Air Fryer Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna roll ups give the familiar comfort of baked lasagne a neater, portioned form: tender pasta sheets wrapped around a creamy ricotta, spinach and Parmesan filling, then finished with tomato passata and mozzarella. The air fryer suits this compact version well, heating the sauce through and melting the cheese until bubbling without needing a full oven. It is a practical vegetarian pasta dinner with the same savoury, herby, tomato-rich character as lasagne, but easier to serve and well suited to smaller households or weeknight cooking.
Cuisine style Italian-inspired pasta bake
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Soft, creamy filling: Ricotta, Parmesan and egg create a filling that sets gently, helping the roll ups hold their shape without becoming heavy.
  • Classic lasagne flavour: Tomato passata, oregano, garlic and melted mozzarella give the dish the familiar savoury richness of lasagne in a quicker format.
  • Easy to prepare ahead: The rolled portions can be assembled in advance, chilled or frozen, then reheated until piping hot.

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Timing notes

  • Rest before serving: Let the roll ups stand for 5 minutes after air-frying so the filling firms slightly and the portions lift out more cleanly.
  • Best served hot: Serve while the mozzarella is still melted and the sauce is bubbling; pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits.

Texture tips

  • Cook off spinach moisture: Wilt the spinach until excess liquid has evaporated before mixing it into the ricotta, otherwise the filling can turn watery.
  • Keep the pasta flexible: Boil the lasagne sheets only until pliable. Very soft sheets are more likely to tear when filled and rolled.
  • Allow air circulation: Use a dish that fits the air fryer but leaves a little space around the roll ups so the cheese can brown rather than simply steam.

Make-ahead tips

  • Assemble ahead: Fill and roll the pasta in advance, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Add the final topping of sauce and mozzarella before air-frying.
  • Freeze portions: Cool completely, portion and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat gently: Reheat in the air fryer at 170°C (340°F) for 6 to 10 minutes until piping hot, covering loosely if the cheese colours too quickly.

Ingredient swaps

  • Use kale instead of spinach: Kale gives a heartier filling; cook it until fully tender before mixing it with the ricotta.
  • Try cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a lighter, slightly tangier filling, though the texture will be less smooth.
  • Swap the herb: Fresh basil can replace dried oregano for a brighter flavour; stir it into the filling just before rolling.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and cook the lasagna noodles until flexible but not falling apart. Drain well in a colander, then drizzle with a little olive oil to stop sticking.
  2. Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the spinach and cook until wilted and any liquid has evaporated. Crush in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then take off the heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, dried oregano and black pepper. Stir in the spinach mixture until evenly mixed.
  4. Spread a thin layer of tomato passata in the base of a small baking dish that fits your air fryer basket. Lay out the noodles and divide the filling between them, spreading it evenly, then roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
  5. Spoon the remaining tomato passata over the roll ups, then top with mozzarella. Air-fry at 180°C (355°F) for 10 to 14 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  6. Rest for 5 minutes so the roll ups set slightly, then serve hot. If the dish looks a little dry, spoon any sauce from the base over each portion.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Boil the lasagna noodles just until pliable; overcooked sheets tear more easily when rolling.
  • Choose a baking dish that leaves a little space between roll ups so hot air can circulate and brown the cheese.
  • Food safety: if serving to vulnerable groups, use eggs with a lion mark or another pasteurised egg product.

Substitutions

  • Replace spinach with kale for a heartier filling; cook it a little longer until fully tender.
  • Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, slightly tangier filling.
  • Replace dried oregano with fresh basil for a fresher flavour; stir it into the filling just before rolling.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool, cover and refrigerate. To reheat, air-fry at 170°C (340°F) for 6 to 10 minutes until piping hot; cover loosely if the cheese browns too quickly. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 50min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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