Air Fryer Lasagna Cups: The Perfect Bite-Sized Italian Treat

Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Results

For the cups:

• 24 wonton wrappers
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, plus extra for topping
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ pound cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quick and Easy Preparation

1. Lightly spray your air fryer-safe muffin tin or individual ramekins with cooking spray.
2. Press one wonton wrapper into each cup, creating a basket shape. Lightly spray the wrappers with olive oil to ensure they crisp perfectly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring until smooth.
4. In another bowl, mix your cooked ground meat with the marinara sauce.
5. Spoon a small amount of meat sauce into the bottom of each wonton cup.
6. Add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top of the sauce layer.
7. Top with another spoonful of meat sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
8. Place in your preheated air fryer at 350°F and cook for 6-8 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin.
10. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna Cups

The wonton wrappers are the secret to achieving that satisfying textural contrast between crispy exterior and tender, cheesy filling. For best results, don’t skip spraying them with oil before cooking – this ensures they develop that appealing golden color and crunch.

Avoid overfilling your cups, as they may overflow during cooking. About 2 tablespoons of total filling per cup is ideal. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, simply cover them loosely with foil for the last few minutes of cooking.

For meal prep purposes, you can assemble these cups ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before cooking. Simply add an extra minute to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Delicious Variations to Try

These versatile cups welcome creative adaptations to suit any preference:

Vegetarian Delight: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.

Chicken Alfredo: Substitute the marinara with Alfredo sauce and use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a creamy twist.

Pizza Cups: Add pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers to the meat sauce for pizza-inspired flavors that kids especially love.

Pesto Lovers: Swirl a teaspoon of basil pesto into the ricotta mixture for an herbaceous Mediterranean flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

These portable lasagna cups pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside garlic bread or air-fried zucchini sticks. They’re perfectly portioned for little hands, making them ideal for family dinners where everyone can customize their own cups.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover lasagna cups maintain their delicious flavor and texture when stored properly. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through – this method preserves their crispy texture far better than microwave reheating.

These crowd-pleasing lasagna cups deliver traditional Italian flavors in a modern, convenient package. With the help of your air fryer, you can enjoy this creative twist on a classic comfort food any night of the week – no lengthy prep time required.