Air-Fried Ravioli: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and convenience. They can cook a wide variety of foods, including frozen foods like ravioli. Air-fried ravioli has a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior, making it a tasty treat. The cooking process is simple and quick, requiring only a few common ingredients and a short cooking time. This makes air-fried ravioli a convenient option for those looking for a tasty snack or appetiser that can be prepared at home.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for ravioli in an air fryer depend on the recipe and the desired texture. Fried ravioli should be cooked until golden brown, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes on each side. Some recipes suggest cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes on one side, flipping, and then cooking for an additional 4 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, flipping the ravioli halfway through.

If you are cooking frozen ravioli, there is no need to defrost it first. Simply brush the frozen ravioli with olive oil or vegetable oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

For ravioli without breading, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit/180 degrees Celsius. Boil the ravioli according to the package instructions, then use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on paper towels to absorb the excess water. Add the ravioli to a bowl with olive oil, seasoning, cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Place the ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spritz with cooking spray, and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket after a couple of minutes to prevent sticking. The ravioli is ready when it is crispy and browned.

The cooking time may also depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of ravioli you are cooking at once. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to do it in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare frozen ravioli

Yes, you can cook frozen ravioli in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your frozen ravioli. You can use any filling flavour you like, such as spinach and cheese, mushroom, or lemon ricotta. If you want to bread your ravioli, prepare two shallow bowls, one with flour and eggs, and another with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and basil. You can also add Italian seasoning to your breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Next, dip each ravioli in the flour and egg mixture, shake off the excess, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the ravioli well on both sides. If you don't want to bread your ravioli, you can simply brush them with olive oil or vegetable oil using a pastry brush.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the breaded or oiled ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. You may need to cook them in batches. Spritz the ravioli with cooking spray or avocado oil, and cook for 3-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Your ravioli is ready when it is crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, pesto, alfredo, or garlic cream sauce. Enjoy!

Oil types and application methods

Oil is essential when cooking ravioli in an air fryer, as it ensures the ravioli crisps up nicely and browns on the outside. Without oil, the ravioli will cook up too dry. Olive oil or vegetable oil are the best options, and these should be applied lightly and evenly with a pastry brush. Alternatively, you can use an oil sprayer or cooking spray to spritz the ravioli with oil.

To apply oil with a pastry brush, first, place the frozen ravioli in a single, even layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Then, brush the ravioli with oil and flip them over to brush both sides. You can also add oil to a bowl with the cooked ravioli and mix to coat them all before adding seasoning.

If you are coating the ravioli in breadcrumbs, you can spritz them with oil halfway through the cooking time. This will mimic deep frying and ensure the ravioli doesn't cook up too dry.

Dipping sauces and side dishes

When it comes to dipping sauces and side dishes, the options are endless. If you're looking for dipping sauces, you can't go wrong with the classics: marinara, pesto, or alfredo. For something extra indulgent, try a garlic cream sauce or a lemon brown butter sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a unique combination like a duo of basil pesto and tomato sauce.

If you're looking for something with a kick, try a lobster ravioli with a lemon cream sauce or a fan-favorite, lobster ravioli with lemon brown butter. For a vegetarian option, try a mushroom sauce or a butternut squash ravioli with sage butter sauce.

For side dishes, keep it simple with crusty garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. If you want to get a little more creative, try roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon, pan-fried asparagus, or roasted butternut squash. These options will add a touch of elegance and a grown-up feel to your meal.

Don't forget, the key to a great ravioli dish is balancing the flavors of the filling and the sauce. So, choose your sauces and sides wisely to create a delicious and complete dining experience.

Breading vs no breading

Breading ravioli before air frying can add a crunchy texture to the dish, making it a delicious appetizer. However, preparing breaded ravioli can be a more time-consuming process, and it requires additional ingredients such as eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. If you opt for breading, whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl, and place the breadcrumbs on a plate or shallow dish. Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are completely coated. This method is recommended if you want a crunchy texture.

On the other hand, cooking ravioli in an air fryer without breading is a quicker and easier option that requires fewer ingredients and preparation steps. Simply coat the ravioli with olive oil or another high-heat oil, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add cheese to the ravioli before air frying for an extra crispy element. This method is perfect if you want a softer texture with a creamy filling and crispy edges.

Both breaded and non-breaded air-fried ravioli can be served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, or enjoyed on their own. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to restore their crispy texture.

Whether you choose to bread your ravioli or not, air frying is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this dish. Breading will give you a crunchier texture, while cooking without breading is faster and still delivers a delicious crispy and soft ravioli.

Frequently asked questions