Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli: The Ultimate Easy Cheesy Snack or Appetizer
Imagine a golden-brown, irresistibly crispy shell giving way to warm, gooey cheese. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible air fryer ravioli! This recipe transforms simple store-bought ravioli into a gourmet appetizer or a satisfying snack in just about 20 minutes. Perfect for tailgating, holiday gatherings, game nights, or simply a treat for yourself, these crunchy bites are guaranteed to disappear fast. Just add a side of classic marinara sauce for dipping, and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a definite crowd-pleaser!
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About These Air Fryer Ravioli
Toasted ravioli is a timeless favorite, especially for events like tailgates, casual get-togethers, or even festive holiday parties. The traditional method often involves deep frying, which can be time-consuming, messy, and uses a lot of oil. That’s where the air fryer swoops in to save the day!
Our air fryer ravioli recipe offers all the cheesy, crunchy goodness you love, but with minimal oil and effort. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthier, more convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. Forget the deep fryer – the air fryer achieves that perfect golden-brown crisp without the hassle, making these bites lighter and easier to clean up after.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You start with readily available store-bought ravioli – yes, we’re all about keeping things easy and delicious here! A quick dip in an egg wash, a roll in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, and then straight into the air fryer. In just minutes, you’ll have perfectly toasted ravioli, with a satisfying crunch on the outside and warm, tender cheese on the inside. It’s so straightforward, you might even feel a little guilty when your guests rave about your culinary skills. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell!)
Beyond being incredibly easy, these air fryer ravioli are wonderfully versatile. They make an elegant appetizer for a dinner party when served with a dollop of marinara and fresh basil. For game day, they’re the ultimate finger food, ready to be dunked into your favorite dipping sauce. Once you experience how simple and delicious they are, you’ll be constantly finding new excuses to whip up a batch!
Ingredients for Crispy Ravioli
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delectable crispy air fryer ravioli. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Large Eggs: These are essential for creating the perfect binding layer for our breadcrumb coating. Use large eggs to ensure enough liquid for thorough dipping.
- Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs: For a vibrant, herbaceous flavor, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are our top choice. They come pre-mixed with herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic, saving you a step. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, don’t worry – we have a tip for that below!
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is a non-negotiable for the best flavor and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and provides a richer, nuttier taste compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Dried Herbs and Spices: A blend of dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt enhances the Italian flavors in the breading, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.
- Fresh Cheese Ravioli: The star of our dish! Opt for fresh, refrigerated cheese ravioli for the best results. Their tender texture cooks beautifully in the air fryer. If using frozen ravioli, ensure they are fully thawed before coating to prevent an uneven cook.
- Avocado Oil Spray: A light coating of avocado oil spray is crucial for achieving that desired golden-brown crispness in the air fryer without making the ravioli greasy.
- Flaky Sea Salt & Fresh Basil: These are for garnish, adding a touch of elegance and fresh flavor right before serving.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need a lot of fancy kitchen gadgets to make air fryer ravioli. Just a few basic items will do the trick:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of shallow mixing bowls is necessary for setting up your dredging station – one for the egg wash and another for the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fryer: The star appliance! Any model will work, but for consistent results, a good quality air fryer like the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer is recommended. Its circulating hot air technology is key to achieving perfectly crispy ravioli.
Here’s How to Make Air Fryer Ravioli
Making crispy air fryer ravioli is incredibly simple, requiring just a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for perfect results every time:
1. Perfect Dredging Technique
Begin by setting up your breading station. In a small, shallow bowl, lightly whisk your eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined. This creates the sticky base for our crispy coating. In a separate, equally shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
Next, take each ravioli and dip it completely into the whisked egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately transfer the egg-coated ravioli into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press and turn the ravioli to ensure it’s fully coated on both sides with the flavorful breading. The goal is a generous, even layer for maximum crispiness. Once coated, place the ravioli on a clean plate and repeat the process with the remaining ravioli. This step is crucial for that signature crunchy texture.
