Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli: Your Ultimate Guide to a Quick & Delicious Meal

Transform ordinary ravioli into an extraordinary culinary delight with this easy-to-follow Air Fryer Ravioli recipe! Perfectly breaded, wonderfully toasted, and air-fried to golden crispness, these delightful pasta pockets offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. Coated in a savory mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then air-fried until golden brown, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a tender, flavorful filling. Serve them hot with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping – they’re an absolute hit as a quick weeknight meal, a party-pleasing appetizer, or a fun snack.

Whether you’re reaching for fresh ravioli from the refrigerated section or a bag of frozen ravioli from your freezer, this versatile recipe adapts seamlessly to both, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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What is Air Fryer Ravioli?

Air fryer ravioli takes the beloved Italian-American appetizer, toasted ravioli, and reimagines it for modern kitchens. Traditionally, toasted ravioli involves deep-frying breaded ravioli until golden and crispy. While undeniably delicious, this method can be messy and requires a fair amount of oil. The air fryer offers a fantastic alternative, circulating hot air around the breaded pasta to achieve a similar crispy exterior with significantly less oil.

These small, square pasta parcels, typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as savory meats, rich cheeses, or even unique combinations like spinach, lobster, or pumpkin, become incredibly addictive when prepared in the air fryer. The result is a light, crunchy coating that perfectly complements the tender, flavorful filling inside. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, convenient, and healthier way to enjoy this classic dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe

There are countless reasons why air fryer ravioli will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a gourmet-tasting dish on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.
• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer delivers an unparalleled crispiness that mimics deep-frying without the excess oil. Each ravioli boasts a golden, crunchy exterior that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Healthier Alternative: By using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, air frying reduces fat content, making this a lighter option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Versatile & Customizable: This recipe works beautifully with almost any type of fresh or frozen ravioli and can be easily adapted with different seasonings and dipping sauces to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a delightful appetizer for gatherings, a fun snack for movie night, or a light main course, these toasted ravioli are always a hit with both kids and adults.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need a handful of common pantry staples to create this impressive dish, making it accessible for any home cook.

Choosing the Right Ravioli for Air Frying

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility when it comes to the type of ravioli you can use. Ravioli are essentially small, square or round pasta pockets filled with various delicious ingredients. You’ll typically find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, though frozen options are also widely available.

For this air fryer recipe, almost any variety will work wonderfully. Here are some popular choices:

• Cheese Ravioli: A classic and always a crowd-pleaser. Options range from simple ricotta cheese to blends including Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone. The creamy cheese filling provides a lovely contrast to the crispy breading.
• Meat Ravioli: Varieties filled with beef, pork, or a combination offer a heartier flavor profile. These are particularly satisfying for a more substantial appetizer or main dish.
• Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli: A popular vegetarian option that adds a touch of earthy green flavor.
• Other Gourmet Fillings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with unique flavors like mushroom, butternut squash, lobster, or even truffle ravioli for a more sophisticated twist.

I often find excellent fresh ravioli at specialty stores like Trader Joe’s, which offers a great selection of unique and traditional fillings. Regardless of your choice, ensure the ravioli are intact and not stuck together before breading for the best results.

Using Frozen Ravioli

One of the best features of this recipe is its adaptability to frozen ravioli. You might be accustomed to boiling frozen pasta first, but for air fryer toasted ravioli, there’s absolutely no need to thaw or pre-cook them! This saves you a significant amount of time and effort, making the recipe even more convenient.

Simply follow the same breading instructions as you would for fresh ravioli. The air fryer’s powerful heat circulation will cook the ravioli from frozen while simultaneously crisping up the breading. When using frozen ravioli, anticipate an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time compared to fresh ravioli. It’s crucial to keep a watchful eye on them, especially during the last few minutes, to achieve that perfect golden brown crispness without burning.

The Perfect Dipping Sauces

While crispy air fryer ravioli are incredibly flavorful on their own, pairing them with the right dipping sauce elevates the experience to another level. A delicious sauce adds moisture, tang, and another layer of taste that complements the savory, cheesy pasta.

My absolute favorite is a classic marinara sauce. Its rich tomato flavor and slight acidity cut through the richness of the ravioli and cheese, creating a balanced bite. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try my homemade marinara sauce recipe for an even fresher taste. However, a good quality store-bought marinara, like Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce, works perfectly for convenience.

Beyond marinara, here are some other fantastic dipping sauce ideas to explore:

• Pesto Sauce: A vibrant and aromatic basil pesto offers a fresh, herbaceous contrast.
• Alfredo Sauce: For an indulgent experience, a creamy Alfredo sauce provides a rich and comforting dip.
• Garlic Butter: Melted butter infused with fresh garlic and a sprinkle of parsley makes a simple yet incredibly flavorful dip.
• Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a zesty, creamy, and slightly spicy kick.
• Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy ranch dressing is surprisingly delicious with toasted ravioli, especially for those who enjoy a tangier profile.
• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze can add a sophisticated touch.

