Air-Fried Ravioli: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer ravioli is a quick and easy snack or appetizer that can be made in less than 10 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried ravioli as it uses less oil and has a crispy layer on the outside with a creamy texture on the inside. You can use any type of ravioli, such as cheese, chicken and cheese, veggie, or beef, and either fresh or frozen. The ravioli is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil, and then air-fried to golden perfection. It is typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, but other sauces such as pesto or alfredo can also be used.

Choosing the right ravioli

When making fried ravioli in an air fryer, there are several types of ravioli you can use, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right ravioli for your air fryer recipe:

Type of Ravioli

You can choose from a variety of ravioli fillings to suit your taste. Common options include cheese, spinach and cheese, beef, chicken, or a combination of cheese and vegetables. If you're making this dish for children, they might prefer ravioli filled with just cheese. You can also use refrigerated or frozen ravioli, depending on what's available to you.

Size of Ravioli

The size of the ravioli will impact the cooking time and the number of batches you'll need to cook. Smaller ravioli, around 1-inch square, will take about 7-8 minutes to cook and usually require 3 batches to cook a full 9-ounce package. Larger ravioli, around 2-3 inches square, will take closer to 10 minutes and typically only need 2 batches.

Breadcrumbs

You can use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs for your fried ravioli. If you opt for plain breadcrumbs, you may want to add dried Italian seasoning or other herbs like basil or oregano to add extra flavour. If you use Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can skip adding extra seasoning.

Cooking Spray

While cooking spray is not mandatory, it can help to crisp up the ravioli and prevent sticking. However, it's important to avoid using commercial cooking spray in your air fryer, as the preservatives in the oil can damage the air fryer basket. Instead, use a spray bottle filled with oil or brush the ravioli with a small amount of oil.

Preparing the coating

The coating is what gives your air-fried ravioli that extra crunch and flavour. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the perfect coating:

• Set up your "dipping station": Grab three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, pour some all-purpose flour. This dry coating helps the wet ingredients stick better to the ravioli. In the second bowl, crack and beat two large eggs. You can also add a splash of water to the eggs to help them blend well. The eggs will act as a glue for the outer coating. In the third bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and dried basil or Italian seasoning. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, salt, or oregano to this mixture for an extra kick of flavour.
• Prepare the ravioli: Depending on your preference, you can use fresh or frozen ravioli. If using frozen, there is no need to defrost them first. You can choose any filling you like, such as cheese, chicken and cheese, spinach, beef, or veggie. For a true Italian experience, go for the classic cheese ravioli!
• Dredge and dip: Now it's time to coat your ravioli! Start by dipping each ravioli in the flour, making sure to coat both sides. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured ravioli into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, dip the ravioli into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently pat the ravioli to help the coating adhere and ensure an even layer.
• Repeat: Continue this process until you have coated enough ravioli to fill the air fryer basket. It's important to work in batches to ensure even cooking. Place the coated ravioli on a cutting board or plate while you prepare the rest.
• Spray and cook: Once your ravioli are coated and ready, give them a light spritz with cooking spray. This step helps with crisping and browning. Now, they're ready for the air fryer! Cook at 350-400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of your ravioli. For smaller ravioli, 7-8 minutes should be enough. For larger ones, aim for 10 minutes. Don't forget to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

Your air-fried ravioli are now ready for serving! Enjoy the crispy, golden exterior and the soft, cheesy interior. Serve them with a side of warm marinara sauce, or get creative with pesto, alfredo, or garlic cream sauce for dipping.

Cooking the ravioli

First, preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F. While it's heating up, prepare your ravioli. If you're using frozen ravioli, you don't need to defrost it first. However, if you're using refrigerated ravioli, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

Next, prepare your coating mixture. In one bowl, beat an egg with a fork. In a separate bowl, mix together your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and any desired seasonings. You can also add dried basil or another herb if you like. If you're using Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can skip adding extra Italian seasoning.

Now, it's time to dip your ravioli! First, dip them into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they're well coated on both sides. This step can be a bit messy, so it's best to use your hands. Once they're coated, place them on a cutting board or plate.

After your air fryer has preheated, it's time to cook the ravioli. Place the coated ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the ravioli with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This will help them crisp up nicely.

Cook the ravioli for 6–10 minutes, depending on their size. For smaller ravioli, cook for 6–8 minutes, and for larger ravioli, cook for about 10 minutes. If using frozen ravioli, cook for 7 minutes. Flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking time and spray or brush with more oil if desired.

Once they're golden brown and crispy, your ravioli are ready to enjoy! Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or pesto. You can also sprinkle them with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavour.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried ravioli is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried ravioli:

Appetizer

Air-fried ravioli makes a delicious and elegant appetizer for any occasion. Simply fry the ravioli according to your preferred method and serve it with a side of warm marinara sauce or your favourite dipping sauce. This dish is perfect for parties or as a starter for a dinner party. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as pesto or ranch dip, to add variety to your appetizer.

Side Dish

As a side dish, air-fried ravioli can accompany a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside a hearty bowl of pasta, roasted vegetables, or sautéed garlicky spinach. You can also pair it with garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. This will add a crunchy and tasty element to your meal.

Main Course

To make air-fried ravioli the star of your meal, serve it with a variety of sides and sauces. For a classic combination, provide a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also offer alternatives such as alfredo or pesto sauce to cater to different taste preferences.

Additionally, consider serving air-fried ravioli with a side of roasted broccoli, air-fried mushrooms, or zucchini. These vegetable sides will add a healthy and tasty contrast to the crispy ravioli. If you want to indulge, pair the ravioli with homemade parmesan garlic bread—after all, what's ravioli without garlic bread?

Lastly, don't forget to adjust the portion sizes accordingly if serving air-fried ravioli as a main course, and feel free to experiment with different types of ravioli fillings to cater to different taste preferences.

Reheating and storing

Leftover fried ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place the ravioli in the air fryer tray and set the temperature to 350°F for two to four minutes. It is fine to stack the ravioli when reheating, as they do not have to be in a single layer.

You can also freeze uncooked ravioli to fry at short notice. To do this, flash-freeze the ravioli on a baking tray for about 20 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with a tightly fitting lid.

Frequently asked questions