Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli Recipe
Imagine biting into a golden, crispy shell that gives way to melted cheese and savory filling – that’s the magic of air fryer toasted ravioli! This restaurant-style appetizer transforms ordinary frozen ravioli into an extraordinary treat that’ll have your family begging for more. Originally popularized in St. Louis, Missouri, toasted ravioli has become a beloved comfort food across America.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior without the mess and calories of deep frying. In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a batch of these golden beauties that taste like they came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.
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Much like our popular air fryer mozzarella sticks, this recipe proves that the air fryer is the ultimate tool for creating crispy, cheesy perfection. Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer that’s so simple, even busy weeknights can feel like a celebration!
What is Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli?
Ever wondered why we “toast” ravioli when there’s no toaster in sight? This delightfully misleading name comes from the golden, crispy exterior that resembles perfectly toasted bread! Legend has it that toasted ravioli was invented by accident at a St. Louis restaurant when a chef accidentally dropped ravioli into hot oil instead of boiling water.
Talk about a happy mistake! The result was so delicious that it became a local phenomenon. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these crispy little pockets of joy certainly prove that point. Don’t let the name fool you – grab your air fryer and get ready to create some magic!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli:
The Perfect Crispy-to-Creamy Ratio The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy, golden exterior while keeping the cheese filling perfectly melted and gooey inside. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by warm, creamy cheese that stretches with every bite. The contrast in textures makes every piece absolutely irresistible.
Budget-Friendly Restaurant Quality Skip the expensive restaurant appetizers and make this crowd-pleaser at home for a fraction of the cost. A bag of frozen ravioli costs under $5 and feeds a hungry family, while restaurant portions often cost $12-15 for just a few pieces. You’ll save money while impressing everyone with your culinary skills.
Endless Flavor Possibilities From classic cheese ravioli to spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even lobster-filled varieties, you can customize this recipe to match any taste preference. The crispy coating acts as the perfect canvas for different dipping sauces – marinara, alfredo, pesto, or even ranch dressing. Similar to our air fryer garlic bread bites, this recipe adapts beautifully to different flavor profiles. Ready to transform your kitchen into an Italian bistro? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli:
Quick Overview
This incredibly simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy exteriors while keeping the filling warm and melted inside. With just four basic ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you’ll have golden, crunchy ravioli that rivals any restaurant version.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli:
Main Ingredients:
- 20-25 frozen cheese ravioli (any brand works)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Station Set up three shallow bowls in assembly line fashion. In the first bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Keep the third bowl empty for the coated ravioli. This setup makes the coating process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Coat the Ravioli Take each frozen ravioli and dip it first into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat both sides completely. Let any excess egg drip off, then immediately roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated ravioli on a plate and repeat until all pieces are covered.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps create that perfectly crispy exterior from the moment the ravioli goes in.
Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated ravioli in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in two batches. Lightly spray the tops of the ravioli with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully flip each ravioli using tongs. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the filling is properly heated.
Step 6: Serve Immediately Remove the ravioli from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
What to Serve Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli With:
Perfect Dipping Sauces: Warm marinara sauce is the classic choice, but don’t stop there! Try creamy alfredo sauce for a rich twist, or pesto for herbal freshness. Ranch dressing surprisingly pairs well for those who love a tangy kick.
Complementary Sides: Serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens to balance the richness. Garlic bread or focaccia makes an excellent accompaniment for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Beverage Pairings: These crispy bites pair beautifully with Italian wines like Pinot Grigio or Chianti. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or Italian sodas complement the flavors perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli:
Don’t Skip the Egg Wash The egg wash is crucial for helping the breadcrumbs stick properly. Make sure each ravioli is completely coated with egg before moving to the breadcrumb mixture.
Use Frozen Ravioli Frozen ravioli works better than fresh because it holds its shape during the coating and cooking process. There’s no need to thaw them first – use them straight from the freezer.
Avoid Overcrowding Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets properly crispy. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots.
Double-Coat for Extra Crunch For an even crispier exterior, dip the ravioli in egg, then breadcrumbs, then back in egg and breadcrumbs again. This creates an extra-thick, crunchy coating.
Customize Your Coating Mix in dried herbs, different cheeses, or even crushed cornflakes to the breadcrumb mixture for unique flavors and textures.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover toasted ravioli in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze cooked ravioli for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.
Reheating Instructions: The air fryer is perfect for reheating! Cook at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave as it makes the coating soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can bread the ravioli up to 4 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This actually helps the coating stick better!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (5 pieces) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
While frozen ravioli works best because it holds its shape during coating and cooking, you can use fresh ravioli. Handle them very gently during the coating process and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking.
What’s the best way to prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure your ravioli are properly coated with egg wash before the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly onto each piece. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help the coating set.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Bread the ravioli up to 4 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. You can also cook them completely and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes before serving.
What other types of ravioli work well?
Any filled ravioli works great! Try spinach and ricotta, mushroom, lobster, or meat-filled varieties. Just make sure they’re similar in size for even cooking.
How do I know when they’re done cooking?
The ravioli should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you’re unsure, cut one open to check that the filling is heated through.
Can I bake these in a regular oven instead?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but still delicious.
What’s the best oil spray to use?
Any neutral cooking spray works well. Avoid butter-flavored sprays as they can burn at high temperatures. Olive oil spray adds nice flavor if you have it.
Why are my ravioli not getting crispy enough?
Make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket and that your air fryer is properly preheated. Also, don’t skip the oil spray – it’s essential for browning and crisping.
Pro Chef Secrets for Next-Level Results
The Double-Dip Technique: Professional chefs often use a double-coating method for extra crunch. After your first coating, let the ravioli rest for 10 minutes, then repeat the egg and breadcrumb process. This creates an incredibly thick, restaurant-quality crust.
Flavor Boost Hack: Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan directly to your egg wash. This creates an extra layer of cheesy flavor that penetrates the coating during cooking.
Temperature Control Secret: Start cooking at 380°F for the first 4 minutes to set the coating, then increase to 400°F for the final 2-3 minutes for maximum crispiness. This two-temperature method prevents burning while ensuring perfect texture.
Ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality appetizer? These air fryer toasted ravioli will become your go-to recipe for everything from game day snacks to elegant dinner party starters. The combination of crispy exterior and melted cheese interior creates pure comfort food magic that everyone will love!
