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Delicious Air Fryer Lasagne: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Lasagne, the classic Italian dish, is beloved for its comforting layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese. Traditionally baked in a conventional oven, this hearty meal can now be whipped up in an air fryer, offering a quicker and energy-efficient alternative. In this article, we’ll guide you through making a scrumptious Air Fryer Lasagne that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, known for their ability to cook food quickly while retaining moisture and flavour. They circulate hot air to create a crispy exterior and evenly cooked interior, making them perfect for dishes like lasagne. In addition to speed, using an air fryer means less energy consumption compared to using a conventional oven, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Ingredients

To create a delightful Air Fryer Lasagne, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 500g minced beef or turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 500ml milk
• 100g grated cheese (such as mozzarella or Cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 9-12 lasagne sheets (oven-ready ones work best)
• 100g grated cheese for topping
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

   • In a frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.
   • Add the minced meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

2. Make the Béchamel Sauce

   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir well to create a paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
   • Remove from the heat, stir in the grated cheese, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Lasagne

   • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
   • In a suitable heat-proof dish that fits inside the air fryer, start layering your lasagne. Begin with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of béchamel, and then a layer of lasagne sheets. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, ensuring to finish with a layer of béchamel on top. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese for a cheesy crust.

4. Cook the Lasagne

   • Place the assembled lasagne in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes at 180°C, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
   • If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can increase the temperature for the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Serve
   • Once cooked, carefully remove the lasagne from the air fryer and let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time will help the layers set.
   • Cut into portions and serve garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Pair with a crisp salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Lasagne is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic dish without a lengthy cooking process. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress. The combination of flavours and textures, along with the convenience of the air fryer, makes it a must-try for any home cook. Dive in and savour the simple joy of homemade lasagne, now quicker than ever! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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