If you’ve ever visited Olive Garden and found yourself obsessed with their Lasagna Fritta, you’re not alone. This deep-fried, golden-crisp lasagna appetizer has become a cult favorite for a reason: it’s loaded with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, layers of pasta, and a savory breadcrumb crust—all served with marinara sauce or Alfredo for dipping. The good news? You can now recreate this indulgent treat at home with less oil and more flavor, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta recipe is a delicious copycat version that’s lighter, faster, and perfect for everything from party platters to weeknight indulgences. It delivers all the texture and taste you crave—crispy outside, cheesy inside—with less mess and no deep fryer required.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
- 🧀 Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside – The best of both worlds.
- 💨 Healthier than deep-frying – Less oil, same amazing crunch.
- ⏱ Make-ahead friendly – Freeze and air fry when ready.
- 🍽 Perfect for parties – Great as an appetizer or snackable dinner.
- 👩🍳 Olive Garden copycat – Recreate your restaurant favorite at home!
What Is Lasagna Fritta?
Lasagna Fritta is essentially a cheese-filled lasagna that’s breaded and fried until crispy and golden brown, then served with marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce. Olive Garden’s version is stuffed with a rich cheese filling, rolled, breaded, and deep-fried, then topped with meat sauce and Alfredo.
This air fryer version keeps all the flavor and texture but cuts back significantly on oil, making it lighter and easier to prepare. And yes—it’s still totally addictive.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles (not no-boil)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Breading:
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For Air Frying:
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
For Serving:
- Warm marinara sauce or Alfredo
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto one end of each lasagna noodle. Gently roll the noodle into a tight pinwheel.
Place the rolled lasagna seam-side down and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to help them firm up before breading.
4. Bread the Lasagna Rolls
Set up a breading station:
- One bowl with flour
- One bowl with beaten eggs
- One bowl with breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixed
Dip each roll in flour, then egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, you can double dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
5. Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket and the lasagna rolls with olive oil spray. Place rolls in the basket, seam-side down, leaving space between each.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and respraying lightly, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with warm marinara or Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Variations
- Add meat: Mix cooked Italian sausage or ground beef into the cheese filling.
- Spinach version: Stir in sautéed spinach for a Florentine twist.
- Mini bites: Cut each lasagna noodle in half before rolling for bite-sized appetizers.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
To freeze before air frying:
After breading, freeze the lasagna fritta rolls on a baking sheet for 1 hour. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen at 375°F for 14–16 minutes.
To reheat cooked fritta:
Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until hot and crispy again.
What to Serve with Lasagna Fritta
- Marinara or Alfredo Sauce – For dipping or drizzling.
- Side salad – A crisp Caesar or Italian salad pairs perfectly.
- Garlic breadsticks – For full Olive Garden vibes.
- Glass of red wine or sparkling soda – A light balance to all the richness.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 2 pieces)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Values will vary based on size and filling amounts.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta is the best of all worlds: comfort food with a crispy twist, cheesy and rich, yet air-fried to save on oil and mess. Whether you’re serving these for a holiday appetizer, party snack, or indulgent dinner, they’ll disappear faster than you can make them.
Recreate your favorite Olive Garden appetizer in your own kitchen—crispy, creamy, and so satisfying, you might never go back to deep-frying again.