Selecting Your Breadcrumbs

The type of breadcrumbs you choose plays a significant role in the texture and overall crispiness of your air fryer ravioli. While the recipe is quite forgiving, opting for the right kind can enhance your final result.

• Traditional, Plain Breadcrumbs: These are my go-to choice. They provide a fine, even coating that crisps up beautifully and allows the seasoning to shine. If using plain, you have full control over the flavor profile by adding your preferred spices.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: A convenient option that already contains herbs and spices, typically including garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. If using these, you might want to adjust the additional seasonings in the recipe to avoid over-flavoring.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra-crispy, almost flaky texture, panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice. Panko crumbs are larger and lighter, resulting in a distinctly crunchier coating. Be aware that panko breadcrumbs tend to brown faster in the air fryer, so keep a closer watch on your ravioli to prevent over-browning.

No matter which you choose, ensure your breadcrumbs are fresh for the best flavor and crispness. You can even make your own breadcrumbs from stale bread for a truly homemade touch!

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli

Making delicious, crispy air fryer ravioli is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving perfection:

1. Prepare Your Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. This will be your dry mixture.
2. Prepare Your Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. This will act as the binder for your breading.
3. Coat the Ravioli: First, dip each ravioli into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the egg-coated ravioli into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a full and even coating on all sides. Repeat for all ravioli, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil works well). Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This is crucial for even cooking and crispiness. Spray the tops of the ravioli with cooking oil.
5. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the ravioli in the preheated air fryer. More detailed instructions on temperature and timing are provided in the sections below, but generally, you’ll air fry them until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, serve your crispy air fryer ravioli hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

For detailed measurements and full instructions, refer to the comprehensive recipe card located towards the bottom of this post.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature

Achieving that perfect golden crisp on your air fryer ravioli largely depends on setting the correct temperature. I highly recommend preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This high temperature is ideal because it allows the breading to quickly crisp up and turn golden brown, while simultaneously ensuring the ravioli filling gets thoroughly heated and cooked through.

Starting with a hot air fryer helps to create that desirable crust almost immediately, locking in moisture and preventing the ravioli from becoming dry. If the temperature is too low, the ravioli might cook through before the breading gets adequately crispy, leading to a softer texture. Conversely, a too-high temperature could burn the breading before the inside is properly heated.

Achieving the Perfect Cook Time

The cook time for air fryer ravioli can vary slightly based on several factors, including the model of your air fryer, the size and thickness of your ravioli (fresh vs. frozen), and your desired level of crispness. Generally, fresh ravioli will need around 10 minutes of air frying.

Here’s a breakdown to help you achieve perfect results:

• Initial Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
• Flip and Continue: Open the air fryer, carefully flip each ravioli to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. Continue air frying for an additional 2-5 minutes.
• Visual Cues: Look for a rich golden-brown color and a visibly crispy texture. Smaller ravioli might be done in as little as 7-9 minutes total, while larger or meat-filled varieties could take up to 12-15 minutes. Frozen ravioli typically require an extra 5-10 minutes beyond fresh.
• Check for Doneness: If some areas appear lighter, a quick spray of cooking oil on those spots can help them crisp up further. You can also carefully cut one open to ensure the filling is hot.

It’s always best to check them frequently, especially if it’s your first time making this recipe in your specific air fryer. A little experimentation will help you find the sweet spot for perfect crispy air fryer ravioli every time.

Tips for Ultra-Crispy Results

While air frying naturally creates a crispy texture, a few extra tips can guarantee your air fryer ravioli reach their maximum crunch potential:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If the basket is too full, air cannot circulate properly, leading to steamed rather than crispy ravioli. Cook in batches, ensuring a single layer with space between each piece.
• Generously Spray with Oil: After breading and placing the ravioli in the basket, give them a good spray of cooking oil. This helps the breading brown and crisp up beautifully. Olive oil or avocado oil spray works best.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures an even and consistent cooking temperature from the start, leading to better crispness.
• Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the ravioli ensures both sides get direct exposure to the circulating hot air, resulting in uniform golden-brown crispness.
• Check and Adjust: Every air fryer is different. Keep an eye on your ravioli during the last few minutes. If they need more crispness, add an extra minute or two. If they look too pale in spots, spray a little more oil.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: As mentioned earlier, panko breadcrumbs contribute to a lighter, extra-crunchy coating due to their larger, flakier texture.

