Crispy Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthier, Easy Appetizer
Discover the magic of making Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli, a beloved restaurant-style appetizer, right in your own kitchen! This recipe takes traditional deep-fried ravioli and transforms it into a lighter, healthier, and equally delicious snack using the convenience of your air fryer. Say goodbye to greasy plates and hello to perfectly crispy, golden-brown ravioli filled with your favorite cheese or meat, served with warm marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s an effortless way to bring a classic Italian-American favorite to your table without the fuss.
“So, how many do we each get?” This isn’t just a quirky family question; it’s a testament to how popular Air Fryer Ravioli is in our household! My youngest daughter, in particular, has a special affinity for toasted ravioli. The moment a plate of these golden pockets hits the table, her eyes immediately scan the room, calculating the number of people present. She then meticulously divides the total ravioli count by the head count, often delivering a precise, sometimes fractional, number. “We all get 2.75 ravioli a piece.” The best strategy? Offer her one of yours and watch her face light up with pure joy. This simple appetizer has a way of creating those memorable, heartwarming family moments.
The Appeal of Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli holds a special place in the hearts of appetizer lovers, particularly those familiar with its origins in St. Louis, Missouri, where it’s a culinary icon. Traditionally, these delightful pasta pockets are breaded and deep-fried to achieve their signature crispy exterior. However, this air fryer version offers all the irresistible crunch and flavor with significantly less oil, making it a much lighter option without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re planning a casual game day gathering, hosting a festive party, or simply looking for a fun and easy family dinner, this air fryer toasted ravioli recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a versatile dish that fits many occasions and is sure to earn you rave reviews.
If you’re a fan of delicious and easy appetizers, you’ll also want to explore these fantastic recipes: Homemade Baked Potato Chips, Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket, and these savory Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs! And for those who simply can’t get enough ravioli, my comforting Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is an absolute must-try for a hearty main course.
Why Choose Air Fryer Ravioli?
Making ravioli in the air fryer isn’t just a trend; it’s a smart culinary choice that offers numerous benefits, solidifying its place as one of those incredibly easy air fryer recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for repeatedly. This method utilizes readily available store-bought refrigerated ravioli, which forms the core of this simple yet impressive dish. The process involves a quick dip in an egg wash, followed by a generous coating in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—whether you opt for classic cheese ravioli or savory meat-filled varieties, the result is consistently an amazing appetizer with a satisfyingly crispy exterior and a wonderfully soft, cheesy, or meaty center. Serve it alongside your favorite Homemade Marinara Sauce or a good quality store-bought option for the ultimate dipping experience.
Key Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Indulgence: It’s a significantly lighter take on the classic deep-fried ravioli, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food without the guilt.
- Unbeatable Crispy Texture: The air fryer circulates hot air, achieving a perfectly golden-brown and crispy coating that rivals deep-frying, often with a fraction of the oil.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous entertaining or busy weeknights.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect as a starter for an authentic Italian meal, a delightful addition to holiday buffets, the ultimate game day snack, or even a light and satisfying meal when paired with a fresh side salad.
- Less Mess, More Fun: Forget the splattering oil and cumbersome cleanup associated with deep-frying. The air fryer keeps things neat and tidy.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Creating these irresistible toasted ravioli requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. For a complete list of quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Refrigerated Ravioli: The star of our show! You can use any variety you prefer, whether it’s classic cheese, hearty meat-filled, or even a spinach and ricotta blend. Fresh ravioli from the refrigerated section works best for optimal texture and ease of preparation. If using frozen ravioli, a quick steam beforehand is recommended to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that perfect tender-crisp balance.
- Italian Bread Crumbs: These provide the foundational flavor and texture for our crispy coating. Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are ideal as they come pre-seasoned with herbs and spices like oregano, basil, and garlic powder, adding an authentic Italian touch. For an extra layer of crunch and a slightly lighter coating, Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial. It’s incorporated into the breadcrumb mixture, adding a rich, salty, and umami depth that elevates the overall flavor profile. A final dusting of Parmesan after cooking adds a beautiful finish and more cheesy goodness.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs form the essential “egg wash.” This sticky coating is what helps the breadcrumbs adhere firmly to the ravioli, ensuring a consistent and crispy crust.
