or adding ingredients like spinach or chicken, you can make this dish your own.

Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer for a dinner party, a fun snack for family night, or a special treat just because, they are guaranteed to impress. Pair them with marinara, Alfredo, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible bite every time.

Now it’s your turn to try it! Gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and let me know how your lasagna fritta turns out. If you loved this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, share it with friends, and tag me on social media with your delicious creations. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!