Flavor Variations and Additions

One of the joys of cooking is customization, and this air fryer ravioli recipe is incredibly versatile. While the core recipe is delicious, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and additions to create unique flavor profiles:

• Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs directly into your breadcrumb mixture.
  • Fresh Basil or Dried Basil: Adds a sweet, peppery, and slightly minty note, perfect for Italian flavors.
  • Parsley: Fresh or dried, it brightens the flavor and adds a touch of color.
  • Oregano or Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, these herbs complement the cheese and pasta beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of paprika to your breading.
• Smoky Flavor: A touch of smoked paprika can add a subtle, savory depth to the breading.
• Specialty Seasonings:
  • Homemade Ranch Seasoning: For a zesty, savory, and herbaceous flavor that pairs surprisingly well with fried pasta.
  • Cajun Seasoning or Creole Seasoning: For a bold, spicy, and savory Southern-inspired twist. These blends typically include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and various peppers.
• Extra Cheesy: Double the amount of Parmesan cheese in the breading mixture, or try adding a bit of finely grated Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Increase the garlic powder, or finely mince fresh garlic and add it to the egg wash for an intense garlic flavor.

Don’t be afraid to taste your breadcrumb mixture before coating the ravioli and adjust the spices to your preference!

Egg-Free and Breading-Free Options

This air fryer ravioli recipe is versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences or simply offer a different culinary experience. Here’s how you can enjoy air fryer ravioli without eggs or breading:

How to Make Them Without Breading and No Egg

If you prefer your ravioli plain or want a lighter version, you can completely skip the breading process. This means no breadcrumbs, no Parmesan, and no spices. Simply:

1. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil.
2. Arrange the raw (fresh or frozen) ravioli in a single layer in the basket. Ensure they don’t overlap.
3. Lightly spray the tops of the ravioli with cooking oil. This helps them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C). Plain ravioli will cook much faster than breaded versions, taking about half of the noted cook time (typically 5-7 minutes for fresh, 10-12 minutes for frozen).
5. Check for doneness: they should be plump and tender. Most packaged ravioli also come with instructions and suggested cook times, which you can use as a guide.

This method results in soft, pillowy ravioli that are perfect for saucing directly, perhaps with a simple pesto or a rich Alfredo.

Egg-Free Breading Alternatives

If you want the crispy breading but need an egg-free option, you can use alternative binders:

• Milk or Buttermilk: Dip the ravioli in milk (dairy or non-dairy) or buttermilk before dredging in breadcrumbs. The slight acidity in buttermilk can also add a nice tang.
• Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) can create a good sticky surface for breadcrumbs.
• Mustard: A thin layer of Dijon mustard can also act as an excellent binder, adding a subtle tangy flavor.
• Aquafaba: For a vegan option, the liquid from a can of chickpeas (aquafaba) can be whisked until slightly frothy and used as an egg wash substitute.

Whichever method you choose, ensure the binder coats the ravioli thoroughly for the breading to adhere well.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While air fryer ravioli are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can certainly store leftovers and reheat them. Proper storage and reheating techniques are key to maintaining their delicious texture.

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover air fryer ravioli to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, avoid stacking too many on top of each other if possible, or place a piece of parchment paper between layers.

How to Reheat

The best way to reheat air fryer ravioli and bring back their delightful crispness is, fittingly, in the air fryer. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crispy texture, as it tends to make them soft and chewy.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Arrange the leftover ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A quick, light spray of cooking oil can help revitalize the crispness.
3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warm and the breading has crisped up again. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Reheating in a conventional oven (preheated to 375°F/190°C for 5-7 minutes) is also an option if you don’t have an air fryer handy, offering similar results to retain crispness.

Freezing Tips for Make-Ahead Ravioli

Preparing air fryer ravioli ahead of time and freezing them is a fantastic way to enjoy this delicious dish whenever a craving strikes or you need a quick appetizer for unexpected guests. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked breaded ravioli.

Freezing Cooked Ravioli

If you have leftover cooked ravioli:

1. Allow the ravioli to cool completely after cooking.
2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
3. Transfer the frozen ravioli to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
4. To reheat from frozen: Place them directly into a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Freezing Uncooked, Breaded Ravioli (Make-Ahead)

This method is excellent for meal prep:

1. After breading the ravioli (but before air frying), arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Freeze for 1-2 hours until they are solid.
3. Transfer the frozen, breaded ravioli to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 1 month.
4. To cook from frozen: Place the frozen breaded ravioli directly into a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C). You’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes compared to fresh ravioli. Cook until golden brown and the internal filling is hot.

Freezing your air fryer ravioli ensures you always have a convenient and delicious option ready to go!

Delicious Pairings for Your Air Fryer Ravioli

Air Fryer Ravioli can be a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and main courses to create a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a light entree, here are some delicious recipe ideas to complement your crispy ravioli:

• Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans: A simple, healthy, and flavorful vegetable side that cooks quickly.
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: For a heartier Italian-inspired meal, serve the ravioli alongside a crispy chicken Parmesan.
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with any pasta dish, perfectly toasted in the air fryer.
• Air Fryer French Fries: For a casual, comforting meal, crispy fries make a great companion.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A creamy and slightly sweet side that provides a nice contrast.
• Purple Sweet Potatoes: An exotic and visually stunning alternative to regular sweet potatoes.
• Roasted Ranch Potatoes: Savory and herbaceous, these potatoes add another layer of flavor.
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A cool, creamy, and flavorful pasta salad, especially good for a summer spread.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders: For those who love a spicy kick, the tenders offer a bold contrast.

More Ravioli and Pasta Inspiration

If you’re a fan of ravioli and other pasta dishes, there’s a whole world of culinary delights to explore beyond this crispy air fryer version. From rich, creamy sauces to hearty baked dishes, pasta offers endless possibilities for delicious meals. Here are some more fantastic ravioli and pasta recipes to inspire your next kitchen adventure:

• Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells: Large pasta shells filled with a luxurious seafood and cheese mixture, baked to perfection in a creamy sauce.
• Southern Chicken Spaghetti: A comforting and flavorful casserole combining spaghetti, chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Lobster Mac and Cheese: An indulgent twist on a classic, featuring tender lobster meat in a rich, cheesy macaroni dish.
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta: A spicy and vibrant pasta dish with succulent shrimp and a creamy, flavorful Cajun sauce.
• Keto Shrimp Alfredo: A low-carb alternative that replaces traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, tossed in a creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo sauce.

These recipes offer a diverse range of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every pasta lover’s palate.

Air Fryer Toasted Fried Ravioli

By Brandi Crawford

This Easy Air Fryer Ravioli is breaded, toasted, and fried using breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping for the perfect weeknight meal or appetizer. Grab your packaged fresh or frozen ravioli, both will work for this recipe!

5 from 8 votes

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Prep Time
20 minutes mins

Cook Time
9 minutes mins

Total Time
29 minutes mins

Course
Appetizer, dinner, lunch

Cuisine
American

Servings
4 servings

Calories
455 kcal

Equipment

• Cosori Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
• Air Fryer Parchment Paper

Ingredients

• 1 cup breadcrumbs See notes.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt Adjust to your taste.
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper Adjust to your taste.
• 2 eggs Beaten
• 20 oz refrigerated ravioli Packaged, filled with cheese or meat.
• cooking oil spray I use olive oil.
• Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce For dipping.

Instructions

1. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl large enough to dredge and coat the ravioli.
2. Add the beaten eggs to a bowl large enough to dredge and coat the ravioli.
3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.
4. Coat the ravioli in the eggs first and then the breadcrumbs mixture. Place the breaded ravioli in the air fryer basket. Do not stack. Cook in batches if needed. Spray the ravioli with cooking oil.
5. Air fry at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
6. Open and flip the ravioli. Air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the ravioli has crisped to your liking. Larger size ravioli usually takes at least an additional 2 minutes to crisp compared to the smaller-sized ravioli. If you notice areas of the ravioli that haven’t crisped or appear light in color, spray them with cooking oil to get the areas to crisp.
7. Serve with Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce.

Notes

• The amount of breadcrumbs you will need will vary based on the size of the ravioli you use. I’ve found 1 cup is enough for 10oz of small ravioli + 10oz of large ravioli. If making just the small ravioli you may only need ¾ of a cup. If you are just making the larger-sized ravioli you may need 1 ½ cups. I like to start with 1 cup and make adjustments from there if needed.
• Add additional Italian seasoning if necessary to suit your taste. I like to taste the breadcrumbs mixture and adjust all of the spices as needed.
• Double the amount of Parmesan used if you want a breading with a lot of cheese flavor.
• Cheese stuffed ravioli follows the same cook time as meat-filled ravioli if they are similar in size. If the meat stuffed ravioli is larger, it will typically take an additional few minutes.
• Every air fryer brand cooks at varying speeds. If it is your first time making the recipe, check in often and keep a watchful eye to avoid overcooking.
• If you want no breading, skip the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices. Simply air fry them. They will take about half of the noted cook time.
• I use traditional, plain breadcrumbs. You can use seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs if you wish. Panko breadcrumbs will typically brown faster in the air fryer.

Nutrition Information

Serving:
5ounces


Calories:
455kcal


Carbohydrates:
47g


Protein:
23g


Fat:
17g

Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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