Delicious Keto Zoodle Air Fryer Lasagna Cups | Low-Carb Recipe

A delicious low-carb twist on classic lasagna, perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.

One of the biggest challenges I faced on the keto diet was the amount of time I had to dedicate to meal prep. Every single ingredient needed to be carefully selected, measured, and calculated. It felt like a chore—I was starting to develop a negative relationship with eating… which, for a foodie like me, was a huge problem!!!

But thanks to the modern marvel that is the air fryer, we can now whip up these amazing delights with just a few ingredients, minimal math, and without sacrificing any delicious flavors. Suffice it to say, it’s been a true blessing. We are so grateful, and I am absolutely thrilled to share this absolute gem of a recipe with you!

While I am no longer operating on a strictly keto diet, I was one of the early adopters when it first came out and successfully lost 27 lbs during that stage!

If I can offer you any advice as a “newbie” it would be to stick it out and POWER through the first two weeks—As with any new change in routine, it will then become a habit.

Ingredients:

• [ ] 12 mini muffin tins OR 6 Medium sized
• [ ] 1 lb (450g) ground turkey, chicken or beef
• [ ] 1 small onion, finely chopped
• [ ] 3 cloves garlic, minced
• [ ] 2 cups low-sugar marinara sauce
• [ ] 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• [ ] ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• [ ] 2 large eggs
• [ ] 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• [ ] Salt and pepper to taste
• [ ] Olive oil spray
• [ ] 2 large zucchinis, spiralized into zoodles
• [ ] Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:

• Lightly spray the mini muffin tins with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Meat Mixture:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil.
• Sauté the onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• Stir in the low-sugar marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine eggs, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

4. Assemble the Lasagna Cups:

• Layering:
  1. Start with a spoonful of the meat mixture at the bottom of each muffin cup.
  2. Add a layer of the egg and cheese mixture over the meat.
  3. Add a generous layer of zoodles on top.
  4. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, ending with a layer of meat mixture on top.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each cup.

5. Air Fry the Lasagna Cups:

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
• Carefully transfer the muffin tin into the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are slightly golden.
• Remove the muffin tin from the air fryer carefully and let the lasagna cups cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve warm, paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Swaps

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon dressing complements the richness of the lasagna cups.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans add a nutritious and vibrant side to the meal.
• Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms in garlic butter offer an earthy, savory addition to the dish.

Nutritional Breakdown for Keto vs Traditional Zoodle Air Fryer Lasagna Cups

Per Large Cup (Makes 6 Large Cups)

Per Mini Cup (Makes 12 Mini Cups)

Notes:

• Calories: Vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
• Carbohydrates: Includes both sugars and dietary fiber.
• Protein and Fat: Derived from meat and cheese components.
• Sugar: Slightly higher in the traditional version due to added sugar in the marinara sauce.

Traditional pasta version:

Equipment

• Mini muffin tin (preferably silicone for easy removal)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for lining)

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• [ ] 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• [ ] 1 small onion, finely chopped
• [ ] 2 cloves garlic, minced
• [ ] 2 cups marinara sauce (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• [ ] 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• [ ] 1 teaspoon dried basil
• [ ] Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna Cups:

• [ ] 12 lasagna noodles, broken to fit your muffin tin
• [ ] 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• [ ] 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• [ ] ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• [ ] 1 large egg
• [ ] Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

3. Assemble the Lasagna Cups:

• Lightly grease your mini muffin tin or line it with silicone liners for easier removal.
• Layer 1: Place a broken lasagna noodle at the bottom of each muffin cup, forming a circular base.
• Layer 2: Spoon a generous tablespoon of the ricotta mixture over the noodle, spreading it evenly.
• Layer 3: Add a spoonful of the meat sauce on top of the ricotta layer.
• Layer 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
• Repeat Layers: If your muffin tin allows, add another layer of noodles, followed by ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella. Aim for 2-3 layers per cup.
• Top Layer: Finish with a final sprinkle of mozzarella and a light dusting of Parmesan on top for a golden, bubbly finish.

4. Air Fry the Lasagna Cups:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully place the filled muffin tin into the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the lasagna cups are bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Allow the lasagna cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before removing.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

✨ Tips for Perfect Elevated Lasagna Cups ✨

• Noodle Preparation: To ensure the lasagna noodles fit perfectly in your muffin cups, you can precook them for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Drain and let them cool before breaking them into smaller pieces.
• Cheese Selection: For an extra layer of flavor, use a combination of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese. Fresh mozzarella can add a creamy texture but may release more moisture, so balance with lower-moisture cheeses like part-skim mozzarella.
• Adding Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
• Preventing Soggy Noodles: Ensure your meat sauce is not too watery. If needed, let the sauce simmer longer to reduce excess liquid before assembling the lasagna cups.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna cups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness. When ready to cook, proceed with air frying as usual.
• Customization: Feel free to personalize your lasagna cups by adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms, olives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Serving Suggestions: These lasagna cups pair wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. They also make fantastic appetizers for gatherings or parties.

Enjoy Your Elevated Air Fryer Lasagna Cups!

These lasagna cups are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with a modern twist. Perfect for meal prepping, entertaining, or simply indulging in a hearty dish without the hassle. Happy Cooking!

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