2. Air Frying to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is an important step that ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for immediate crisping, preventing the ravioli from becoming soggy. Once preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps in achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust. Carefully place the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Give the tops of the ravioli another light spray of cooking oil.
Cook the ravioli for 3 to 5 minutes per side, carefully flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. They should look puffed and deeply golden when ready.
3. Serving Your Toasted Ravioli
Once your air fryer ravioli are perfectly golden and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle them with a pinch of flaky sea salt and some freshly chopped basil. Serve them immediately while they are still warm, alongside a generous bowl of your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. The warm, tangy marinara perfectly complements the rich, cheesy, and crispy ravioli, creating an irresistible bite every time.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ravioli
Achieving perfectly crispy, cheesy air fryer ravioli every time is easy with these expert tips:
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is arguably the most important tip for superior flavor and texture. Pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly and hinder the creation of a truly cohesive, flavorful crust. Freshly grated cheese, on the other hand, will melt beautifully into the breading, contributing a rich, authentic Italian taste.
- Keep a Close Eye on Them: Air fryers can vary significantly in temperature and cooking intensity between brands and models. It’s crucial to monitor your ravioli closely, especially during the last few minutes of cooking. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly puffed appearance. If you notice the ravioli starting to inflate into round-ish bubbles, it’s time to remove them to prevent them from bursting and losing their delicious cheesy filling. For most air fryers, a total of 8 to 9 minutes should be sufficient.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is a common mistake that leads to soggy ravioli instead of crispy ones. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If the basket is too full, the air cannot flow freely, resulting in steamed rather than fried ravioli. Cook your ravioli in a single layer, in batches if necessary, to ensure each piece gets maximum air exposure and crisps up perfectly.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer is key to consistent cooking. A preheated air fryer ensures that the ravioli start cooking at the correct temperature immediately, helping to create that instant crisp outer layer.
- Experiment with Ravioli Fillings: While cheese ravioli is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to try other fillings! Meat-filled, spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even pumpkin ravioli can all be fantastic when air-fried. The breading and cooking method will work wonderfully with various flavors, offering endless possibilities.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture. It provides a subtle, warming spice that elevates the overall flavor profile of the toasted ravioli.
More easy air fryer recipes to make: Air Fryer Buffalo Jalapeno Poppers | Chipotle Air Fryer Empanadas | Air Fryer Scallops | Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Bread
FAQ: Do I need to boil ravioli before air frying?
Absolutely not! One of the fantastic advantages of this air fryer ravioli recipe is that there’s no need for any pre-boiling. The air fryer cooks the fresh ravioli perfectly from raw, ensuring the pasta is tender and the cheese filling is wonderfully melted, all while achieving that incredible crispy exterior from the breading. Skipping the boiling step saves you time, effort, and prevents the delicate ravioli from potentially falling apart before they even get to the air fryer. This streamlined process makes the recipe incredibly quick and easy.
FAQ: Can frozen ravioli be air fried?
While fresh ravioli yields the best results, you can use frozen ravioli if it’s your only option, but with a crucial caveat: you must thaw them completely first. Air frying frozen ravioli directly is not recommended. If you try to bread and air fry them from frozen, the coating will likely not adhere properly and could slide off during cooking. Furthermore, the exterior of the ravioli might burn before the center of the pasta and the cheese filling have a chance to cook through, resulting in an uneven and unsatisfying texture. To use frozen ravioli, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or follow package instructions for thawing before proceeding with the dredging and air frying steps.
FAQ: Can I air fry ravioli without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you certainly can! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or simply prefer your ravioli without a breaded coating, the air fryer still works wonders. Instead of using the egg and breadcrumb mixture, lightly toss your fresh ravioli in a large bowl with about a tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado oil). Then, mix in your desired spices – a blend of garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese works beautifully. Ensure each ravioli is lightly coated in the oil and spice mixture. Air fry these for approximately 5-7 minutes total at 380°F (190°C), flipping halfway through, until they are golden and slightly blistered. The texture will be less crispy-crunchy and more tender-roasted, but still incredibly delicious and satisfying.
