Oh, the holidays! That magical time when the kitchen smells like garlic, herbs, and bubbling cheese. If you’re like me, you want something special but don’t want to spend Christmas Day stuck at the stove. Enter my Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna—your new holiday lifesaver. I’ve been making lasagna for 20 years (yes, even before air fryers were a thing!), and trust me, this method is a game-changer. The air fryer gives it that perfect crispy top while keeping the layers tender, all in half the time of a traditional oven bake. Plus, it frees up your oven for cookies or that holiday ham!
This recipe came about after one chaotic Christmas when my oven decided to quit mid-meal prep. I threw the lasagna in my air fryer as a last resort—and wow, was it a happy accident! The Italian herbs (my secret blend of oregano, basil, and rosemary) mingle with rich marinara and three kinds of cheese to create something truly festive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for cozy post-holiday lunches, this lasagna delivers. And the best part? You’ll spend more time sipping eggnog than babysitting dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna
Let me tell you why this lasagna will become your new holiday must-have:
- Crazy fast: Done in under 30 minutes – that’s less time than it takes to open all those presents!
- All the flavor: My special Italian herb blend gives it that slow-cooked taste without the wait
- Oven-saving magic: Free up your oven for cookies and pies while the air fryer handles dinner
- Perfect texture: Gets that gorgeous crispy cheese top while keeping the noodles tender underneath
- Leftover heaven: Tastes even better the next day – if there’s any left!
Trust me, once you try holiday lasagna this way, you’ll never go back to the old oven method.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with this recipe. Here’s exactly what you’ll need – I’m super picky about these measurements because they create that perfect holiday flavor balance:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil – your choice!)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best for richness)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (none of that skim stuff – we’re celebrating!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (always shred your own for best melt)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (the good stuff in the wedge, not powder)
- 1 large egg (helps bind that cheesy goodness)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (my secret is 2 parts basil, 1 part oregano, 1/2 part rosemary)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves minced if you’ve got ’em)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (just enough to grease your pan)
Pro tip: Have everything measured and ready before starting – it makes assembly so much smoother when you’re juggling holiday chaos!
How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna
Okay, let’s get cooking! This method is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever used an oven. Just follow these steps for perfect holiday lasagna every time.
Preparing the Meat Sauce
First, crank your air fryer to 375°F – it’ll be ready by the time we need it. While that heats, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain off the fat (I pour it right into my compost bin to avoid clogging the sink), then stir in the marinara and all those gorgeous Italian herbs. The smell will have everyone poking their heads into the kitchen already!
Assembling the Lasagna Layers
Grab your air fryer-safe baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil – this prevents any Christmas tragedies with stuck noodles. Layer 3 cooked noodles on the bottom (they can overlap slightly), then spread half the meat sauce evenly over them. Now for the fun part – dollop on half the ricotta mixture (that’s the ricotta, egg, and half your cheeses mixed together) and gently spread it. Repeat these layers once more, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. More cheese is always better!
Air Frying the Lasagna
Cover the dish tightly with foil – this helps the noodles cook through without drying out. Slide it into your preheated air fryer and let it work its magic for 20 minutes. Then, the grand finale – remove the foil and cook another 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden with those perfect little brown spots we all love. Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing (I know, the wait kills me too!), then serve to very happy holiday guests.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna
After making this lasagna more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips for holiday perfection:
- No-boil noodles for the win: They save SO much time and absorb sauce beautifully – just make sure they’re fully covered with liquid
- Veggie boost: Sauté some mushrooms or spinach with the beef for extra flavor and nutrients (my kids never notice!)
- Resting is crucial: Those 5 minutes after baking let the layers set – cutting too soon causes a cheese avalanche
- Check your dish size: If using a smaller air fryer, reduce layers to avoid overflow (been there, cleaned that!)
- Cheese shield: Tent foil over just the edges if the top browns too fast
Trust me – these little tricks make all the difference between good lasagna and holiday-wow lasagna!
Ingredient Substitutions for Air Fryer Lasagna
No ground beef? No problem! Here are my favorite swaps that still give delicious results:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Lighter but still tasty – just add an extra pinch of herbs to boost flavor
- Plant-based crumbles: My vegetarian friends rave about this version – the Italian herbs work magic on meat alternatives
- Vegan cheeses: Almond-based ricotta and cashew mozzarella melt surprisingly well (though you might need an extra minute under the broiler)
- Gluten-free noodles: Look for the oven-ready kind – they hold up better in the air fryer’s intense heat
Remember: Each swap changes the texture slightly, but the holiday spirit (and cheesy goodness) stays the same!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna
Oh, presentation is everything during the holidays! I love serving this lasagna on my grandmother’s red platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary tucked around the edges – smells divine and looks so festive. Here are my go-to pairings:
- Garlic breadsticks twisted into little candy cane shapes (the kids go wild for these!)
- A crisp winter salad with pomegranate seeds and shaved Parmesan
- Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with balsamic glaze
For extra holiday magic, sprinkle the top with edible gold dust or arrange cherry tomatoes in a wreath pattern before baking. Trust me, it’ll disappear faster than Santa’s cookies!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Lasagna
Leftovers? Lucky you! This lasagna tastes even better the next day. Let it cool completely, then stash it in the fridge for up to 4 days – just wrap it tight or use an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual portions (they’ll keep for 2 months).
Reheating is a breeze: Microwave for 2-3 minutes if you’re in a rush, but for that just-baked crispiness, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating – it melts into gooey perfection!
Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna Nutrition
Now, we all know holiday meals aren’t exactly diet food – but isn’t that part of the fun? Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each generous slice (based on my exact ingredients, but yours may vary slightly):
- 420 calories – perfect fuel for present-wrapping marathons
- 25g protein to keep you going through all those holiday chores
- 32g carbs (including 3g fiber from those sneaky veggies)
- 22g fat (because cheese = happiness)
Remember, nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients – but during the holidays, I say enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQs About Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna
Can I make this in a regular oven instead?
Absolutely! Just bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered. But trust me – the air fryer gives that perfect crispy top you can’t get from an oven.
How do I prevent soggy noodles?
Two tricks: Don’t overcook them before layering (al dente is perfect), and make sure your meat sauce isn’t too watery. A quick drain after browning the beef makes all the difference!
What size baking dish fits in my air fryer?
Most 6-8 cup oven-safe dishes work. I use a 7×5-inch pan that slides right in. When in doubt, do a “dry run” with the empty dish before adding ingredients!
Can I prep this ahead for Christmas Day?
You bet! Assemble it the night before (just leave off the final cheese topping), refrigerate, then add the cheese and air fry as directed – might need an extra 2-3 minutes.
Did you put your own holiday twist on this recipe? Tag me @YourKitchenCheer so I can see your creations! Holiday baking should be full of joy (and cheese).
Print
30-Minute Air Fryer Christmas Italian Herb Lasagna Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make lasagna with Italian herbs, perfect for a Christmas meal using your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish with olive oil.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half the meat sauce, and half the cheese mixture in the dish.
- Repeat the layers, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and air fry for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and air fry for another 5 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian