Experience the ultimate culinary delight with our **Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli** recipe, a truly revolutionary take on a beloved Italian-American classic. Imagine perfectly cooked, store-purchased ravioli – whether filled with savory meat, creamy cheese, or a delightful blend of both – transformed into golden, crispy perfection in the air fryer. Served hot with a rich marinara sauce and a delicate dusting of Parmesan cheese, this appetizer brings that irresistible restaurant-quality experience right into the comfort of your kitchen. The best part? It’s prepared with significantly less oil than traditional methods, offering a healthier, less greasy, and remarkably fuss-free way to enjoy this all-time favorite.
“So, how many do we each get?” This might sound like an unusual question in most homes, but not in ours. Toasted Ravioli holds a special, almost sacred place, particularly for my youngest daughter. The very instant a plate of these delightful golden bites graces our table, her eyes dart across the room, meticulously counting every single ravioli. She then scans the faces present, mentally dividing the total number of ravioli by the number of people, often down to a precise fraction. “We all get 2.75 ravioli a piece,” she’ll announce with absolute certainty. The quickest way to witness her face light up with pure joy? Simply volunteer that you’ll happily take just one, leaving her to claim the rest. This heartwarming ritual perfectly captures the irresistible allure of this dish, making every bite a moment of cherished family fun.
Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli: A Healthier, Crispier Indulgence
Toasted ravioli is a quintessential appetizer, a true classic with roots deeply embedded in Italian-American culinary tradition, particularly famous in St. Louis. Conventionally, these delicious pasta parcels are deep-fried, resulting in their signature crispy exterior. However, this Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli recipe is a genuine game-changer, offering a contemporary and significantly healthier approach to preparing this beloved dish. By harnessing the power of the air fryer, we achieve that coveted perfect crispy coating and tender filling using substantially less oil, transforming a traditionally indulgent treat into a guilt-free pleasure.
This innovative method eliminates the need for messy deep-frying, providing a quicker, cleaner, and equally delicious alternative. Whether you’re planning a lively game day gathering, seeking a show-stopping appetizer for your next party, or simply looking for a fun and easy family dinner option, this air fryer toasted ravioli recipe is guaranteed to be an absolute hit. Its simplicity and speed mean you can prepare a batch in minutes, leaving you more time to savor the moment and enjoy with your guests or loved ones. It’s an ideal choice for a variety of occasions, promising a delightful culinary experience every time.
If you find yourself enchanted by the ease and deliciousness of this appetizer recipe, you’ll be thrilled to explore other fantastic options for entertaining and everyday snacking. Be sure to try our Homemade Baked Potato Chips for a fresh take on a classic snack, the irresistible Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket for a spicy kick, and these incredibly savory Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs. And for those who simply can’t get enough of the delightful world of ravioli, you absolutely must give our comforting Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna a try – it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that promises to become a family favorite.
Air Fryer Ravioli: Unveiling the Simplicity and Flavor
Air fryer ravioli stands out as one of those effortlessly easy air fryer recipes that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your regular rotation. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the remarkable results it delivers. This delightful appetizer is crafted using readily available, store-bought refrigerated ravioli – you have the freedom to choose your favorite, whether it’s classic cheese ravioli, savory meat-filled ravioli, or a delectable combination. The magic behind its irresistible texture comes from a simple yet effective two-part coating process: an egg mixture that acts as the perfect adhesive, followed by a robustly seasoned breadcrumb mixture. This combination ensures that each tender ravioli emerges from the air fryer with an amazingly crispy coating that perfectly complements its warm, cheesy, or meaty interior.
The air fryer not only provides a healthier way to enjoy this dish by significantly reducing the need for oil, but it also minimizes cleanup and speeds up the cooking process. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform humble refrigerated pasta into a gourmet-style appetizer. To complete the experience, serve these golden-brown bites with your preferred dipping companion. A classic choice is a vibrant Homemade Marinara Sauce, offering a rich and tangy contrast that beautifully enhances the savory ravioli. Alternatively, a high-quality store-bought marinara or even other creamy dips like ranch or pesto can provide a delicious twist.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- A Healthier Twist: Say goodbye to excess grease! This air fryer method provides all the satisfying crunch of traditional deep-fried ravioli with a fraction of the oil, making it a lighter, more wholesome appetizer option.
