Air Fryer Ravioli: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's no surprise that people are experimenting with what they can cook in them. One such experiment is with ravioli, and it turns out that you can, indeed, cook ravioli in an air fryer.

There are a few different ways to cook ravioli in an air fryer, and it can be done with both fresh and frozen ravioli. Some recipes suggest breading the ravioli first, which gives it a crispy texture, while others suggest cooking it without breading for a lighter, healthier snack.

How to make air-fried ravioli

Air-fried ravioli is a quick and easy snack or appetizer that can be made in your air fryer in less than 20 minutes. This recipe uses a simple combination of ingredients and can be served with your favourite dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (9 oz) fresh or frozen ravioli (any filling flavour)
• 2-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan or pecorino cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 egg (optional)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional)
• Dried Italian herb seasoning or fresh herbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dipping sauce (marinara, pesto, alfredo, etc.)

Instructions:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350-390°F. If you are using frozen ravioli, you may need to increase the temperature to 400°F.

Next, cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling the ravioli in salted water for 3-4 minutes. You can also use refrigerated or thawed ravioli, but be sure to pat them dry before proceeding to the next step.

If you want to bread your ravioli, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tbsp of water. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and cheese. You can also add some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or other spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.

Now, take each ravioli and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the ravioli evenly at each step.

Once all your ravioli are breaded, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray or brush the ravioli with olive oil to help them crisp up.

Air fry the ravioli for 5-10 minutes, depending on their size and whether they are frozen or thawed. For smaller ravioli, 7 minutes should be enough. For larger ravioli, you may need up to 10 minutes. Be sure to flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the ravioli are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

What to serve with air-fried ravioli

Air-fried ravioli is a great snack, appetiser, or party food. It's easy to make and can be served with a variety of dips and sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried ravioli:

Dips

• Marinara sauce: This is a classic dip for ravioli and can be served hot or cold.
• Alfredo sauce: A creamy and indulgent dip option.
• Pesto: Either red or green pesto would be a great dip for air-fried ravioli.
• Spinach and artichoke dip: A more substantial and hearty dip option.

Sides

• Salad: A light and healthy option to balance out the fried ravioli.
• Garlic bread: Crispy, toasted garlic bread would be a delicious side dish to accompany the ravioli.
• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or carrots, would make a great side dish.

Toppings

• Cheese: Sprinkle some extra grated parmesan or pecorino cheese on top of the ravioli for added flavour and texture.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top for added freshness and colour.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or crushed fennel seeds to add a depth of flavour to your ravioli.

Can you bread ravioli before air frying?

Yes, you can bread ravioli before air frying! In fact, breading is a great way to make ravioli crispy on the outside while keeping the filling soft and creamy. The breading process is simple: first, coat the ravioli with a layer of egg, then dip it into a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. You can also add some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or other spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour. Once the ravioli are breaded, spray them with a bit of oil and air fry at around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Breading ravioli before air frying can give them a delicious crispy texture and make them perfect for dipping in your favourite sauces. Some popular dipping sauce options include marinara, alfredo, pesto, or ranch.

If you want to skip the breading step, you can also air fry ravioli without any breading. Simply coat the ravioli with olive oil and seasonings, then air fry until crispy. This method is a bit healthier and skips the prep work of breading, but still results in delicious crispy ravioli.

So, whether you choose to bread your ravioli or not, air frying is a great way to enjoy crispy, delicious ravioli as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Can you air fry frozen ravioli?

Yes, you can air fry frozen ravioli! It's a simple and quick way to make a tasty snack, appetizer, or main course. The best part is that you don't need a lot of oil to cook them, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

To cook frozen ravioli in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, take your frozen ravioli and coat them with olive oil or brush them with olive or vegetable oil. You can also dip them in buttermilk and then coat them with breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. Place the ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the ravioli halfway through for more even cooking.

The filling of the ravioli will be soft and melted, pairing well with the crispy exterior. You can serve air-fried ravioli with various dipping sauces such as marinara, Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even "dipping" oil. It's a fun and unique dish that's sure to be a hit at dinner parties or as a snack!

Tips for air frying ravioli

Air-fried ravioli is a quick and easy snack or appetizer that can be made in your air fryer in less than 20 minutes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Preparation

Before air-frying your ravioli, it is recommended to pre-cook and dry them. You can boil or fry the ravioli according to the package instructions, but make sure they are dried thoroughly before adding any oil or seasoning. This step ensures that your ravioli will come out crispy in the air fryer.

Oil and Seasoning

Once your ravioli are cooked and dried, coat them lightly with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use Italian herb blends, parmesan or pecorino cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix the seasonings with the ravioli in a bowl to ensure an even coating.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ravioli in batches.

For breaded ravioli, cook for around 6-10 minutes, flipping the ravioli halfway through. For unbreaded ravioli, a shorter cooking time of 5 minutes should be sufficient. Keep an eye on your ravioli to ensure they don't overcook, as this can cause the filling to leak out.

Serving

Air-fried ravioli can be served as an appetizer or snack and pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces. Marinara sauce is a popular choice, but you can also try alfredo, pesto, or ranch dip. For a more indulgent option, top with garlic cream sauce or extra cheese.

Reheating and Storage

If you have leftover ravioli, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer and spritz with a little oil, then heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy.

You can also store uncooked ravioli in the freezer to fry at a moment's notice. Simply flash-freeze the uncooked, coated ravioli on a baking tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to cook them, there's no need to thaw them first; just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

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