Air-Fried Ravioli: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air-fried ravioli is a quick and easy dish to make at home. It can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a light meal. The ravioli is cooked in an air fryer, which gives it a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying in oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional fried ravioli, as it absorbs less oil. The dish can be prepared with different types of ravioli and various fillings, making it a versatile option for those who want to experiment with flavours. It is also simple to customise with seasonings, cheese, and dips such as marinara sauce.

Air fryer ravioli without breading

Air fryer ravioli is a quick and easy dish to make, perfect as an appetizer or a snack. The best part is that you don't need a lot of oil to cook them, making it a healthier alternative to deep-fried ravioli.

Ingredients:

• Ravioli (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen)
• Olive oil or any high-heat oil (avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil)
• Italian seasoning (or dried Italian herb seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino, or Italian hard cheese)
• Marinara sauce or your favourite dip

Instructions:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (175-190°C). If using frozen ravioli, make sure to thaw them first.

Next, prepare the ravioli by boiling them according to the package instructions. Once boiled, use a slotted spoon to scoop out the ravioli and lay them on paper towels to absorb the excess water. This step is crucial, as you want the ravioli to be dry before the next step.

Now, it's time to season your ravioli. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt. You can also add other seasonings like pepper or oregano. Toss the ravioli in this mixture until they are evenly coated.

After the ravioli are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Sprinkle the cheese on top of the ravioli and give them an extra spritz of oil. Now, air fry for about 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the ravioli halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Your air fryer ravioli are ready when they are crispy and golden brown. Serve them immediately with your favourite dip, and sprinkle some extra cheese on top if desired.

Tips:

• If you want crispier ravioli, similar to pasta chips, increase the cook time by a few minutes.
• You can use any type of ravioli filling, such as cheese, beef, spinach and ricotta, or mushroom.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

Pre-cooking and drying the ravioli

Pre-cooking the ravioli is a necessary step before air frying. The ravioli should be cooked according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling the ravioli in salted water. It is important to ensure that the ravioli is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the air fryer.

Once the ravioli is cooked, it needs to be dried thoroughly. This is a crucial step, as any excess water will prevent the ravioli from becoming crispy in the air fryer. To dry the ravioli, use a slotted spoon to scoop the cooked ravioli out of the water and lay them out on paper towels. Allow them to air dry for a minute or two. It is important to work quickly during this step to prevent the ravioli from becoming soggy.

After the ravioli is dried, it can be prepared for air frying. Place the ravioli in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, ensuring that all the ravioli is coated on both sides. At this point, you can also add any desired seasonings, such as black pepper, dried oregano, or dried Italian herb seasoning. It is recommended to avoid using fresh herbs, as they can burn in the air fryer.

If you want to add a crispy breading to your ravioli, you can follow this additional step before air frying. Beat an egg in a small bowl and dip each ravioli into the egg mixture. Then, coat the ravioli in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Place the breaded ravioli on a plate and repeat the process until all the ravioli is coated.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryer ravioli is a quick and easy meal to make. The air fryer temperature will depend on the model of your air fryer and the recipe you are following. However, most recipes recommend cooking ravioli at around 350–375°F (175–180°C).

Firstly, you will need to pre-cook the ravioli by boiling it according to the package instructions. Then, use a slotted spoon to scoop out the ravioli and lay them out on paper towels to dry and remove any excess water. This should only take a minute or two, so work quickly!

Next, you can add the ravioli to a bowl with olive oil and mix to ensure both sides are coated. You can then add your chosen seasoning, cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Lay the ravioli in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ravioli in batches.

Finally, spritz the ravioli with a little extra oil and cook for around 5–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to shake the basket after a couple of minutes to prevent sticking. Serve with your favourite dip—many people recommend marinara sauce!

Adding oil, seasoning, and cheese

When it comes to adding oil, seasoning, and cheese to your air fryer ravioli, there are a few methods you can use to enhance the flavour and texture of this dish. Here are some detailed instructions:

Adding Oil:

Before cooking, lightly spray or brush each ravioli with oil. This step ensures that the ravioli doesn't stick to the air fryer basket and helps achieve a crispy, golden texture. Use a neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil.

Seasoning:

There are a variety of seasoning options to choose from, depending on your preference. You can go the traditional Italian route by using dried Italian herb seasoning. This typically includes a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Alternatively, you can use fresh herbs like minced parsley, basil, or oregano. Simply sprinkle the seasoning of your choice over the ravioli before placing them in the air fryer.

Cheese:

For an extra indulgent touch, adding cheese to your air fryer ravioli is a great option. One popular choice is Pecorino Romano, a sharp and salty sheep's milk cheese. Combine it with breadcrumbs, and after dipping the ravioli in an egg wash, coat them in this cheesy mixture. This step adds a delicious crispy and cheesy layer to your ravioli. Alternatively, you can use Parmigiano Reggiano. Simply grate it and sprinkle it over the cooked ravioli for a flavour boost.

Combining the Ingredients:

To ensure even distribution of the oil, seasoning, and cheese, it's best to combine the ingredients in a bowl before coating the ravioli. Add your chosen oil, dried herbs or fresh minced herbs, and cheese to a bowl, and mix well. Then, add the ravioli to the bowl and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated on both sides.

By following these steps and choosing your preferred combination of oil, seasoning, and cheese, you can create delicious, crispy, and flavourful air fryer ravioli that can be served as a snack or appetiser.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried ravioli can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish. It can be served with a dip or a sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or alfredo. For an extra-indulgent dish, serve your ravioli with a homemade garlic cream sauce.

If you're serving the ravioli as a main course, you could serve it with crusty garlic bread, a side of buttery pasta, or roasted vegetables. If you're serving it as a side dish, a light salad or some sauteed garlicky spinach could accompany it nicely.

You can also sprinkle the ravioli with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and some extra cheese. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge—they can be revived with a minute or two back in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions