If you’re craving a crunchy, cheesy appetizer or a fun snack that’s quick and oh-so-delicious, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe. It turns simple refrigerated ravioli into crispy bites of joy in no time, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. I’m excited to share all my tips so your ravioli comes out perfectly crisp every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: You just coat, air fry, and enjoy—no mess or fuss.
- Perfectly Crispy Every Time: The air fryer gives you that golden crunch without deep frying.
- Versatile Dipping Options: Pair it with pesto or marinara to suit your mood.
- Great Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults loves these little bites, making it great for parties.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The star here is your choice of ravioli, but the simple coating of eggs, milk, and seasoned bread crumbs is what transforms them into crispy little pillows of yum. Adding Parmesan both in the breading and on top amps up the flavor — make sure you use a good-quality grated Parmesan for the best results.
- Eggs: Acts as the glue that helps the bread crumbs stick to each ravioli, creating that crispy crust.
- Whole Milk: Thins the eggs slightly for easier coating and ensures an even breading.
- Italian Bread Crumbs: The crunchy coating, loaded with Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds nuttiness and depth to the breading, boosting savory notes.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season the bread crumbs perfectly so each bite tastes balanced.
- Refrigerated Ravioli: You can use cheese-filled or meat-filled — whatever you prefer! Just make sure they’re not frozen so they cook evenly.
- Cooking Spray: Helps get that golden crisp in the air fryer without the mess of oil frying.
- Pesto or Marinara: Dipping sauces that take your crispy ravioli to the next level.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe is how flexible it is. You can customize it easily to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
- Variation: I often swap Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free panko when I’m cooking for friends with sensitivities, and it works great!
- Cheese Choices: Use ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach or even butternut squash for a seasonal twist that guests love.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mix is my trick to bring a little heat.
- Vegan Option: You can try a flax egg and vegan bread crumbs with dairy-free cheese ravioli if you want to keep it plant-based.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Coating Stations
Whisk the eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl—that’s your wet station. In another shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Having these ready makes the breading super efficient, and trust me, it helps keep your hands clean.
Step 2: Coat Your Ravioli
One at a time, dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then press them into the bread crumb bowl until nicely coated. For extra crunch, dip them back into the egg and then again in the crumbs—double coating is worth the effort! Lay them gently on a plate as you go.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the ravioli in a single layer, leaving just a little space between each piece. Spray the ravioli tops lightly too—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Air fry at 400°F for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving another spritz of cooking spray on the flip side. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden and crunchy!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your crispy ravioli, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top, and serve warm with a side of pesto or marinara. I personally love the fresh basil notes in pesto, but a rich marinara never disappoints either!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Giving each ravioli space lets the hot air circulate for that perfect crisp.
- Double Dip for Crunch: I learned that dipping twice in egg and crumbs creates a crust that really holds up.
- Watch the Timing Closely: Air fryers vary, so the first time, check a minute or two earlier to avoid burning.
- Use a Good Cooking Spray: A light coating of oil spray helps achieve the crispy texture without deep-frying.
How to Serve Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about simple garnishes that boost flavor—freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley, and sometimes a light drizzle of olive oil. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes work wonders here. These finishing touches make the ravioli pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
To round out a meal, I often serve these alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. They also make fantastic finger food next to cocktails or beer for casual gatherings—think of them as your perfect party starter.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the ravioli in small bowls with colorful dipping sauces—imagine a trio of pesto, marinara, and a creamy garlic aioli. It’s fun and lets guests mix and match flavors. Plating them on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs also looks fabulous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and sometimes I sneak some!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They stay fairly crispy if you reheat them correctly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen breaded ravioli before by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, just air fry them frozen; it takes a few extra minutes but still turns out fantastic.
Reheating
The air fryer is your best friend here! Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 3-5 minutes—you get the crisp back without sogginess. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep that crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen ravioli for this Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they’re thawed slightly so the breading sticks well, or consider a light spray of oil after cooking to crisp the coating.
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What kind of ravioli works best for air frying?
Refrigerated ravioli with firmer fillings like cheese or meat tend to work best. Avoid ravioli with very soft fillings that might fall apart or become too mushy when cooked.
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Do I need to use cooking spray in the air fryer?
Using a light spray on the basket and ravioli helps achieve that perfect golden crust and prevents sticking. If you skip it, the ravioli might not crisp up as nicely.
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Can I make this Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan ravioli, substitute eggs with a flax or chia egg, and choose vegan bread crumbs and Parmesan alternatives for a fully plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen discoveries that makes entertaining easy and delicious. I love how quickly it comes together and the way everyone lights up when they bite into those crispy, cheesy pockets. Once you try it, I promise it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation, whether it’s for movie night, a quick snack, or a fun party appetizer. Give it a go—you’re going to have so much fun making (and eating) it!
PrintAir Fryer Ravioli Recipe
This Air Fryer Ravioli recipe offers a crispy, golden appetizer or snack that is quick to prepare and perfect for serving with your favorite pesto or marinara sauce. Using an air fryer ensures a healthier crisp without the mess of deep frying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp. whole milk
Bread Crumb Coating
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main
- 1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated ravioli
- Cooking spray
- Pesto or marinara, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Egg and Bread Crumb Mixtures: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until well combined. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper.
- Coat the Ravioli: Dip each ravioli one at a time into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Dip the coated ravioli back into the egg mixture for extra adhesion and place on a plate.
- Air Fry the Ravioli: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated ravioli in a single layer in the basket, leaving about 1/4 inch between each. Spray the top of the ravioli lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again, until the ravioli are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy ravioli to a serving platter, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan, and serve warm with pesto or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even crisping.
- Use fresh or refrigerated ravioli for optimal texture; frozen ravioli may require slightly longer cooking times.
- Try different dipping sauces like spicy marinara, garlic aioli, or a creamy Alfredo for variation.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure the ravioli filling does not contain meat and use vegetarian Parmesan cheese if preferred.
