Air-Fried Ravioli: A Quick, Crispy Comfort Food

Air fryer ravioli is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried ravioli. It can be made with fresh or frozen ravioli, breaded or unbreaded, and is a great snack, appetiser, or party food. The ravioli is cooked in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown and crispy, and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces.

Choosing the right ravioli

Type of Ravioli

The most common types of ravioli used for air frying are cheese ravioli and spinach and ricotta ravioli. However, you can also find ravioli filled with meat, chicken, or other vegetables like mushroom or artichoke. Choose a filling that you and your guests will enjoy.

Size of Ravioli

The size of the ravioli will impact the cooking time and the overall texture of the dish. Smaller, bite-sized ravioli are often preferred for air frying as they cook more quickly and result in crispy, bite-sized appetizers. Larger ravioli may require a longer cooking time and can be more suitable for a heartier dish.

Fresh or Frozen

You can use either fresh or frozen ravioli for air frying. Fresh ravioli will result in a softer texture, while frozen ravioli can provide a crispier exterior. If using frozen ravioli, it is recommended to thaw them first, especially if you are using a breading. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from leaking out.

Breading Options

You can choose to bread your ravioli or cook them without breading. Breaded ravioli will have a crispier texture and can be coated in breadcrumbs, Panko, or crushed crackers for a gluten-free option. If you decide to bread your ravioli, you will need to dip them in an egg mixture before coating them in the breading of your choice.

When choosing the right ravioli for your air fryer, consider the filling, size, freshness, and whether you want to bread them. With the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create delicious air fryer ravioli that are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a fun meal for your family.

Breading the ravioli

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

You will need three separate bowls or containers for this process. In the first bowl, whisk an egg or two, depending on the quantity of ravioli. You can also add a bit of water to the egg to create an egg wash, which will help the breading stick better. In the second bowl, combine breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings and cheese. For an extra crispy texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs. Italian-style breadcrumbs are also a great option, or you can season plain breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, basil, or Italian seasoning. In the third bowl, place some flour, which will help the egg wash adhere better to the ravioli.

Step 2: Coat the Ravioli

Take each ravioli and first dip it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg wash, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, roll the ravioli in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is completely covered. You can use your hands or tongs for this process, but be prepared for it to get a little messy! Place the breaded ravioli on a plate or cutting board while you bread the rest.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before adding the ravioli to the air fryer, it is essential to preheat it. Set the temperature to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Preheat the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.

Step 4: Arrange the Ravioli in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the breaded ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly and getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ravioli in batches.

Step 5: Spray with Oil

Lightly spray the ravioli with a non-aerosol cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This step will help the ravioli achieve an even crispier texture. However, be cautious not to use commercial cooking spray, as the preservatives can damage the air fryer basket. Instead, opt for a spray bottle filled with oil or brush the ravioli with oil gently.

Step 6: Air Fry the Ravioli

Once the ravioli are coated, sprayed, and arranged in the air fryer, it's time to cook them. Air fry the ravioli for about 6-8 minutes at 350-400°F (175-200°C). Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your ravioli and whether they are frozen or thawed. For larger ravioli or frozen ones, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer ravioli is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and to adjust the cooking time as needed. With these tips, you'll be able to create delicious, crispy, and golden air fryer ravioli every time!

Cooking the ravioli

There are two main methods for cooking ravioli in an air fryer: breaded and non-breaded. Both methods require pre-cooking the ravioli and drying it before placing it in the air fryer.

Breaded Ravioli

This method involves coating the ravioli in breadcrumbs before air-frying. Here are the steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk an egg.
• In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings (such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or salt). You can also use Italian-style breadcrumbs.
• Dip the ravioli in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until all ravioli are coated.
• Place the coated ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Spray the ravioli with oil.
• Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Non-Breaded Ravioli

This method involves coating the ravioli in olive oil and seasonings before air-frying. Here are the steps:

• Pre-cook the ravioli and dry it with paper towels.
• Coat the ravioli with olive oil and seasonings such as Italian herbs, parmesan or pecorino cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Place the ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket after a couple of minutes, until crispy and browned.

Dipping sauces

Air-fryer ravioli is a quick and easy snack or appetiser, and the perfect dipping food. The crispy, golden exterior and soft, silky interior make it a delight to bite into, and the perfect vessel for a variety of sauces.

The most common dipping sauce for toasted ravioli is a good marinara sauce. This tangy, rich sauce complements the ravioli filling, but you can also add cream cheese to make it extra indulgent.

If you want to offer a variety of sauces, or are serving these at a party, it is recommended to have at least two sauces. Aside from marinara, you could offer a creamy alfredo sauce, pesto, or a ranch dip. You could also serve a garlic cream sauce, or a classic spinach and artichoke dip.

For a lighter, healthier option, you can skip the breading and serve the ravioli more like 'pasta chips'. This method is also a lot less messy and time-consuming to prepare. You can still coat the ravioli in olive oil and seasonings, and then serve with a dip of your choice. A classic Italian herb blend and parmesan or pecorino cheese, with a marinara dip, is a great option.

Reheating and storing

If you have any leftover ravioli, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and when you're ready to eat, put them in the air fryer and spray them with a little oil. Then heat them at 350–400°F for 2–5 minutes and they will be crispy and delicious.

If you want to freeze your ravioli, flash-freeze them after coating them in breadcrumbs. Then, place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, simply air fry them, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions