Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Fresh ravioli can work, but they're more delicate and may split during the frying process. If using fresh, freeze them for about 30 minutes before breading to firm them up. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking and creates a better texture in the final dish.

My breading keeps falling off during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the egg mixture doesn't fully coat the floured ravioli or when the oil isn't hot enough. Make sure to tap off excess flour before dipping in egg, and let excess egg drip off before adding breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each ravioli. For deep frying, always ensure your oil has reached 350°F before adding ravioli.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free ravioli, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious. Many stores now carry gluten-free Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, or you can season plain gluten-free breadcrumbs with Italian herbs.

What other sauces work well for dipping besides marinara?

While marinara is classic, these crispy ravioli taste fantastic with alfredo sauce, pesto, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For something unexpected but delicious, try a balsamic glaze or honey mustard dipping sauce. The versatility of these crispy bites is part of their charm!

Crispy Fried Ravioli Recipe

Name: Crispy Fried Ravioli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American Italian
Ingredients: 25 ounces (1 bag) cheese ravioli, frozen; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup Italian bread crumbs; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for serving (optional); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; vegetable oil, for frying; parsley, optional, for garnish; 1 jar marinara sauce, optional, for dipping

This Crispy Fried Ravioli transforms ordinary frozen ravioli into a mouthwatering appetizer that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. The contrast between the crispy golden exterior and the soft, cheesy filling creates an irresistible bite that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun weeknight treat, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Double Cooking Method: Choose between air frying for a lighter option or deep frying for that classic crispy texture—both methods yield delicious results!
Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples that transform frozen ravioli into something extraordinary.
Crowd-Pleaser: These crispy bites disappear quickly at gatherings—everyone loves the combination of crunchy coating and cheesy filling.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun main dish when paired with a salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of the show—no need to thaw, using them frozen actually helps maintain their shape during cooking.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base layer that helps the egg mixture stick to the ravioli.
Milk: Thins out the egg mixture for a lighter coating that crisps up beautifully.
Eggs: Provides the adhesive layer between the flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring your coating sticks perfectly.
Italian Bread Crumbs: Brings flavor and that essential crunch factor—the coarser texture creates better crispiness than regular breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth to the coating and helps create that golden-brown finish.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the coating with subtle flavor that complements the cheese filling.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
Vegetable Oil: Has a high smoke point ideal for frying; ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
Marinara Sauce: The perfect tangy companion for dipping these crispy bites.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Fillings

Try using meat-filled ravioli or spinach and cheese ravioli for a different flavor profile. Mushroom ravioli creates a rich, earthy version that’s particularly delicious.

Spicy Twist

Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

Herb-Infused

Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into your breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant variation.

Ranch-Style

Replace the marinara with ranch dressing for dipping and add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.

How to Make Fried Ravioli

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange three wide, deep plates in a row. Fill the first with flour, the second with whisked eggs and milk, and the third with a mixture of bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place your breaded ravioli.

Step 2: Bread the Ravioli

Take each frozen ravioli and dredge it first in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet and continue with remaining ravioli.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Air Fryer Method

Spray the breaded ravioli on both sides with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The ravioli should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Deep Frying Method

Place the breaded ravioli in the freezer for 30 minutes to set the coating. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Carefully add 3-4 ravioli at a time, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow oil to return to 350°F between batches.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the hot fried ravioli with additional grated parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep It Cold: The ravioli should remain frozen until coating. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents the ravioli from becoming too soft during cooking.
Test the Oil: If deep frying, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier exterior, dip the ravioli in egg mixture and breadcrumbs a second time before cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Whether using the air fryer or deep frying, give the ravioli plenty of space to ensure even browning and maximum crispiness.
Drain Properly: After deep frying, drain ravioli on paper towels positioned on a cooling rack, not directly on a plate, to prevent them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

As an Appetizer

Arrange on a large platter with ramekins of different dipping sauces like marinara, alfredo, pesto, or even a spicy aioli. Sprinkle with additional parmesan and fresh herbs.

As a Main Course

Serve with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a balanced meal. The peppery greens complement the rich, crispy ravioli beautifully.

Party Presentation

For gatherings, place individual ravioli on small cocktail forks or decorative toothpicks with a small dollop of marinara on each for an elegant one-bite appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

You can bread the ravioli up to 24 hours ahead of time. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled fried ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Arrange cooked and cooled ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Fresh ravioli can work, but they’re more delicate and may split during the frying process. If using fresh, freeze them for about 30 minutes before breading to firm them up. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking and creates a better texture in the final dish.
My breading keeps falling off during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the egg mixture doesn’t fully coat the floured ravioli or when the oil isn’t hot enough. Make sure to tap off excess flour before dipping in egg, and let excess egg drip off before adding breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each ravioli. For deep frying, always ensure your oil has reached 350°F before adding ravioli.
Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free ravioli, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. Many stores now carry gluten-free Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, or you can season plain gluten-free breadcrumbs with Italian herbs.
What other sauces work well for dipping besides marinara?

While marinara is classic, these crispy ravioli taste fantastic with alfredo sauce, pesto, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For something unexpected but delicious, try a balsamic glaze or honey mustard dipping sauce. The versatility of these crispy bites is part of their charm!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Ravioli recipe transforms a humble freezer staple into an impressive, crave-worthy treat that balances perfectly between comfort food and party fare. Whether you choose the lighter air fryer method or go all-in with traditional deep frying, that first bite—with its satisfying crunch giving way to warm, cheesy filling—is pure culinary magic. So grab that bag of frozen ravioli hiding in your freezer and turn it into something spectacular tonight!