Fried Ravioli, also known as toasted ravioli, are cheese ravioli that are coated in bread crumbs then deep-fried, fried in an air fryer, or baked in the oven until golden brown. They’re then sprinkled with parmesan cheese and parsley, and served with a side of marinara sauce.
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Fried Ravioli Recipe
Our family loves anything with cheese and pasta and these crispy, crunchy, Italian appetizers with a hot, cheesy filling are a favorite!
This toasted ravioli recipe makes a quick and easy appetizer, side dish, or meal. Simple and delicious, it’s perfect for parties, get togethers, and game day. It uses ready-made refrigerated or frozen ravioli and can be fried in an air fryer, deep fried in oil, or oven baked.
Why you’ll love this Toasted Ravioli recipe:
- A crispy, delicious appetizer or party snack that everyone loves
- Quick and easy using prepared ravioli
- Can be fried, air fried, or baked
Ingredients
- Ravioli – I use refrigerated cheese ravioli; however any flavor will work. Thawed frozen ravioli can be used instead of refrigerated.
- Breadcrumbs – I prefer finer, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs because they coat the ravioli better than panko breadcrumbs. You can also use ½ regular breadcrumbs and ½ panko. Plain breadcrumbs can also be used, just mix in 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Buttermilk – during testing I also preferred the lightness of the coating when using buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to every cup of milk. Alternatively, you can use 2 eggs whisked into a cup of milk instead of the buttermilk.
Do you have to thaw frozen ravioli before cooking?
It’s best to thaw frozen ravioli before cooking. They fry very quickly and frying them while frozen risks the insides being not well cooked.
How to make Fried Ravioli
Coat with breadcrumbs
- Pour the buttermilk and breadcrumbs into separate bowls
- Dip ravioli into the buttermilk
- Dredge the ravioli into the breadcrumbs so all sides are covered and press lightly to help the breadcrumbs stick
Deep fried Ravioli
I find that deep frying the ravioli gives the best texture.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Add 6-8 ravioli to the pan, and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels to absorb the excess oil
- Repeat the process with the remaining raviolis.
Air Fried Ravioli
- Spray both sides of the coated ravioli with cooking spray.
- Place the ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer
- Top with parmesan cheese and parsley and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
To bake in the oven:
Spray both sides of the ravioli with cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
Dipping sauces for toasted ravioli
Use your favorite dipping sauce for serving fried ravioli. Our favorite is marinara, but we also love them with a basil pesto sauce, a creamy alfredo, or even ranch dressing.
Serving Suggestions
- Fried ravioli makes an excellent appetizer along with other Italian dishes such as Classic Lasagna, Spaghetti and Meatballs, or Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
- For a party or game day spread, serve it along other appetizers like Jalapeno Poppers, Crab Rangoon, Super Crispy Baked Chicken Wings, or Marinated Artichoke Hearts.
Make in advance
To make ahead of time, the ravioli can be coated in breadcrumbs, set in a single layer on a sheet pan, and covered in the fridge for several hours before frying.
How to Freeze
Place leftover ravioli in a single layer on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove the raviolis and place in a plastic storage bag. Raviolis can keep for about 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, place the frozen ravioli in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
FAQ
Is fried ravioli the same as toasted ravioli?
Yes. Toasted Ravioli is actually deep-fried rather than toasted, however “toasted” sounds more appealing than “fried.”
Should ravioli be boiled first before being fried?
No. There’s no need to boil ravioli before breading and frying.
Do you thaw frozen ravioli before frying?
Yes, frozen ravioli should be thawed before being breaded and fried.
What is fried ravioli made of?
Fried Ravioli, also known as toasted ravioli, is cheese ravioli that is dipped in buttermilk and bread crumbs then deep-fried or fried in an air fryer. It’s then sprinkled with parmesan cheese and parsley, and served with a side of marinara sauce.
Can toasted ravioli be baked?
Spray both sides of the ravioli with cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
Can you pan fry ravioli?
Yes, put enough oil to cover the bottom of a pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.
More appetizer recipes you’ll love:
- Jalapeno Poppers
- Crab Rangoon
- Super Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
- Carne Asada Nachos
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Lemon Pepper Wings
- Honey Sriracha Wings
Recipe
Fried Ravioli (Toasted Ravioli)
Ingredients
- 20 ounces refrigerated store-bought ravioli
- 2 cups buttermilk or 2 cups milk mixed with 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs or half breadcrumbs and half panko
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying cooking spray for air fryer or baking
Garnish for serving (optional):
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place the buttermilk and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Dip each ravioli into the buttermilk, then press into the breadcrumbs. Place the raviolis on the baking sheet in a single layer.
To deep fry:
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Add 6-8 ravioli to the pan, and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
- Repeat the process with the remaining raviolis.
To air fry:
- Spray both sides of the coated ravioli with cooking spray.
- Place the ravioli in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer.
- Fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer
- Top with parmesan cheese and parsley and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
To bake in oven:
- Spray both sides of the ravioli with cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
To serve:
- Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley, and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I had these years ago in a restaurant while traveling and like potato chips you can't eat just one.
Kelly says
Thanks Karen!
2pots2cook says
Great minds think alike 🙂 🙂 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks Davorka!
Gina says
Can I fry the ravioli ahead of time and reheat at a later day?
Kelly says
Hi Gina! Yes, that should work. Heating them in the oven or air fryer will keep them crispy.
angiesrecipes says
They look so crunchy and absolutely mouthwatering!
angiesrecipes
Kelly says
Thanks Angie!