Air Fryer Lasagna Cups Recipe
Crispy-edged wonton wrappers cradle layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted cheese in these perfectly portioned air fryer lasagna cups.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">24 wonton wrappers</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g ground beef (or plant-based alternative)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g passata (tomato sauce)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp tomato paste</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried basil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g ricotta cheese</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30g grated Parmesan cheese</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g shredded mozzarella cheese</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li> </ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">12-cup muffin tin</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Non-stick cooking spray</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Medium skillet</li> </ul>
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Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic which would create a bitter flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary – removing this fat creates a cleaner, less greasy final product. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Stir in passata, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens. This reduction concentrates the flavors and prevents soggy lasagna cups. Set aside to cool slightly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the fresh basil. Mix until smooth. The egg helps bind the ricotta mixture and gives it structure when baked. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. While it's heating, lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Press one wonton wrapper into each cup, gently molding it to form a cup shape. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Layer each cup with about 1 teaspoon of meat sauce, followed by 1 teaspoon of ricotta mixture, then a sprinkle of mozzarella. Top with another wonton wrapper, pressing down lightly to create a second cup. Don't press too firmly or you'll compress the first layer of fillings. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Repeat the layering process with remaining meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and top with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan. Building these distinct layers creates the classic lasagna appearance and flavor experience in each bite. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Working in batches if necessary (depending on your air fryer size), place the muffin tin in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the wonton edges are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The rapid air circulation of the air fryer creates those deliciously crispy edges faster than a conventional oven. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Allow the lasagna cups to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing. This cooling period allows the fillings to set slightly so they hold together better when served. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Carefully remove each lasagna cup using a spoon or small spatula. Garnish with remaining fresh basil and serve warm. If making ahead, these cups can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 160°C until warmed through. </li> </ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Can wonton wrappers be replaced with something else in these lasagna cups?
Yes, you can substitute wonton wrappers with small pasta sheets, thin sliced courgette, or even flour tortillas cut into smaller squares. Each alternative will produce a different texture, with pasta sheets giving the most traditional lasagna feel but less crispiness.
How can I make these lasagna cups vegetarian-friendly?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based mince, lentils, or a mixture of finely diced mushrooms and walnuts. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, grated courgette, or diced bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavour.
Can these lasagna cups be made ahead of time and reheated?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the cups up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. They also freeze well – simply thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
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