Nothing says Christmas like the smell of bubbling cheese and sizzling bacon filling the kitchen—except maybe when that heavenly aroma comes together in under an hour thanks to my trusty air fryer! This Christmas Air Fryer Bacon & Sausage Lasagna became my holiday lifesaver last year when my oven decided to quit mid-cookie baking. Desperate times called for festive measures, and wow, did this impromptu dish steal the show!
Picture layers of tender noodles, smoky bacon, savory sausage, and three kinds of cheese all getting cozy under a blanket of marinara—then crisping to perfection while you sip eggnog. It’s the kind of hearty, comforting dish that makes everyone linger at the table sharing stories, yet simple enough that you’re not stuck cleaning pots all night. Whether you’re feeding carolers or just craving that holiday flavor without the fuss, this lasagna delivers all the Christmas magic with none of the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Bacon & Sausage Lasagna
Trust me, this isn’t your average lasagna—it’s a holiday game-changer! Here’s why it’ll become your new Christmas tradition:
- Crazy fast: Done in 40 minutes flat (oven lasagnas can take hours!)
- Festive flavor bomb: Smoky bacon + savory sausage = Christmas on a plate
- Air fryer magic: Gets that perfect crispy-cheesy top without babysitting
- One-dish wonder: Less mess means more time for presents (or napping!)
- Leftover gold: Tastes even better next day—if there’s any left!
Last year, my cousin’s picky kids ate THREE helpings. That’s when I knew this recipe was special.
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Bacon & Sausage Lasagna
Gather these simple ingredients—most might already be in your fridge! Pro tip: Prep everything before assembling so you can layer like a holiday assembly line.
- 8 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil—I’ve tested both!)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped into bits (I use thick-cut for extra crunch)
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (mild Italian or spicy—your call!)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk for creaminess, but low-fat works too)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (pre-shredded saves time, but fresh melts better)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (the real stuff, not the green can—trust me)
- 1 egg (helps bind that cheesy filling)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or jarred—no judgment here!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves minced if you’re fancy)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh if you have it)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip—it wakes up all the flavors!)
Shortcut alert: Use pre-cooked bacon and sausage to shave off 15 minutes. And if you’re feeling extra festive, swap in Alfredo sauce for half the marinara—so indulgent!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this Christmas lasagna! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (mine’s a basic 6-quart model—nothing fancy!)
- A small mixing bowl for that dreamy ricotta mixture
- An air fryer-safe baking dish (I use a 7-inch round one—test yours to make sure it fits!)
That’s it! No special pans or tools required. Just toss in your ingredients and let the air fryer work its holiday magic.
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Bacon & Sausage Lasagna
Ready to make holiday magic happen? Let’s dive in! I’ve broken this down into super simple steps—even my brother (who burns toast) nailed it on his first try.
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Cheese Mixture
First, get those noodles ready! Boil them just until al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package says—they’ll keep cooking in the air fryer). Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
While that’s happening, make the ricotta mixture. In a bowl, beat the egg, then stir in ricotta, garlic powder, basil, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it—this is your flavor base, so adjust seasonings if needed. Pro tip: Let it sit 5 minutes so the dried herbs wake up!
Step 2: Layer the Lasagna
Time to build your edible Christmas present! Spread a thin layer of marinara in your air fryer dish—just enough to coat the bottom. Top with 2 noodles (trim them if needed—it’s okay to overlap slightly). Now spread half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with â…“ of the bacon and sausage, then â…“ of the mozzarella. Repeat layers once more.
Finish with the last 2 noodles, remaining sauce, and a glorious crown of Parmesan and remaining meats and cheeses. Press down gently—you want those layers cozy but not squished!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Cover tightly with foil (shiny side down!) and air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes. The foil traps steam to cook everything through. Then—here’s the magic—remove the foil and air fry 5 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbling like a Christmas ornament!
Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing (I know, torture!). This lets the layers set so you get picture-perfect slices. Serve with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Best Christmas Air Fryer Bacon & Sausage Lasagna
Want your lasagna to be the star of Christmas dinner? Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Pre-cook those proteins: Sausage and bacon should be fully cooked before layering—nobody wants chewy surprises!
- Watch the clock: Air fryers vary—check at 15 minutes if yours runs hot (edges should bubble when done).
