Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat)

If you’ve ever visited Olive Garden and fallen in love with their famous Lasagna Fritta appetizer, you are absolutely not alone. That crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside bite is one of the most crave-worthy Italian-American appetizers ever created. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a restaurant visit—or deal with deep frying—to enjoy it at home.

This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe delivers everything you love about the original: tender lasagna noodles, a rich five-cheese filling, and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb coating. The difference is that this version is made in the air fryer, which means less oil, less mess, and a lighter feel without sacrificing flavor or texture.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll find everything you need to master Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) at home. From ingredient breakdowns and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, make-ahead advice, serving ideas, and troubleshooting, this post is designed to be your complete resource. Whether you’re planning a party, holiday appetizer spread, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-style indulgence, this recipe has you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat)

There are countless reasons this dish has become a fan favorite, but here’s why making it at home in the air fryer is even better:

• Restaurant-quality flavor at home – You get that iconic Olive Garden taste without leaving your kitchen.

• Crispy without deep frying – The air fryer creates a beautifully golden crust using minimal oil.

• Perfect for entertaining – These rolls look impressive and feel special, making them ideal for guests.

• Make-ahead friendly – Freezing the rolls means you can prep in advance and cook when needed.

• Customizable – You can tweak cheeses, seasonings, or sauces to suit your taste.

The combination of textures—crispy breadcrumbs, tender pasta, and creamy cheese filling—is what makes Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) so irresistible.

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What Is Lasagna Fritta?

Lasagna Fritta is a popular Italian-American appetizer made by filling lasagna noodles with a creamy cheese mixture, rolling them up, breading them, and frying them until crisp. Traditionally, the dish is deep-fried, resulting in a crunchy exterior and molten cheese center.

In this Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) version, we recreate that classic experience using an air fryer. The result is just as crispy and satisfying, but lighter and easier to make at home.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 16 minutes

• Freezing Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes

• Course: Appetizer

• Cuisine: Italian

• Servings: 10 pieces

• Calories: ~365 per piece

This recipe is designed to closely match the flavor and texture of the restaurant version while being approachable for home cooks.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Before starting your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat), gather the following tools:

• Colander (for draining noodles)

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or spoon

• Baking tray or plate (for freezing)

• Parchment paper

• Shallow bowls (for breading station)

• Air fryer (5–8 quart works best)

• Non-aerosol oil sprayer

• Tongs or spatula

Having everything ready before you start will make the process smooth and stress-free.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Lasagna Filling

• Lasagna noodles (10 oz): Classic lasagna noodles work best. Cook them al dente so they roll easily without tearing.

• Whole milk ricotta cheese (15 oz): Provides creaminess and richness.

• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Adds sharp, nutty flavor.

• Romano cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Slightly saltier and bolder than parmesan.

• Asiago cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Contributes depth and complexity.

• Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Brings melty, stretchy texture.

• Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons): Infuses classic Italian herb flavor.

• Eggs (2 large): Help bind the filling so it stays creamy but firm.

Breading

• Italian breadcrumbs or panko (1½ cups): Creates the crispy exterior.

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly.

• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, finely grated): Boosts flavor and crunch.

• Eggs (2 large): Used for dredging so the breadcrumbs adhere.

For Cooking & Serving

• Olive oil spray (air fryer method)

• Marinara sauce

• Alfredo sauce (optional but highly recommended)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Noodle Preparation

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as soft noodles can tear when rolling.

Once cooked:

• Drain the noodles in a colander.

• Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.

• Lay the noodles flat on a clean surface.

• Trim any uneven ribbon edges if necessary to make rolling easier.

2. Make the Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

• Ricotta cheese

• Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses

• Italian seasoning

• Eggs

Mix until smooth and fully combined. The filling should be creamy, thick, and evenly seasoned.

3. Assemble the Lasagna Rolls

Lay each lasagna noodle flat. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture across the entire noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.

Carefully roll each noodle tightly into a 2–3 inch roll. Place each roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined tray.

4. Freeze the Rolls

This step is critical for successful Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat).

• Place the tray of rolled noodles into the freezer.

• Freeze for 1–2 hours, or until the rolls are firm.

Freezing helps the rolls hold their shape during breading and air frying, preventing them from falling apart.

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Breading the Lasagna Fritta

Set up a breading station with two shallow bowls.

1. In the first bowl, beat the eggs.

2. In a microwave-safe dish, combine breadcrumbs and olive oil. Microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until lightly golden. Let cool, then mix in the parmesan cheese.

Once the rolls are frozen:

• Dip each roll into the egg mixture.

• Coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

• Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.

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Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.

3. Place the breaded lasagna fritta in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

4. Lightly spray the tops with oil.

5. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip each roll.

6. Cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.

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Optional Pan-Fried Method

If you prefer a traditional approach:

• Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

• Fry each lasagna fritta for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

• Drain on paper towels and serve with sauces.

While delicious, this method uses more oil and creates more cleanup than the air fryer.

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Tips for Best Results

• Freezing is essential: Skipping this step can cause the rolls to unravel.

• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt or taste the same.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches for even browning.

• Spray lightly with oil: This ensures a golden, crispy exterior.

• Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed hot and fresh.

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Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:

• Warm marinara sauce for classic flavor

• Creamy Alfredo sauce for indulgence

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil

• Extra grated parmesan on top

These rolls pair beautifully with salads, soups, or other Italian-inspired appetizers.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Assemble and bread the rolls, then freeze for up to 2 months.

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooked fritta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes to restore crispiness.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Piece)

• Calories: 365

• Protein: 14–16g

• Carbohydrates: 28–32g

• Fat: 20–22g

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking noodles, which makes rolling difficult

• Skipping the freezing step

• Using too much filling, causing leaks

• Crowding the air fryer basket

Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure your Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) turns out perfectly every time.

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Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Lasagna Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer—or a restaurant reservation—to enjoy one of the most beloved Italian-American appetizers. With its crispy breadcrumb coating, rich five-cheese filling, and tender pasta interior, it delivers everything you love about the original in a lighter, more convenient way.