Air Fryer Ravioli: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryer ravioli is a quick and easy snack or appetiser that can be made in 20 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried ravioli as it uses less oil. The ravioli is coated in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, and then air-fried until golden and crispy. It is best served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, but you can also experiment with pesto or alfredo sauce.

Choosing your ravioli

The first step to making air-fried ravioli is to choose your ravioli. There are a few factors to consider when making your selection. Firstly, decide on the flavour and filling of your ravioli. Cheese, spinach, mushroom, and beef are all popular options, but you can choose any filling that you like. You can also choose between fresh or frozen ravioli. If you are using frozen ravioli, make sure to thaw them before cooking, unless you are using an air fryer, in which case you can cook them from frozen.

Another thing to consider is the size of the ravioli. Smaller, bite-sized ravioli are great for appetizers or snacks, while larger ravioli can be used for a more substantial meal. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ravioli. If you are using larger ravioli, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Finally, decide whether you want to bread your ravioli or simply air fry them with a coating of olive oil. Breaded ravioli will have a crispier texture and are perfect for dipping. On the other hand, air-fried ravioli without breading are a lighter and healthier option that still tastes delicious.

Once you have chosen your ravioli, you are ready to start preparing and cooking them. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature and follow the specific instructions for your chosen recipe. Enjoy your delicious air-fried ravioli!

Preparing the coating

The coating is what gives your air-fried ravioli that extra crunch and flavour, so it's an important step to get right. Here's a detailed guide on preparing the coating for your air fryer ravioli:

• Prepare two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk an egg. You can add a little water to the egg and beat them together, which will help the coating stick to the ravioli.
• In the second bowl, combine dry ingredients: mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings. You can use Italian-style or Panko bread crumbs. For the cheese, grate or finely shred it to help it stick to the ravioli. As for seasonings, you can use dried basil, garlic powder, salt, or Italian seasoning. You can also add extra cheese to the breading mixture for an extra cheesy kick.
• If you want an even crispier coating, you can add some all-purpose flour to the egg mixture. This will create a dry coating that helps the breading stick better.
• Now you have your two dips ready: the egg mixture and the breading mixture. Take each ravioli and dip it first in the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, again coating both sides. Use a fork to help you with this process.
• Place the coated ravioli on a plate or cutting board. Repeat this process until you have enough ravioli to fill the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
• Once your ravioli are coated, give them a light spray with oil. You can use olive oil or another vegetable oil. Avoid using commercial cooking spray as the preservatives can damage your air fryer basket. Instead, put the oil in a spray bottle and spritz the ravioli lightly.
• At this point, you can also add some extra grated cheese on top of the coated ravioli for an extra cheesy kick.

Now that your ravioli are coated and ready, it's time to pop them into the air fryer and cook them to golden perfection!

Cooking the ravioli

There are two main methods for cooking ravioli in an air fryer: breaded and unbreaded.

Breaded Ravioli

Breaded ravioli is a two-step process. First, prepare a dredging station with three separate bowls. One with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasoning. You can also add the seasoning to the flour. Common seasoning choices include garlic powder, basil, Italian seasoning, and salt.

Next, take each ravioli and dip it first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the ravioli thoroughly in each step. Once they are all coated, spritz the ravioli with cooking spray or brush them lightly with oil.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap or stack. Cook for 6-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown.

Unbreaded Ravioli

For unbreaded ravioli, start by boiling the ravioli according to the package instructions. Scoop the cooked ravioli out with a slotted spoon and lay them on paper towels to dry. This should only take a minute or two.

Once they are dry, add the ravioli to a bowl and coat them with olive oil and your chosen seasonings. Common choices include Italian herb seasoning, parmesan or pecorino cheese, salt, and pepper.

Place the ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap too much. You may need to cook them in batches. Spritz with a little more oil and cook at 360°F for 5 minutes, shaking the basket after a couple of minutes to prevent sticking. They are ready when they are crispy and browned.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer ravioli is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air fryer ravioli:

Dipping Sauces

The most popular way to serve air fryer ravioli is with a dipping sauce. The crispy exterior of the ravioli pairs perfectly with a variety of sauces. The traditional choice is marinara sauce, but feel free to get creative. Here are some sauce suggestions:

• Pesto sauce: Try classic basil pesto or experiment with red or green pesto variations.
• Alfredo sauce: The creamy, cheesy flavour of alfredo sauce balances out the other flavours of the ravioli.
• Garlic cream sauce: For an indulgent experience, serve your ravioli with a homemade garlic cream sauce.
• Spinach and artichoke dip: This substantial dip will add a creamy and savoury element to your ravioli.

Side Dishes

Air fryer ravioli also works well as a side dish. Here are some suggestions to make it a part of a larger meal:

• Garlic bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a perfect complement to the ravioli.
• Pasta: Serve your ravioli with a side of buttery pasta for a hearty Italian meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Add some colour and nutrition with roasted veggies like garlicky spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers.
• Salad: For a lighter option, pair your ravioli with a simple side salad.

Toppings

To enhance the flavour and presentation of your air fryer ravioli, consider adding some toppings:

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle minced parsley, basil, or other herbs on top for added freshness and aroma.
• Cheese: Grate some extra parmesan, pecorino, or Italian hard cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch.
• Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like Everything Bagel seasoning or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Customisations

You can also customise your air fryer ravioli by using different types of ravioli fillings. Here are some filling suggestions:

• Cheese: Cheese ravioli, especially those filled with spinach and cheese or mozzarella, are popular choices.
• Meat: You can use ravioli filled with meat, such as beef, for a heartier option.
• Spinach and ricotta: This combination offers a creamy and savoury experience.
• Mushroom: Mushroom ravioli will add an earthy and savoury flavour to your dish.

Reheating and storing

If you have any leftover ravioli, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge and, when you're ready to eat, put them in the air fryer and spritz them with a little oil. Then heat them at 350°F for 3-4 minutes and they will be crispy and delicious again.

Leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also revive them with a minute or two back in the air fryer.

You can also freeze your ravioli. To do this, place the uncooked ravioli on a baking tray and flash-freeze them for about 20 minutes. Then, transfer the ravioli to a freezer-safe container with a tightly fitting lid.

Frequently asked questions