Christmas dinner should be festive, delicious, and—let’s be honest—easy enough that you’re not stuck in the kitchen all day. That’s why I swear by this Christmas air fryer Italian sausage lasagna. It’s got all the cozy, hearty flavors of a traditional lasagna (hello, rich sausage, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara), but the air fryer works its magic to get it on the table in under an hour. No boiling noodles, no fussy oven timing—just layers of comfort food with a golden, bubbly top that’ll have everyone gathering around the table. Trust me, this is the holiday dish you didn’t know you needed.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Italian Sausage Lasagna
Okay, let me count the ways this lasagna will become your new holiday favorite:
- It’s crazy fast – While everyone else is fussing with their ovens, you’ll be pulling out a perfectly cooked lasagna in half the time. The air fryer’s intense heat means no more waiting for that giant oven to preheat!
- Festive flavors that wow – The Italian sausage gives it that special holiday richness, while the trio of cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) makes every bite feel like a celebration.
- Minimal cleanup – One skillet for the sausage, one bowl for mixing, and your air fryer basket. That’s it! More time for eggnog and presents.
- Perfect portion – Makes just enough for a cozy family dinner with maybe some leftovers (if you’re lucky). No wrestling with a giant 9×13 pan!
Seriously, once you try this method, you might never go back to traditional lasagna—especially during the busy holidays!
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Italian Sausage Lasagna
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with this lasagna—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed and crumbled—go for the spicy kind if you like a kick!)
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (these are lifesavers—no pre-cooking needed!)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk gives the creamiest texture)
- 1 egg (helps bind that cheesy layer together)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (I like to shred my own—it melts better than pre-shredded)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (the real stuff, not the powdery kind)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite jarred brand works, or homemade if you’re fancy)
- 1 tsp dried basil + 1 tsp dried oregano (the dynamic Italian duo)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (because everything’s better with garlic)
- 1/2 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp black pepper (season as you go—taste that ricotta mix!)
Pro tip: Measure everything before you start—it makes the layering process so much smoother when you’re not scrambling mid-recipe. And don’t skimp on the cheeses; this is Christmas dinner, after all!
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Italian Sausage Lasagna
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—building this gorgeous lasagna in your air fryer! Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a holiday masterpiece in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First things first: let’s tackle that sausage. Crumble it into a skillet over medium heat—no oil needed, since the sausage will release its own delicious fat. Cook until it’s nicely browned (about 5-6 minutes), breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess grease—trust me, your lasagna will thank you for not being too oily!
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the sausage cools a bit, grab a bowl and mix together the ricotta, egg, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it until everything’s perfectly combined and creamy. This is your secret weapon layer—it’s what makes each bite rich and flavorful. Taste it (yes, taste raw egg—I do it all the time) and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Now comes the satisfying part—building those beautiful layers! Start by spreading about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your air fryer-safe dish (I use a 7-inch round pan that fits perfectly in my basket). Then:
- Add 3 no-boil noodles (break them if needed to fit)
- Spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles
- Sprinkle half the cooked sausage on top
- Add about 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan
- Repeat the layers once more
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the sauce, and the remaining cheese
Pro tip: Don’t stress about perfect layers—rustic is good! Just make sure the top noodles are covered with sauce so they cook properly.
Step 4: Air Fry and Finish
Cover your lasagna tightly with foil—this keeps the steam in so the noodles cook perfectly. Pop it into your preheated 375°F air fryer for 20 minutes. Then, the grand finale: remove the foil and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the cheese gets that gorgeous golden-brown top. The smell will have everyone asking, “Is it ready yet?” Let it rest for 5 minutes (I know, it’s hard to wait!) before slicing—this helps the layers set so you get clean, beautiful pieces.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Air Fryer Italian Sausage Lasagna
After making this lasagna more times than I can count (holidays, random Tuesdays… no judgment), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Let it rest – I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but those 5 minutes of patience make all the difference. The layers set up, and you won’t end up with lasagna soup (been there).
- Stick with no-boil noodles – Regular noodles will turn out gummy in the air fryer’s intense heat. The no-boil kind absorb moisture perfectly. If you must use regular, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first.
