Picture this: crispy, golden-brown pockets of deliciousness, filled with your favorite flavors and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. That’s exactly what Toasted Ravioli delivers—a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, game night, or just craving something indulgent, toasted ravioli is the ultimate comfort food. Plus, with the option to deep fry or air fry, you can enjoy them just the way you like. Ready to learn how to make this Italian-American classic? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Toasted Ravioli
- Perfectly Crispy: A golden crust of breadcrumbs gives every bite a satisfying crunch.
- Versatile: Use any flavor of ravioli—from cheese and spinach to beef or mushroom.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality appetizers at home.
- Customizable Cooking Options: Deep fry for ultimate crispiness or air fry for a lighter option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them with marinara sauce, and they’ll disappear in minutes!
Ingredients for Toasted Ravioli
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crispy, cheesy bites.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Large egg | 1 | Binds the breading to the ravioli |
Whole milk | 2 tbsp | Helps create a smooth egg wash |
Italian-style bread crumbs | ⅔ cup | Adds flavor and texture; plain crumbs work too |
Kosher salt | A few pinches | Enhances the flavor of the breading |
Black pepper | A few pinches | Adds a touch of spice |
Ravioli (any flavor) | 1 (10-oz) package | Refrigerated or thawed frozen ravioli |
Vegetable or peanut oil | For frying | For deep frying (skip for air frying) |
Parmesan cheese | ⅓ cup, shredded | For garnish |
Marinara sauce | 1–1¼ cups, warmed | For dipping |
How to Make Toasted Ravioli
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and whisk it together with the milk until smooth.
- In another shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs with a few pinches of salt and black pepper.
- Line a large platter or baking sheet with parchment paper to place your breaded ravioli.
Step 2: Coat the Ravioli
- Working one at a time, dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Immediately transfer the ravioli to the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick to all sides.
- Place the breaded ravioli on the prepared platter in a single layer.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
Deep Frying
- Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, ensuring it’s at least 2 inches deep.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F to 375°F (use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy).
- Fry the ravioli in batches, turning occasionally, for about 3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer the fried ravioli to a plate lined with paper towels.
Air Frying
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Spray the tops of the ravioli lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the ravioli are crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the cooked ravioli to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with finely shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Making Perfect Toasted Ravioli
- Choose the Right Ravioli: Use your favorite refrigerated ravioli or thaw frozen ones before breading. Popular choices include cheese, spinach, or meat-filled ravioli.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether frying or air frying, cook the ravioli in small batches to ensure even crisping.
- Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For a thicker crust, dip the ravioli in the egg wash and bread crumbs twice.
- Test the Oil Temperature: If deep frying, keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F for the perfect texture.
- Customize the Seasoning: Add grated Parmesan, garlic powder, or Italian herbs to the bread crumbs for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Deep-Fried Ravioli (4 pieces) | Air-Fried Ravioli (4 pieces) |
Calories | ~320 | ~250 |
Protein | 9g | 9g |
Carbohydrates | 28g | 28g |
Fat | 18g | 9g |
Fiber | 2g | 2g |
Sodium | ~600mg | ~600mg |
Creative Variations of Toasted Ravioli
1. Cheesy Explosion Ravioli
- Use mozzarella-stuffed ravioli and serve with a garlic butter dipping sauce.
2. Spicy Toasted Ravioli
- Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the bread crumbs for a spicy kick.
3. Vegan Toasted Ravioli
- Use plant-based ravioli, almond milk for the egg wash, and vegan breadcrumbs. Pair with a dairy-free marinara sauce.
4. Pesto Lover’s Version
- Toss the cooked ravioli in a thin layer of basil pesto before serving.
5. Sweet Ravioli Twist
- Try this method with sweet ravioli (like chocolate or pumpkin-stuffed), and sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of whipped cream or caramel sauce.
FAQs About Toasted Ravioli
1. Can I make toasted ravioli ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the ravioli in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Cook them just before serving for the best texture.
2. What’s the best way to reheat toasted ravioli?
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in a preheated oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes.
3. Can I bake toasted ravioli instead of frying or air frying?
Absolutely! Arrange breaded ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
4. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Ensure the ravioli are fully coated in the egg wash and press the bread crumbs firmly onto the surface. Avoid overcrowding during cooking.
5. What dipping sauces work well with toasted ravioli?
While marinara is a classic, you can also serve them with Alfredo sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic dip.
6. Can I freeze toasted ravioli?
Yes! Bread the ravioli and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or air fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Why Toasted Ravioli is a Must-Try
Toasted Ravioli isn’t just food—it’s an experience. The contrast between the crispy breaded exterior and the warm, flavorful filling makes every bite a treat. Plus, this dish is versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner option for the family.
Conclusion: Make Your Own Toasted Ravioli Today!
Now that you know how to make Toasted Ravioli, it’s time to get started in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this crispy, cheesy appetizer that’s bound to be a hit at any table.
So grab your favorite ravioli, heat up your fryer (or air fryer), and whip up a batch of these golden bites today. Pair them with marinara sauce, sprinkle on some Parmesan, and enjoy every crispy, gooey, and flavorful bite.
PrintToasted Ravioli: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Toasted Ravioli combines crispy golden breadcrumbs with warm, flavorful ravioli fillings for the ultimate appetizer or snack. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, this dish is served with warm marinara sauce for dipping, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Ravioli:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ⅔ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- A pinch of kosher salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 (10-oz) package ravioli (any flavor, refrigerated or thawed if frozen)
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- 1–1¼ cups marinara sauce (warmed, for dipping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and whisk together with the milk to create a smooth egg wash.
- In a separate shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Line a large plate or baking sheet with parchment paper to hold the breaded ravioli.
Step 2: Bread the Ravioli
- Dip each ravioli into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Immediately transfer the ravioli to the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
- Place the breaded ravioli on the prepared parchment-lined plate in a single layer.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
Deep Frying:
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy).
- Fry the ravioli in batches for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Air Frying:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap.
- Lightly spray the tops of the ravioli with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the cooked ravioli to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ravioli Choices: Cheese, spinach, beef, or mushroom ravioli work well—choose your favorite!
- Prevent Overcrowding: Fry or air fry the ravioli in small batches for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Double Coating: For extra crunch, dip the ravioli in the egg wash and bread crumbs twice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American