- Resting is non-negotiable: Letting it sit 5 minutes means cleaner slices (and saves your tongue from molten cheese burns!).
- No-peeking rule: Resist lifting the foil early—you’ll lose precious steam!
Bonus trick: Sprinkle extra cheese right after removing the foil for an Instagram-worthy golden crust!
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas lasagna shines all on its own, but a few simple sides make it a full holiday feast! I love pairing it with garlic knots for dipping in leftover sauce, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon dressing to cut the richness. For the ultimate comfort meal, add roasted Brussels sprouts—their caramelized edges are magical with the smoky bacon!
Storage and Reheating
This lasagna keeps its holiday spirit for days! Let it cool completely, then store airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil for 2 months—perfect for those post-Christmas lazy nights. To reheat, pop slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes (no foil needed!) until piping hot. The edges get delightfully crispy again—sometimes even better than fresh! Microwave works too (about 2 minutes), but you’ll miss that perfect crispy top. Pro tip: Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it moist.
Christmas Air Fryer Bacon & Sausage Lasagna FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this holiday lifesaver:
Can I use different meats in this lasagna?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Swap the sausage for ground beef or turkey if you prefer—just brown it first. For a real Christmas twist, try diced ham or even pepperoni! The key is using pre-cooked meats so they don’t release too much grease in the air fryer.
What if my air fryer is smaller/larger than yours?
No worries! For smaller air fryers, halve the recipe and use a loaf pan. Larger ones? Double it in a bigger dish—just add 5-10 minutes cooking time. The real test is when the edges bubble vigorously and the top looks golden. Every air fryer’s different—mine’s a basic 6-quart, but I’ve made this in everything from tiny 3-quart models to fancy basket styles!
Can I make this vegetarian?
You bet! Skip the meats and load up on roasted veggies instead—mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach work beautifully. For that umami kick, add sun-dried tomatoes or a spoonful of miso paste to the ricotta mixture. The air fryer still gives you that perfect crispy top everyone loves!
Why can’t I use no-boil noodles?
Oh, you totally can! I’ve tested both ways—regular noodles give slightly more texture, but no-boil work fine. Just add an extra ¼ cup of sauce to keep things moist. Either way, don’t skip soaking the no-boil noodles in hot water for 5 minutes first—trust me, it prevents crunchy surprises!
How do I prevent the top from burning?
Great question! If your air fryer runs hot (looking at you, Ninja users!), tent the foil slightly higher over the cheese. You can also sprinkle the Parmesan halfway through cooking instead of at the start. And always—always!—check at the 15-minute mark your first time making this.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real—this is holiday food, not health food! But for those who like to keep track (or need to balance out all those Christmas cookies), here’s the scoop per generous slice:
- Calories: 450 (worth every single one!)
- Protein: 22g (thanks to all that cheesy, meaty goodness)
- Carbs: 35g (mostly from those satisfying noodles)
- Fat: 25g (hello, bacon and three cheeses!)
- Sodium: 800mg (go easy on the salt if you’re watching this)
Quick note: These numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients—like using turkey bacon or low-fat cheeses. My calculations are based on whole milk ricotta, regular bacon, and full-fat mozzarella because… well, it’s Christmas!
Nothing makes me happier than hearing how this Christmas lasagna turned out in your kitchen! Did your family go wild for the crispy bacon top? Maybe you put your own festive spin on it? Drop a comment below—I read every single one (and yes, I totally screenshot the rave reviews to show my doubting sister).
Tag me on Instagram @yourhandle if you snap a pic of your masterpiece—I’ll feature my favorites in stories! And if you loved this recipe as much as we do, hit that 5-star rating so other holiday cooks can find this gem. Pro tip: Bookmark this page now so you can find it next Christmas when your oven inevitably acts up again!
From my kitchen to yours—Merry Crispy-Cheesy Christmas!
Print
40-Minute Christmas Air Fryer Bacon & Sausage Lasagna Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A festive twist on classic lasagna, made easy with an air fryer. Layers of bacon, sausage, cheese, and pasta create a hearty dish perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of an air fryer-safe dish.
- Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, bacon, sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and air fry for 20 minutes. Remove foil and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked bacon and sausage to save time.
- Adjust cooking time if using a different air fryer model.
- Let lasagna rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American