- Effortlessly Quick & Easy: From preparation to plating, this recipe is designed for efficiency. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can have a gourmet appetizer ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting an elegant Italian-themed dinner, contributing to a festive holiday buffet, preparing snacks for an exciting game day, or simply seeking a light and satisfying meal when paired with a fresh salad, this recipe fits every bill.
- Family Favorite: The irresistible combination of crispy breading and a warm, flavorful filling makes this dish a guaranteed hit with both children and adults. Prepare for enthusiastic requests for seconds!
- Minimal Cleanup: Unlike deep-frying, which often leaves a greasy mess, air frying keeps your kitchen cleaner and tidier, making the entire cooking process more enjoyable.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Creating these irresistible Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli requires a carefully selected list of ingredients, each contributing to the dish’s incredible flavor and texture. For precise measurements and step-by-step guidance, please refer to the complete printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Refrigerated Ravioli: The foundation of our appetizer! Opt for a high-quality package of refrigerated ravioli. You can choose any filling you prefer – classic cheese, savory meat, or a delightful blend of both. Fresh ravioli generally yields the best results, offering a tender interior. If using frozen ravioli, it’s essential to steam or par-boil them briefly first to thaw and soften, ensuring even cooking and preventing a tough texture in the air fryer.
- Italian Bread Crumbs: These seasoned breadcrumbs are key to developing the signature crispy coating and infuse each ravioli with a delightful blend of Italian herbs and spices. For an even crunchier texture, consider substituting with or mixing in Panko breadcrumbs, which are larger and absorb less oil.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, when mixed into the breadcrumb coating, adds a layer of rich, salty, and umami flavor that elevates the overall taste profile. It also aids in achieving a beautiful golden-brown crispness during air frying.
- Eggs: Essential for the breading process, whisked eggs form an “egg wash” that acts as a binder. This sticky coating ensures that the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to the ravioli, creating a uniform, crispy crust.
- Garlic Salt: A simple yet powerful seasoning, garlic salt enhances the savory notes of the breadcrumb mixture, adding a subtle depth of garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Marinara Sauce: The perfect companion for dipping! A robust marinara sauce, whether homemade or a good quality store-bought brand, provides a tangy and sweet counterpoint to the savory, crispy ravioli. You can also experiment with other dips like pesto or ranch dressing for variety.
- Olive Oil Spray: Crucial for that desired golden-brown, extra-crispy finish. A light and even mist of olive oil spray helps the breading crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, mimicking the texture of deep-frying without the excess oil.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving adds a vibrant touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma, enhancing the dish’s presentation and overall appeal.
How to Make Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli: A Simple Guide
Get ready to create a sensational appetizer with minimal effort! This Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or a delightful snack.
- Prepare the Ravioli: Start by gently steaming your refrigerated ravioli. Microwave a medium-sized bowl of water until it comes to a rolling boil. Carefully add the ravioli to the boiling water and allow them to steam for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the pasta is tender and cooked through before it enters the air fryer, guaranteeing a soft interior beneath the crispy crust. Once steamed, drain the ravioli thoroughly, removing all excess water. For best breading adherence, gently pat each ravioli dry with a paper towel.
- Set Up Your Breading Stations: Prepare two shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the Italian bread crumbs, ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, and the garlic salt. Stir these ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. In the second small bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly to create your egg wash.
- Bread the Ravioli: Take each steamed ravioli and dip it into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off. Immediately transfer the egg-coated ravioli into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the ravioli into the breadcrumbs, flipping it to coat both sides completely and evenly. Repeat this process for all remaining ravioli.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as proper air circulation is key to achieving a crispy texture. For a beautiful golden-brown finish and enhanced crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the ravioli with olive oil spray.
- Cook & Flip: Set the air fryer to cook for 9 minutes. For optimal, even browning and crispness on all sides, gently shake the basket or flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking time (around the 4-5 minute mark). Continue to air fry until the ravioli are gloriously golden brown and delightfully crispy.
- Serve Hot & Garnish: Once cooked, carefully remove the toasted ravioli from the air fryer basket using a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a serving platter and serve immediately while they are hot and at their crispiest. Accompany them with warm marinara sauce for dipping. For an exquisite final touch, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and a dash of fresh chopped parsley over the hot ravioli just before serving. Enjoy every savory, crunchy bite!
Love It? Pin It! Share the Deliciousness!
If this Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli recipe has won your heart (and your taste buds!), be sure to save it so you can whip up this incredible appetizer whenever the craving strikes! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board today. Sharing is caring, so feel free to share this delicious, healthier, and easy recipe with friends and family who appreciate a fantastic appetizer or a quick, satisfying snack. Don’t let this crispy delight be a secret!
Customization and Substitutions: Tailor Your Toasted Ravioli
One of the many great advantages of this Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli recipe is its incredible versatility. You can effortlessly customize it to suit various dietary preferences, available ingredients, or simply to experiment with different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian Option: To easily create a delightful vegetarian air fryer ravioli, simply opt for cheese-filled ravioli. Most grocery stores offer a wide selection of delicious vegetarian ravioli, including ricotta and spinach, mushroom, or various cheese blends, ensuring a flavorful meat-free experience.
- Oven Method (No Air Fryer? No Problem!): Don’t have an air fryer yet? No worries! You can still achieve wonderfully crispy toasted ravioli using a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with olive oil, then bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, remembering to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- Breadcrumb Variations: If Italian breadcrumbs are not on hand, you can easily substitute them. Use plain breadcrumbs and enhance them by adding your own Italian seasoning blend (typically dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram), along with a pinch more garlic powder and onion powder for depth of flavor. For an even more profound crunch and lighter texture, consider substituting half or all of the Italian breadcrumbs with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Diverse Dipping Sauces: While marinara is the traditional and beloved choice, don’t hesitate to get creative with other dipping sauces. A vibrant pesto sauce offers a fresh, herbaceous kick, creamy ranch dressing provides a cool and tangy contrast, or for those who enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy arrabbiata sauce would be a fantastic complement.
- Spice it Up: For a subtle warmth, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into your breadcrumb mixture. If you’re looking for an earthy, smoky undertone, a dash of smoked paprika can add an exciting dimension to the flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other hard Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick, or a blend of Italian cheeses in your breading mix for added complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli turns out perfectly every time.
- What temperature and cooking time are best for toasted ravioli in an air fryer? For optimal crispiness and thorough cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the ravioli for 9 minutes. Remember to shake the basket or flip the ravioli halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and a uniform crispy texture.
- Can I prepare Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for make-ahead convenience. You can bread the ravioli up to 24 hours in advance. Store the breaded ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet, covered loosely with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cook them as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze air fryer toasted ravioli? Yes, you can! To freeze, bread the ravioli as instructed, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until they are completely solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen. Simply add an extra 2-3 minutes to the standard cooking time, cooking until they are golden, crispy, and heated through.
- How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking to the air fryer basket? To avoid sticking, lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray before placing the ravioli. Also, ensure you do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Flipping them halfway through cooking also helps to prevent them from adhering to the basket.
- My ravioli isn’t getting crispy enough. What might be the problem? Several factors can affect crispiness. Ensure the ravioli are patted very dry before breading, and don’t skip the light olive oil spray before air frying. Crucially, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket; ample space allows hot air to circulate properly around each piece. For an extra boost of crispiness, you can increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last minute or two of cooking.
Pro Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Achieve consistently perfect and incredibly delicious Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli every single time with these expert tips and tricks designed to elevate your cooking experience.
- The Golden Rule: Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most critical tip for air frying. For maximum crispiness and even cooking, always arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Overlapping ravioli will steam instead of toast, resulting in a soggy, rather than crispy, texture. If you have a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.
- Spray for Unbeatable Crispness: A light, even coating of olive oil spray (or your preferred cooking spray) on the breaded ravioli is non-negotiable. This fine mist helps the breadcrumbs to crisp up beautifully and achieve that desirable golden-brown color, mimicking the results of traditional frying without the excess oil.
