Why Make Lasagne in an Air Fryer? 🤔
You might be thinking, “Why use an air fryer for lasagne when the oven has always worked fine?” Well, let me tell you—air fryer lasagne brings out a whole new level of crispiness and texture that you just don’t get with the oven. The air fryer creates that perfect golden-brown crust on top while keeping the layers inside moist and flavourful. Plus, it cooks faster and uses less energy than preheating and running an oven for over an hour.
And did I mention it’s ridiculously easy? With just a few tips and tricks, you’ll be making lasagne like a pro in no time. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to pull off the ultimate air fryer lasagne.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Lasagne 🔥
- Pre-cook your lasagne sheets: While the air fryer will make the top layer super crispy, it doesn’t always cook dry lasagne sheets all the way through. Use fresh lasagne sheets or boil your dry ones until they’re slightly soft (al dente) before layering.
- Don’t skip the cheesy white sauce! Some people opt for a béchamel or even skip it altogether, but trust me, the cheesy white sauce is what makes this recipe heavenly. I like to use pizza cheese for that perfect blend of mozzarella and cheddar, which melts beautifully in the air fryer. 🧀
- Go heavy on the herbs. Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a lovely earthy flavour to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, a good-quality dried herb mix will work too. Just remember, fresh is always best when you want those flavours to really sing.
- Watch the wine. I love cooking with Shiraz for its bold, fruity taste that adds depth to the meat sauce, but don’t go overboard. Keep it at about 200ml, minus the glass you’ll sip on while cooking (we all do it 😉🍷).
- Air fryer time: Every air fryer is a bit different, but I find that 30 minutes at 180°C does the trick for this recipe. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes to make sure the top doesn’t over-brown. If it’s getting a little too crispy, simply cover it with foil for the remaining time.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Lasagne 🍷
While lasagne on its own is a satisfying, all-in-one dish, pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic bread: The ultimate lasagne sidekick. Crispy, buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up that extra sauce. 🍞🧄
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the lasagne. 🥗
- Shiraz or Sangiovese: Since we’re already using Shiraz in the sauce, why not enjoy a glass with the meal? 🍷 It complements the bold tomato and herb flavours of the lasagne beautifully.
Similar Recipes to Try 🍽️
If you loved this Air Fryer Lasagne, then I know you’ll be obsessed with these delicious, air-fried recipes. Each one is a breeze to make in the air fryer, and they all deliver that same golden, crispy goodness you’ve come to love!
Share Your Air Fryer Lasagne Creations! 📸
I love seeing your culinary masterpieces, so don’t forget to take a pic of your Air Fryer Lasagne and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s make the lasagne love go viral! 💖
So there you have it Air Fryer Lasagne that’s crispy on the outside, cheesy and gooey on the inside, and ready in half the time of traditional oven-baked versions. Whether you’re cooking for a cosy family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this lasagne will steal the show every time. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out!
Air Fryer Lasagne
- Total Time: 180
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey foodies! 🍝✨ I made an epic air fryer lasagne and I’m here to share the mouthwatering recipe! Get ready for crispy, cheesy goodness! 😋🧀
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, diced
- 1/2 bunch celery, diced
- 4 carrots, diced
- 1kg pork and veal mince
- 2 stems of rosemary
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 4 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 bottle Shiraz minus 1 glass
- Salt and pepper
- Lasagne sheets
- Cheesy white sauce (100g butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 litre milk, 1 cup pizza cheese, salt, and pepper)
Instructions
- Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until tender and fragrant.
- Combine pork and veal mince with sautéed veggies and cook until browned.
- Add diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and Shiraz. Simmer for 2 hours.
- Prepare the cheesy white sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, adding milk, and stirring in pizza cheese until melted.
- Remove rosemary stems from the meat sauce for smooth texture.
- Layer lasagne: meat sauce, lasagne sheets, and white sauce. Repeat.
- Pour the heavenly cheesy white sauce on top.
- Air fry at 180°C for 30 minutes or bake in oven at 180°C for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 160
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you prefer beef or even lamb, go for it. You can also swap the meat for a plant-based mince to make this a vegetarian dish. 🌱 Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Yes! Assemble the lasagne, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just add 5-10 extra minutes to the air fryer time to ensure everything is heated through.
A larger air fryer (around 5-7L) works best for this recipe. If you have a smaller air fryer, you can make individual portions in ramekins instead of a full-sized lasagne.