Air-Fryer Fried Ravioli: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air-fried ravioli is a quick, easy, and delicious snack that can be made in less than 10 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried ravioli as it requires less oil and has a crispy exterior with a soft interior. The ravioli can be breaded or simply coated in olive oil and fried to perfection in an air fryer. They are best served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Choosing the right ravioli

When making fried ravioli in an air fryer, you can use either fresh or frozen ravioli. If you're using frozen ravioli, it's important to defrost them before frying, although some sources say you can cook them from frozen. You can use any type of ravioli, whether it's cheese, chicken and cheese, veggie, beef, mushroom, spinach and ricotta, spinach and artichoke, sausage and marinara, or three-cheese asparagus. You can even make your own ravioli from scratch!

The size of the ravioli you choose will determine how long they need to be cooked for and how many batches you need to cook. Smaller ravioli, around 1-inch square, will take around 7-8 minutes to cook and you'll need to cook them in 3 batches to get a full 9-ounce package cooked. You'll also need to double the breading ingredients to ensure all the pieces are well-coated. Larger ravioli, around 2-3 inches square, will take about 10 minutes to cook, and you'll only need to cook them in 2 batches.

If you're using refrigerated ravioli, look for Italian-style or cheese ravioli. If you're using frozen ravioli, you can use any variety, including meat, cheese, or veggie.

Preparing the coating

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

Start by preparing three separate shallow bowls for the dry and wet ingredients. In the first bowl, place your chosen type of breading. You can use regular breadcrumbs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, or seasoned breadcrumbs (such as panko) for a lighter and crunchier texture. If you opt for plain breadcrumbs, you can add some dried Italian seasoning or other herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavour.

In the second bowl, crack and beat an egg or two, depending on the quantity of ravioli you're preparing. You can also add a small amount of water to the egg to help it blend better. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

The third bowl will contain a dry coating to help the breading stick to the ravioli. For this, you can use all-purpose flour. Alternatively, you can use a combination of flour and additional grated Parmesan cheese, which will add extra flavour and help the coating adhere better.

Now, it's time to coat the ravioli! Start by dipping each ravioli in the flour (or flour-cheese mixture) to cover both sides. Shake off any excess coating.

Next, dip the floured ravioli into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. You can use a fork or your hands for this step, but be aware that it can get a little messy!

Finally, it's time to add the breading. Take the egged ravioli and coat it generously with the breadcrumb mixture, patting or pressing it onto the ravioli to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process until you have a batch of coated ravioli ready for the air fryer.

Remember, the coating process can be a little messy, but it's worth it for that delicious, crispy texture!

Cooking the ravioli

Now that you have your ingredients and your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature, it's time to cook your ravioli. The great thing about air fryers is that they require minimal prep work and your food is ready in just a few minutes.

First, if you are using frozen ravioli, there is no need to defrost them. Simply take them out of the bag and dip them in the egg mixture, coating both sides. Then, dip the ravioli in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well covered. This process can get a little messy, so it is recommended to use your hands for dipping. Once your ravioli are coated, place them on a cutting board.

Next, arrange the ravioli in a single layer on the greased tray in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked, as this will affect even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ravioli in batches. Spray the tops of the ravioli with cooking spray.

Now, it's time to fry! For small ravioli, cook at 350-400°F for 7-8 minutes. For larger ravioli, cook for about 10 minutes. Flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking time and spritz with cooking spray again.

Your ravioli are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, simply fry for a few extra minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or pesto.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy air-fried ravioli. Enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main meal.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried ravioli is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

As an Appetizer:

Air-fried ravioli makes a great appetiser, especially for a party or game day get-together. They are crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside, making them perfect for dipping. Serve them with a side of warm marinara sauce, pesto sauce, or even a ranch dip for a tasty treat. You can also sprinkle them with fresh herbs, such as basil, and additional Parmesan cheese for an extra flavour boost.

As a Snack:

These crispy ravioli bites are perfect for satisfying those munchies when the cravings strike! They can be easily made in the air fryer and are a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, whether it's marinara, pesto, or something else entirely.

As Part of a Main Meal:

Air-fried ravioli can be served as a side dish or incorporated into a larger meal. They pair well with crusty garlic bread, buttery pasta, roasted vegetables, or sautéed garlicky spinach. For a filling and well-rounded meal, consider serving them with a side of roasted broccoli, air-fried mushrooms and zucchini, or even homemade parmesan garlic bread.

Other Serving Suggestions:

• If you're serving these as a main dish or side, keep in mind that they can be made with different fillings to suit your taste. Cheese, chicken and cheese, veggie, or meat fillings are all great options.
• For a healthier option, you can simply air fry the ravioli with a coating of olive oil instead of breading them.
• If you want to add more flavour to the breading, you can include herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
• You can also experiment with different sauces or dips to find your favourite combination.

With their versatility and delicious flavour, air-fried ravioli is sure to be a hit, whether served as a snack, appetiser, or part of a main course.

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 2-4 minutes. It is okay to stack the ravioli when reheating, so they don't 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 tight-fitting lid.

Frequently asked questions