FAQ: Can I use regular bread crumbs for toasted ravioli?
Absolutely! If you only have plain or regular bread crumbs on hand, you can easily transform them into Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for your toasted ravioli. Simply mix 1 cup of regular breadcrumbs with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning (a common blend found in the spice aisle). You can also add an extra ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of onion powder for an even richer flavor profile. This homemade blend will provide the same delicious herbaceous notes as pre-packaged Italian breadcrumbs, ensuring your air fryer ravioli are packed with taste.
Need some inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizer recipes page!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Ravioli
The beauty of crispy air fryer ravioli is how versatile they are, pairing well with a variety of dips and drinks. While delicious on their own, a good dipping sauce truly elevates the experience:
- Classic Marinara Sauce: This is the undisputed champion for toasted ravioli. A warm, rich, and slightly tangy marinara sauce provides the perfect counterpoint to the crispy, cheesy bites. You can use store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe.
- Creamy Ranch Dip: For a different flavor profile, a cool and creamy ranch dip offers a refreshing contrast. Its herby, savory notes are surprisingly delightful with the Italian flavors of the ravioli.
- Bright Pesto Sauce: A vibrant green pesto, with its fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan, adds a burst of freshness and a nutty undertone. This is an excellent choice for a more sophisticated appetizer spread.
- Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy arrabbiata sauce will add a pleasant kick to your air fryer ravioli, making each bite even more exciting.
- Garlic Aioli: A rich and garlicky aioli can provide a luxurious dipping experience, perfect for those who love strong, savory flavors.
Beyond dipping, consider garnishing your ravioli with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a grating of extra Parmesan cheese to enhance their visual appeal and flavor. When it comes to beverages, think Italian! A light and refreshing Limoncello Spritz or a balanced Aperol and Soda are perfect choices to complement the richness of the cheesy appetizer. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a lemon twist or a crisp sparkling cider would also be fantastic.
How to Store and Reheat
While air fryer ravioli are best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly store and reheat any leftovers to enjoy later:
- Storing: Allow any leftover air fryer ravioli to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: To bring back that glorious crispiness, the air fryer is your best friend for reheating! Remove the ravioli from the refrigerator and place them in a single layer in a preheated air fryer. Air fry for 3 to 4 minutes at 350˚F (175°C), or until they are heated through and have regained their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy. While the microwave is an option for quick reheating, it will not restore their crispness.
More Crispy Appetizers to Explore
If you love the satisfying crunch of these air fryer ravioli, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious crispy appetizer ideas:
- Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes are incredibly versatile. While often served as a side, they can easily become a delightful appetizer when paired with a dollop of sour cream or a zesty dipping sauce.
- Cheese croquettes offer a luxurious experience, being wonderfully crispy on the outside and boasting a rich, creamy, cheesy interior. They are truly the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
- Crunchy crispy prosciutto is a savory sensation that’s ready in less than 15 minutes. It makes an excellent easy snack or a sophisticated addition to any charcuterie board.
- Prosciutto cheese twists come together in just 30 minutes and are an addictive alternative to traditional breadsticks, perfect for a party.
Finally, if you make this air fryer ravioli recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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Air Fryer Ravioli
equipment
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer
ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 oz fresh cheese ravioli or frozen, thawed
- Avocado oil spray
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly chopped basil for garnish
- Tomato marinara sauce for serving
instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F (200°C).
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Whisk together eggs in a small shallow bowl. Set aside.
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In another shallow bowl, stir together bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
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Dip one ravioli into the egg, shaking off any excess. Then, coat thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture on both sides. Place on a plate, then repeat with remaining ravioli.
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Grease the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Add the ravioli in a single layer (you may have to work in batches to avoid overcrowding), and spray the tops of the ravioli as well.
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Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, carefully flipping once, until just golden brown and crispy.
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Serve warm with tomato marinara sauce for dipping. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly chopped basil for garnish.
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