- Garlic Salt: A simple yet powerful seasoning that enhances the savory notes of the dish. It’s added to the egg wash to infuse flavor directly into the ravioli before breading.
- Marinara Sauce: The quintessential dipping companion for toasted ravioli. A warm, rich marinara sauce offers a delightful contrast to the crispy ravioli. Don’t limit yourself though; pesto sauce for a fresh herbaceous note or creamy ranch dressing for a tangy kick also make fantastic dipping options.
- Fresh Parsley: (Optional) A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also a subtle herbaceous freshness, making your appetizer even more appealing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Get ready to whip up this incredible appetizer in no time! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, ensuring a perfect batch of toasted ravioli for any gathering or a quick family treat. Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success:
-
Prepare the Ravioli: Begin by placing your refrigerated ravioli into a medium-sized bowl of water. Microwave until the water is boiling, then allow the ravioli to steam gently for approximately 5 minutes. This pre-steaming step helps to tenderize the pasta slightly, ensuring it’s cooked through before air frying and preventing a raw center. Once steamed, drain the ravioli thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
-
Create the Breading Station: Set up two shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the Italian bread crumbs with ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and the garlic salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. In the second shallow bowl, beat the eggs vigorously to create a smooth egg wash. These two stations will be crucial for coating your ravioli.
-
Coat the Ravioli: Take each steamed ravioli and dip it first into the beaten egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. Immediately transfer the egg-coated ravioli to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the ravioli into the breadcrumbs, flipping it to coat both sides thoroughly. Make sure each ravioli is completely covered for the best crispy result.
-
Air Fry to Perfection: Arrange the coated ravioli in a single layer within your air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this allows the hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even crispiness. Lightly spray the ravioli with olive oil spray; this step is key to achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispy coating without excess oil.
-
Cook: Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook for approximately 9 minutes, or until the ravioli turn a delightful golden brown and are perfectly crispy. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
-
Serve & Enjoy: Carefully remove the crispy toasted ravioli from the air fryer basket using a slotted spoon or tongs. Transfer them to a serving platter. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by warm marinara sauce for dipping. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the top. Each bite will be a delicious explosion of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful filling!
Loved this Recipe? Don’t Forget to Pin It!
If this air fryer toasted ravioli recipe has captured your heart and taste buds, ensure you can easily find it again! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can whip up this delightful appetizer whenever the craving strikes!
Customizing Your Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli: Substitutions & Variations
One of the best aspects of this toasted ravioli recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Easily create vegetarian air fryer ravioli by simply choosing cheese-filled ravioli or plant-based ravioli varieties. Ensure your breadcrumbs and dipping sauce are also vegetarian-friendly.
- Oven Method (No Air Fryer? No Problem!): If you don’t own an air fryer, you can still enjoy delicious toasted ravioli. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: If Italian breadcrumbs aren’t available, plain breadcrumbs work perfectly. Just be sure to enhance them by mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning (a blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme) to achieve a similar flavor profile. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick, or a generous dash for a bolder, spicier flavor.
- Different Dipping Sauces: While marinara is classic, experiment with other dipping sauces like creamy Alfredo, tangy BBQ sauce, zesty lemon-garlic aioli, or even a sweet chili sauce for an unexpected twist.
FAQs About Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Here are answers to some common questions about making this fantastic air fryer appetizer:
- What is the best temperature to cook toasted ravioli in an air fryer? For optimal crispiness and thorough cooking, set your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and cook for approximately 9 minutes.
- Can I make air fryer toasted ravioli ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bread the ravioli up to 24 hours in advance. Simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry. This makes entertaining a breeze!
- Can I freeze air fryer toasted ravioli? Yes, you can! For best results, bread the ravioli as instructed, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, simply air fry from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time until golden and crispy.
