1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Layer Ingredients: In an air fryer-safe dish or cake pan that fits your air fryer, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add Noodles: Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, trimming to fit if necessary.
- Layer Ricotta Mixture: Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Layer Meat Sauce: Add another layer of the meat sauce over the ricotta.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until you reach the top of the dish, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
4. Cook the Lasagna:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook: Place the lasagna dish in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil and continue cooking until done.
5. Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Remove the lasagna from the air fryer and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve the lasagna hot.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lasagna:
- Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so check the lasagna for doneness by ensuring it’s heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Noodle Fit: If your noodles don’t fit perfectly, you can trim them to fit the dish.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to air fry.
This Air Fryer Lasagna is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a beloved classic. The air fryer gives it a perfect crispy top while keeping the layers moist and flavorful. Enjoy this exclusive recipe and share the joy of homemade lasagna with your visitors!