- Pre-Steam for Perfect Tenderness: The brief pre-steaming of the ravioli before breading ensures that the pasta is tender and fully cooked on the inside. This prevents a dry or chewy center once the ravioli are air-fried, ensuring a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling.
- Smart Reheating for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To bring them back to their original crispy glory, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and have regained their crunch. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it will inevitably make them soft and soggy.
- Enhance Your Serving Presentation: Elevate the appetizer experience by serving your hot, crispy toasted ravioli on a warm platter. Garnish generously with additional fresh herbs like chopped basil or oregano leaves, alongside the Parmesan and parsley, for an aromatic and visually appealing dish. For a more sophisticated touch, offer individual small ramekins of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
More Irresistible Air Fryer Recipes to Love
If you’ve been won over by the crispy perfection and incredible ease of this Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli recipe, then you’re truly going to adore the versatility of your air fryer! This kitchen workhorse can transform countless dishes, and we’ve got a treasure trove of other easy and delicious air fryer appetizers that are sure to become instant favorites. Don’t miss out on Air Fryer Edamame for a healthy and satisfying snack, our delightful Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks for another classic crowd-pleaser, the savory copycat Hooter’s chicken wings for game day, perfectly crisp air fryer zucchini fries, and these incredibly simple yet addictive air fryer wonton chips, perfect for dipping!
For busy families, discovering quick and easy air fryer meals is an absolute game-changer! We highly recommend this hearty and comforting air fryer chicken fried steak, and serving these flavorful air fryer sweet & sour brussels sprouts over rice for a yummy meatless meal option. Don’t forget that crispy and aromatic air fryer garlic bread makes a fantastic addition to any dinner, as do these savory air fryer southwestern egg rolls. I personally love to make bacon in the air fryer for consistently perfect BLTs, and these incredibly tender air fryer turkey meatballs consistently receive rave reviews from everyone who tries them!
And for those with a sweet tooth, why not finish off your meal with something truly delightful and quick? Explore these easy air fryer desserts that are sure to impress: my fluffy air fryer biscuit donuts make the perfect quick treat, as does this innovative air fryer fried ice cream, and the utterly irresistible churro apple pie bombs.
Find all of my amazing and easy air fryer recipes here to continue your culinary adventure.
This Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli recipe stands as a testament to how effortlessly you can create a healthier, yet equally delicious, version of a classic appetizer. It consistently delivers a crispy, golden-brown coating and a perfectly tender, flavorful filling, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for virtually any occasion, from casual game days and impromptu get-togethers to more elegant family dinners. Embrace the simplicity and efficiency of your air fryer to quickly whip up these irresistible bites. Serve them hot with your preferred marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dressing, and savor every single crispy, savory bite that transports you straight to Italian-American culinary bliss. Enjoy making and sharing this fantastic recipe!
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Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Toasted Ravioli done light in your air fryer. One of our favorite appetizers, made with store purchased ravioli filled with meat, cheese, or both, air “fried” and served with marinara sauce and a dusting of parmesan cheese.
15 mins
9 mins
24 mins
Course:
Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine:
Italian/American
Keyword:
Air Fryer, Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli, ravioli
Servings:
12
Calories:
79 kcal
Author:
Michaela Kenkel
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 of water until boiling. Drop ravioli in for about 5 minutes. Drain well and gently pat dry.
- In a shallow dish, combine the Italian bread crumbs with 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and garlic salt. Stir well to mix evenly.
- In another small bowl, beat the 3 eggs to create the egg wash.
- Dip each ravioli in the beaten egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with a dusting of the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Serving: 1
| Calories: 79 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 7g
| Protein: 5g
| Fat: 3g
| Saturated Fat: 2g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
| Trans Fat: 0.004g
| Cholesterol: 45mg
| Sodium: 346mg
| Potassium: 44mg
| Fiber: 0.5g
| Sugar: 1g
| Vitamin A: 128IU
| Vitamin C: 0.3mg
| Calcium: 98mg
| Iron: 1mg
This recipe was originally posted on December 5, 2018, in partnership with Hamilton Beach. The post has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on March 20, 2025.