- Do I need to preheat my air fryer for toasted ravioli? While not strictly necessary for all air fryer recipes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) can help ensure more consistent cooking and quicker crisping.
- How do I ensure the ravioli are crispy and not soggy? The keys are not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, to lightly spray the breaded ravioli with olive oil spray, and to ensure they are drained well after steaming. These steps promote proper air circulation and crisping.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Achieving restaurant-quality toasted ravioli in your air fryer is simple with these helpful tips:
- Single Layer is Key: Always arrange the ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will steam the ravioli instead of crisping them, leading to a soggy result. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Don’t Skimp on the Spray: A light, even coating of olive oil spray (or any cooking spray) before air frying is crucial. It helps the breadcrumbs achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crunch.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary. Keep an eye on your ravioli during the last few minutes of cooking. They should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch when ready.
- Serve Immediately: Toasted ravioli are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they are at their crispiest.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Leftovers: Reheat leftover air fryer toasted ravioli in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
- Experiment with Ravioli Fillings: Don’t be afraid to try different types of ravioli – spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even sweet potato ravioli can offer unique flavor profiles!
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this crispy ravioli recipe, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that makes preparing a wide array of dishes quick and simple. Here are more easy air fryer appetizers and meals that you and your family are sure to enjoy:
Air Fryer Appetizers & Snacks:
- Air Fryer Edamame: A healthy and satisfying snack or starter.
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Get that classic cheesy pull without the deep-fryer mess.
- Copycat Hooter’s Chicken Wings: Perfectly crispy wings that taste just like your restaurant favorites.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries: A delightful way to enjoy vegetables, extra crispy and flavorful.
- Easy Air Fryer Wonton Chips: Customize with your favorite seasonings for a quick, versatile snack.
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Meals:
Quick air fryer meals are an absolute lifesaver for busy families! Streamline your dinner routine with these favorites:
- Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak: Achieve a wonderfully crispy coating and tender steak.
- Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Brussels Sprouts: A flavorful and healthy side dish or a yummy meatless meal served over rice.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: The perfect crunchy, garlicky addition to any pasta dish or meal.
- Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls: Crispy on the outside, bursting with savory fillings on the inside.
- Air Fryer Bacon: Flawlessly crispy bacon every time, perfect for BLTs or breakfast.
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs: Juicy and flavorful, these meatballs always receive rave reviews.
Sweet Air Fryer Treats:
Don’t forget to cap off your meal with something sweet! The air fryer is surprisingly adept at creating delicious desserts:
- Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts: A perfect, quick treat for breakfast or dessert.
- Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream: An innovative and surprisingly easy dessert.
- Churro Apple Pie Bombs: Warm, cinnamony, and utterly delightful.
Find all of my air fryer recipes here.
In conclusion, this air fryer toasted ravioli recipe offers a fantastic, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, providing all the crispy, golden-brown goodness without the excess oil. It’s an incredibly versatile and easy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion – from bustling game days to relaxed family dinners or elegant holiday gatherings. Serve them hot with your favorite warm marinara sauce, a zesty pesto, or even creamy ranch dressing, and don’t forget that final sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and parsley for an authentic touch. Prepare to savor every single crispy, flavorful bite and watch them disappear!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Ingredients
- 1 (10 ounce) package refrigerated ravioli
- 1 cup Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese divided
- Marinara and fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
-
Microwave a medium sized bowl water until boiling. Drop ravioli in for about 5 minutes. Drain.
-
In a bowl combine bread crumbs with 1/2 cup or Parmesan cheese. I gave the shredded cheese a bit of a rough chop.
-
Beat eggs in a small bowl with the garlic salt.
-
Dip ravioli in egg then press into bread crumbs, coating both sides.
-
Fill the basket of your air fryer with a single layer of ravioli.
-
Set to 350 degrees and 9 minutes.
-
Remove from fryer and serve hot with marinara for dipping, with a nice dusting of fresh parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on December 5, 2018, in partnership with Hamilton Beach. I have updated the post to improve user experience and reshared it on March 20, 2025.