- Check your air fryer model – Mine runs hot, so I sometimes reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Do a peek test at 15 minutes—if it’s bubbling like crazy, you’re golden.
- Customize the layers – Sneak in some spinach or roasted red peppers between cheese layers if you’re feeling fancy. My kids never notice the veggies when they’re buried in all that cheesy goodness.
- Use the foil trick – Crimp the edges tightly so steam doesn’t escape during cooking. But don’t skip removing it at the end—that crispy cheese crown is the best part!
Remember, even if it’s not picture-perfect (my first attempt definitely wasn’t), it’ll still taste amazing. That’s the magic of lasagna!
Ingredient Substitutions
Holiday cooking should be flexible, not stressful! Here are my favorite swaps when I’m out of something or cooking for dietary needs:
- Meat lovers: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey—just add extra Italian seasoning to keep that festive flavor. Pancetta crumbles mixed in? Yes please!
- Gluten-free: Use GF no-boil noodles (they exist!) or even thinly sliced zucchini for a low-carb twist. Just pat the zucchini dry first—nobody wants watery lasagna.
- Cheese changes: Cottage cheese works in a pinch instead of ricotta (blend it smooth first). Vegan? Try cashew ricotta—it’s surprisingly good when seasoned well.
- Sauce swap: No marinara? Blend roasted tomatoes with garlic and herbs for a quick homemade version. Even Alfredo sauce makes a fun holiday twist!
The beauty of lasagna? It’s hard to mess up. Just keep the layers balanced, and it’ll still taste like Christmas magic.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas air fryer lasagna shines brightest when paired with simple sides that don’t steal its spotlight. My go-to? Garlic bread toasted right in the air fryer for 3 minutes (bonus points if you use the leftover basket space!). A crisp winter salad with pomegranate seeds and walnuts cuts through the richness perfectly. For holiday flair, serve with roasted Brussels sprouts—their charred edges somehow make the lasagna taste even better. And don’t forget a big glass of red wine or sparkling cider for the kids—this is a celebration, after all!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? (As if!) But just in case you miraculously have some, here’s how to keep that lasagna tasting fresh. In the fridge, store it in an airtight container—it’ll stay perfect for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. My favorite trick? Reheat it right back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until bubbly again. The edges get deliciously crispy, almost better than the first time! If you’re microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the cheese from turning rubbery. Christmas leftovers never tasted so good!
FAQs About Christmas Air Fryer Italian Sausage Lasagna
I get asked these questions all the time—here’s everything you need to know to make your holiday lasagna perfect:
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! The sausage gives that signature holiday flavor, but ground beef works in a pinch. Just bump up the seasonings—add an extra 1/2 tsp each of fennel seeds and red pepper flakes to mimic that sausage zing. My uncle swears by a 50/50 mix of both meats for Christmas dinner.
How do I prevent the lasagna from drying out?
Two words: sauce coverage. Make sure every noodle edge gets saucy love before adding cheese. If your air fryer runs hot (like mine), try reducing the uncovered time to 3 minutes instead of 5. Leftover lasagna? Store it with a pat of butter on top—it melts into the noodles when reheating.
Can I prep this ahead for Christmas day?
You bet! Assemble it the night before (without cooking), cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be cold. Pro tip: Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes first for more even heating. The flavors actually get better!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the scoop on what’s in this festive lasagna (because let’s be real – we all want to know how much extra eggnog we can justify!). Keep in mind these are estimates—your exact numbers will vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 450 per hearty slice (holiday portions!)
- Protein: 24g (all that cheese and sausage packs a punch)
- Carbs: 32g (worth every noodle-y bite)
- Sugar: 6g (mostly from the marinara)
- Sodium: 900mg (go easy on the salt shaker at the table)
My philosophy? Christmas comes once a year—enjoy that cheesy goodness without guilt! The air fryer actually makes it a bit lighter than traditional oven-baked versions since it requires less oil.
Print
1-Hour Christmas Air Fryer Italian Sausage Lasagna Magic
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy lasagna made with Italian sausage in the air fryer, perfect for a festive Christmas meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Cook Italian sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix ricotta cheese, egg, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of an air fryer-safe dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the sausage, and 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and air fry for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and air fry for another 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles for best results.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Let lasagna rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian