Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli That Will Blow Your Mind
I have to tell you—this recipe was a happy accident. One evening, I was craving something crunchy but didn’t want the guilt of deep-fried food.
I saw a bag of ravioli in my fridge and thought, “Why not toss these in the air fryer?” To my surprise, they turned out golden, crispy, and just plain addictive.
That moment made me realize: air fryer ravioli is one of the easiest yet most impressive snacks you’ll ever try. And I promise—you’ll love it too.
What Exactly Is Air Fryer Ravioli?
If you’ve never heard of it, let me break it down. Air fryer ravioli is basically store-bought or homemade ravioli, breaded and cooked in the air fryer until crispy. Think of it like the famous toasted ravioli from Italian restaurants, but with way less oil and mess. Instead of dunking ravioli into hot oil, you use the magic of the air fryer to get that crunchy coating. The inside stays cheesy and soft, while the outside turns golden and crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why I think air fryer ravioli is a total game-changer:
- Fast and Easy – Takes less than 15 minutes.
- Healthier Than Fried – Same crunch, but no greasy mess.
- Kid-Friendly – My little ones devour these like nuggets.
- Party-Worthy – Perfect finger food for game nights or gatherings.
- Versatile – Works with cheese, beef, spinach, or even mushroom ravioli.
Once you make this once, you’ll start keeping ravioli in your freezer just for this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is. Here’s what I use every time:
- 1 package of ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain with added spices)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Cooking spray (olive oil spray works best)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Optional seasonings to mix into breadcrumbs: garlic powder, paprika, black pepper.
How to Make Air Fryer Ravioli (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prep Your Ravioli
If you’re using frozen ravioli, thaw them first. Fresh ones go straight into the process.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In one bowl, beat your eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together.
Step 3: Bread the Ravioli
Dip each ravioli in the egg wash, then coat it in the breadcrumb mix. Press lightly so the crumbs stick well.
Step 4: Spray and Arrange
Lightly spray both sides of the ravioli with cooking spray. Place them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up evenly.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. When they’re golden brown and crispy, they’re ready.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with warm marinara sauce on the side. Trust me, you’ll want extra sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ravioli
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here are my secrets for the perfect crunch:
- Don’t skip the spray – it helps give that deep-fried look.
- Use fresh ravioli if possible – they crisp better than frozen ones.
- Flip halfway – makes sure both sides are evenly golden.
- Serve immediately – they taste best fresh from the fryer.
Variations to Try
The best part is how customizable this recipe is. Here are some fun twists:
- Cheese Ravioli Only – A classic, gooey favorite.
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Garlic Butter Finish – Toss cooked ravioli in garlic butter before serving.
- Ranch Lovers – Serve with ranch dressing instead of marinara.
- Herb Upgrade – Add fresh parsley or basil into the breadcrumb coating.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Ravioli
Air fryer ravioli works as a snack, appetizer, or even part of a meal. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
- Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist
- A big fresh salad on the side
- Garlic breadsticks for a full Italian vibe
- Mozzarella sticks if you’re going all in on comfort food
Why Air Fryer Beats Deep Fryer Here
I’ve had deep-fried ravioli before, and while tasty, it’s messy and heavy. With the air fryer, you get:
- Less oil
- Less mess
- Faster cleanup
- The same crispy bite
Honestly, once you try it this way, you won’t go back to frying in oil.
Storing and Reheating
If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare in my house), here’s what you do:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up.
- Freezer: You can freeze them before or after cooking. If uncooked, bread and freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag.
FAQs About Air Fryer Ravioli
Q: Can I use frozen ravioli directly in the air fryer?
A: You can, but I recommend thawing first for better crispiness.
Q: Do I have to bread the ravioli?
A: Yes, if you want that crunchy coating. Without it, they’ll just get a little toasted.
Q: What’s the best ravioli filling for this recipe?
A: Cheese ravioli is classic, but beef or spinach works beautifully too.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the ravioli and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying.
Q: How long do they stay crispy?
A: Best eaten fresh, but if stored and reheated properly, they’ll still be crispy for up to 2 days.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free ravioli and breadcrumbs.
Q: What dipping sauces work best?
A: Marinara is classic, but ranch, Alfredo, or even pesto taste amazing.
Q: Do I need to flip ravioli in the air fryer?
A: Yes, flipping halfway helps them crisp evenly.
Q: How do I prevent ravioli from sticking in the air fryer?
A: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before adding them.
Q: Is this recipe kid-approved?
A: 100%. Kids love these—especially with ranch or pizza sauce.
