Air Fryer Fried Ravioli: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make fried food healthier, and they're perfect for making crispy, golden-brown fried ravioli. This dish is a delicious twist on the classic fried ravioli recipe and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's also really easy to make, so it's a great option if you're short on time but still want something tasty and satisfying.

Choosing the right frozen ravioli

Type of Ravioli

Start by choosing the type of ravioli you want. You can select from various options, such as cheese ravioli, meat ravioli, spinach and cheese ravioli, or a combination of meat and cheese. If you're serving guests with dietary restrictions, opt for gluten-free or vegetarian options.

Brand Options

When it comes to brands, there are several recommended options to consider:

• Kroger's Frozen Cheese Ravioli
• Louisa Spinach Cheese Ravioli
• Rana Mozzarella Cheese Ravioli
• Capello's Spinach and Cheese Ravioli
• Celentano Gluten-Free Cheese Ravioli
• Conte's Gluten-Free Cheese Ravioli
• Udi's Gluten-Free Three-Cheese Ravioli
• Mama Cozzi's Toasted Ravioli (Aldi's brand)

Size of Ravioli

Consider the size of the ravioli, especially if you're cooking in batches. Smaller ravioli may cook faster and require a shorter cooking time, while larger ravioli may need a few extra minutes.

Fresh vs. Frozen

You can use either fresh or frozen ravioli in your air fryer. Fresh ravioli will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Frozen ravioli is convenient and can be cooked straight from the freezer, but you may need to thaw it first if you prefer a softer texture.

Customization

The beauty of making air-fried ravioli is that you can customize it to your taste. If you want to add some spice, include chili flakes or red pepper flakes. For a zestier flavour, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also experiment with different types of oil spray, Italian seasoning, or other seasonings to find your perfect combination.

Remember, the key to choosing the right frozen ravioli is to select a variety that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to creating delicious air-fried ravioli that everyone will love!

Preparing the air fryer basket

Before you start preparing your ravioli, you should prepare your air fryer basket. Spray the basket with cooking spray, or olive oil spray. If you don't have either of these, you can also line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone air fryer liner.

If you are using an air fryer that requires preheating, now is the time to do it. Preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes.

Now, your air fryer basket is ready for your ravioli!

Filling your air fryer basket

When filling your air fryer basket, make sure that you place the ravioli in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook your ravioli in batches.

Preparing the breading stations

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Firstly, you'll need to gather all the necessary ingredients for the breading process. These typically include eggs, breadcrumbs or panko, Parmesan cheese, and various seasonings. The exact quantities and types of seasonings can vary, but common choices include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and salt.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash

In one shallow bowl, prepare your egg wash by beating the eggs until they are frothy. You can use a fork or a whisk to achieve the desired consistency. This step ensures that the eggs are well combined and will coat the ravioli evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including the breadcrumbs or panko, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed. You can also add a little flour to the mixture if desired. This dry mixture will create a crispy and flavourful coating for your ravioli.

Step 4: Set Up a Dredging Station

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. Place the bowl of egg wash next to the bowl of dry ingredients. You'll also need a plate or tray where you can place the coated ravioli before transferring them to the air fryer. Having a well-organised dredging station makes the breading process more efficient and less messy.

Step 5: Optional – Flour the Ravioli

Some recipes suggest lightly coating the ravioli in flour before dipping them in the egg wash. This step can help the egg and breadcrumb coating adhere better to the ravioli, resulting in a crispier final product. However, it is not mandatory, and you can proceed directly to dipping the ravioli in the egg wash if preferred.

Step 6: Coat the Ravioli

Take each ravioli and dip it first in the egg wash, making sure it is evenly coated. Then, move it to the bowl of dry ingredients and coat it thoroughly. Gently press the ravioli into the mixture to ensure all sides are well-coated. Finally, place the coated ravioli on a plate or tray while you repeat this process with the remaining ravioli.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly breaded ravioli ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and spray it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper before placing the ravioli inside. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried ravioli!

Battering the ravioli

Now it's time to coat the ravioli. Take each piece of ravioli and dip it first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is completely covered. Place the coated ravioli on a clean work surface and repeat this process until all your ravioli are battered. You can also add an extra step here and dip the ravioli in flour before coating with the egg mixture, for an even crispier texture.

Once all your ravioli are battered, they are ready to go into the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches so they are in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking, and place the battered ravioli inside. Air fry at around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.

And that's it! Your fried ravioli are now ready to serve. Enjoy them as a delicious appetizer or side dish, with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air-frying the ravioli

Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli

Firstly, decide whether you want to use fresh or frozen ravioli. Most recipes recommend using frozen ravioli, as the breading tends to stick better. However, if you prefer to use fresh ravioli, that is also an option. Keep the ravioli frozen until you are ready to coat them.

Step 2: Create the Breading Station

Set up a dredging station with two bowls. In the first bowl, beat one or two eggs until frothy. You can also add a little water to make an egg wash. In the second bowl, combine the dry ingredients: breadcrumbs or panko, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, Italian seasoning, and salt to taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Mix the dry ingredients well.

Step 3: Coat the Ravioli

Dip each ravioli into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Gently shake off any excess. Some recipes suggest coating the ravioli in flour before dipping in the egg, for an extra crispy texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. You can also line it with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Not all air fryers require preheating, but it is recommended for optimal results.

Step 5: Air Fry the Ravioli

Place the coated ravioli into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8-15 minutes. For smaller ravioli, check after 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. Flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the ravioli from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best experience. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy. You can serve them as an appetizer or a main course, with a side of marinara or other dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• If you want to add protein, try using meat-filled ravioli or adding meat to your breading mixture.
• For an extra crispy texture, spray the ravioli with cooking spray before air frying.
• You can also bake the ravioli in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a similar result.
• To save time, use pre-breaded ravioli or prepare the ravioli in advance and freeze them.
• For a healthier option, use an air fryer instead of deep frying, as it requires little to no oil.
• Get creative with your dipping sauces! While marinara is a classic, you can also try alfredo sauce, pesto, buffalo dip, or garlic aioli.

Enjoy your delicious, air-fried ravioli!

Frequently asked questions