You know those nights when you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when my Air Fryer Lasagna Soup saves the day! I stumbled upon this genius idea one rainy evening when my kids were begging for lasagna, but I just couldn’t face layering noodles. The air fryer works its magic here – it cooks everything fast while giving that rich, slow-simmered flavor. What comes out is this incredible bowl of comfort with all the lasagna flavors you love – meaty, cheesy, herby – but ready in under 30 minutes. My family goes wild for this soup, especially when I let them swirl in that creamy ricotta topping. Trust me, once you try this shortcut version, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with traditional lasagna!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lasagna Soup
Let me tell you why this soup is about to become your new weeknight hero:
- Unbelievably quick: From fridge to table in 25 minutes flat – faster than ordering takeout!
- Minimal cleanup: Just one pot and your air fryer – no multiple pans like traditional lasagna
- All the flavor, none of the fuss: That rich, hearty lasagna taste without layering and waiting
- Air fryer magic: The circulating heat cooks everything evenly and gives the noodles perfect texture
- Customizable comfort: Want it thicker? Add less broth. Need more cheese? Go wild with that topping!
I love how the air fryer turns this into a one-and-done meal – no babysitting the stove. And that melty cheese topping? Pure heaven in every spoonful!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Lasagna Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy bowl of goodness – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:
- 1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20 for best flavor, but lean works too)
- 1 small onion, diced nice and fine (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp jarred if you’re in a pinch)
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce – grab your favorite brand!
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium if you’re watching salt)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – that magic blend of herbs
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces before cooking
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (I like to use the pre-shredded kind for convenience)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan – the good stuff from the green can works great
- Fresh basil leaves for that perfect finishing touch
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, let’s gather our tools – nothing fancy, I promise! You’ll absolutely need:
- Your trusty air fryer (any size works as long as your pot fits)
- A medium pot for browning the beef – I use my everyday 3-quart saucepan
- Mixing bowl for that dreamy cheese topping
Nice-to-haves but not essential: a silicone spatula for stirring (metal can scratch your air fryer basket!) and a ladle for serving. That’s it – see? Told you it was simple!
How to Make Air Fryer Lasagna Soup
Okay, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll barely believe it. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First, grab your pot and brown that ground beef over medium heat – I like to get some nice color on it for extra flavor. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic when the beef is about halfway done. Oh, and if there’s lots of fat (especially with 80/20 beef), just drain it off – we want flavor, not grease!
Step 2: Combine Soup Base
Now the fun part! Pour in that jar of marinara sauce – I always give it a good stir to get every last bit out. Add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and those broken lasagna noodles (they’ll look like little edible puzzle pieces!). Give it all a good stir so every noodle gets coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Soup
Transfer everything to your air fryer-safe dish (careful, it’s hot!). Pop it into your preheated 375°F air fryer for 12-15 minutes. Don’t forget to stir halfway – this helps the noodles cook evenly without sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the noodles are tender and the broth is bubbling.
Step 4: Prepare Cheese Topping
While the soup cooks, make that dreamy cheese blend. Just mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl. I like to leave it a bit swirly – some pockets of ricotta make for delicious surprises in each bite!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle that gorgeous soup into bowls and plop a big spoonful of the cheese mixture right on top. Finish with fresh basil leaves – tear them with your hands for that rustic look. Now watch everyone’s faces light up when they take that first cheesy, noodle-y bite!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lasagna Soup
After making this dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- No-boil noodles are game-changers – they cook up tender without getting mushy. Regular noodles work too, but check them a minute earlier.
- Broth too thin? Let the soup sit 5 minutes before serving – those noodles will soak up extra liquid like magic.
- Want more depth? Swap half the broth for beef stock. My Italian grandma would approve!
- Air fryer sizes vary – if yours runs hot, check at 10 minutes. Better safe than sorry!
- Make it ahead: The flavors get even better after sitting. Just add a splash of broth when reheating.
Oh, and that cheese topping? Let it sit at room temp while the soup cooks – it blends smoother that way!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of my favorite things about this soup is how easily you can mix it up! Here are my go-to twists when I want to change things up:
- Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully instead of beef – just add an extra pinch of Italian seasoning for flavor
- Vegetarian? Skip the meat entirely and toss in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini – they soak up all that saucy goodness
- Gluten-free noodles hold up surprisingly well – just check them a few minutes earlier
- Out of ricotta? Cottage cheese blended smooth makes a great stand-in for the topping
- Feeling fancy? Stir in a handful of fresh spinach right before serving for a pop of color
Honestly, as long as you’ve got noodles, sauce, and that dreamy cheese topping, you really can’t go wrong. The air fryer makes everything taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Lasagna Soup
This soup is practically a meal by itself, but oh boy, does it love company! Here’s how we like to serve it:
- Garlic bread soldiers – perfect for dunking into that cheesy broth
- A simple green salad with balsamic dressing cuts through the richness
- Roasted veggies on the side for extra nutrition (my sneaky mom move!)
Sometimes we even go full Italian feast with antipasto before the soup – but honestly, just the soup and bread is heavenly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news – this soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I splash in a little extra broth to loosen it up, then microwave in 30-second bursts (stirring between!) until piping hot. The cheese topping? Best added fresh each time!
Air Fryer Lasagna Soup Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might vary based on ingredients! Per hearty bowl (about 1/4 of the recipe), you’re looking at:
- 420 calories of pure comfort
- 26g protein to keep you full
- 38g carbs (those noodles are worth it!)
- 18g fat – because cheese makes everything better
- 4g fiber thanks to those whole wheat noodles if you use them
Not bad for a meal that tastes this indulgent, right? Remember – the ricotta topping is where most of the fat lives, so you can always go lighter there if you’re watching it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this lasagna soup? Absolutely! Just leave out the cheese topping when freezing. The soup itself freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up. Make fresh cheese topping when serving – frozen ricotta gets weirdly grainy!
What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries – you can totally make this on the stovetop! Just simmer everything in your pot for about 15 minutes until noodles are tender. The air fryer gives it that special even cooking, but the stovetop version still tastes amazing.
Can I use different noodles? Of course! Any short pasta works – I’ve used penne, rotini, even broken spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time based on the noodle size. Smaller pastas might cook faster, so check them early!
Is there a vegetarian version? Easy peasy! Swap the beef for mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The rest stays the same – it’s just as hearty and delicious.
Why do the noodles sometimes stick together? Give the soup a good stir when you first add the noodles to coat them in liquid, and don’t forget that halfway stir in the air fryer! If they still stick, your air fryer might be running hot – try lowering the temp by 25°F next time.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your Air Fryer Lasagna Soup turns out! Did you add any fun twists? Maybe your family went wild for it like mine does? Drop a comment below or tag me on social – nothing makes me happier than seeing your cozy soup creations. And if you loved it, please share the recipe with a friend who needs some easy comfort food in their life!
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25-Minute Air Fryer Lasagna Soup – Cheesy Comfort Magic
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy lasagna soup made in the air fryer for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pot, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Add marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles.
- Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.
- Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl.
- Serve the soup topped with cheese mixture and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles for best results.
- Adjust broth for thicker or thinner soup.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian