Lasagna in the Air Fryer
Lasagna in the air fryer reheats in about 12 minutes with crisp, bubbling edges, where the microwave leaves it soggy and uneven. The same method works for a frozen single-serve lasagna, which needs about 30 minutes. This page explains how to cook air fryer lasagna from leftovers or the freezer, how to keep the top from burning and how to be sure the center is hot.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 20min
- Prep time
- 5min
- Servings
- 2
- Internal temp
- 165°F74 °C
- Per serving
- 420kcal
Why the air fryer works for lasagna
A lasagna slice has a lot of layers, and the microwave heats them unevenly, with a boiling center and rubbery edges. The air fryer heats from the outside with moving air, so the edges crisp slightly and the cheese melts and browns. Covered with foil for most of the time, the layers stay moist, and the last few minutes uncovered give the top a baked look.
The limit is the basket. A full pan of lasagna does not fit in most air fryers, so this method works for individual squares, frozen single-serve lasagna and small dishes. For a whole pan, use the oven. Because lasagna contains meat, cheese and egg-based fillings, the center must reach 165 °F, and a thermometer is the fastest way to check it.
How to reheat lasagna in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Choose a dish Set each square on a small oven-safe dish or a foil pan that fits the basket with a little space around it. If the slice is small, it can sit directly on a square of foil, with the foil folded up around the sides to catch the sauce.
- Add sauce Spoon 1 tbsp marinara sauce over each square. The sauce keeps the pasta from drying out.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Do not preheat with loose foil in the basket.
- Cover and heat Place the dishes in the basket and cover each loosely with a piece of foil, tucked firmly under the edges so it cannot lift. Cook for .
- Uncover and top Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella on top and cook for more, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Check and rest The center should read 165 °F on an instant-read thermometer. Let the lasagna stand for so it firms up before serving.
Times and temperatures
| Lasagna | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover square, 10 ozCovered, then uncovered | 350 °F (180 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Frozen single-serve, 10–12 ozFoil on for 25 min | 350 °F (180 °C) | 28–32 min |
| Frozen homemade slice, 12 ozFoil on, then 4 min uncovered | 350 °F (180 °C) | 22–26 min |
| Small lasagna, 6-inch dishCovered, then 5 min uncovered | 350 °F (180 °C) | 35–40 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 165 °F (74 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Read also: Frozen foods in the air fryer – times from frozen
Tips
- Use a dish, not the basket. Sauce and cheese leak. A small dish or foil pan keeps the basket clean and the lasagna in one piece.
- Keep the foil secure. Foil that is not weighted down can lift into the heating element. Tuck it under the edges of the dish and remove it before the cheese goes on.
- Cut squares evenly. Equal pieces cook at the same speed. Let the lasagna sit in the refrigerator overnight before cutting, as it slices more cleanly cold.
Cooking frozen lasagna
Frozen single-serve lasagna goes straight into the air fryer. Remove the plastic tray and film and move the lasagna to a foil pan or ovenproof dish. Cover with foil and cook at 350 °F for about 25 minutes. Take off the foil, add a spoon of sauce and a handful of mozzarella and cook for 4–5 minutes. The center should reach 165 °F. Frozen slices of homemade lasagna, about 12 ounces, need 22–26 minutes.
What to serve with lasagna
A green salad with Italian dressing is classic, as is garlic bread, which cooks in the air fryer in 5 minutes once the lasagna comes out. Broccoli or green beans also go well.
Storing and reheating
Cooked lasagna keeps for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Cut it into squares before freezing so you can reheat just the portion you need. Always reheat to 165 °F.
Variations
- Vegetable lasagna: The method is the same for a spinach or zucchini lasagna, but extra sauce helps if the slice seems dry.
- Extra crispy: Skip the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top and corners.
- Cheese topping: Add a little Parmesan with the mozzarella for a browner crust.
- Gnocchi: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer gnocchi.
If it does not turn out right
- The top is burnt and the center is cold
- The slice was too cold or too large. Keep it covered for the first 8 minutes at 350 °F, or lower to 320 °F and add 3–4 minutes.
- The pasta is dry
- Add a spoon of sauce or a splash of water, and keep the foil on longer. Lasagna dries when it is heated uncovered.
- The cheese flies around the basket
- Loose shredded cheese can blow in a strong fan. Press it down onto the lasagna, and add it only in the last 3 minutes.
Questions and answers
How long do you reheat lasagna in the air fryer?
About 10–12 minutes at 350 °F for a refrigerated square of 10 ounces, covered at first and uncovered at the end. Check that the center reaches 165 °F.
Can you cook frozen lasagna in the air fryer?
Yes. A frozen single-serve lasagna of 10–12 ounces takes about 28–32 minutes at 350 °F. Remove the plastic film, cover with foil for 25 minutes, then uncover for 4–5 minutes to brown the cheese.
What temperature should lasagna be in the air fryer?
350 °F for most cases. A hotter setting browns the top before the center is hot. The center should reach 165 °F.
Can you cook homemade lasagna in the air fryer?
Yes, in small portions. Slices that are already baked reheat as above, and a small lasagna in a 6-inch dish with no-boil noodles bakes in about 35–40 minutes in total, covered at first and uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
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