Fried ravioli are little pockets of joy! These crispy bites are stuffed with cheesy goodness and served with marinara sauce for dipping—yum!
Honestly, what’s better than crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside? I could snack on these all day, especially with a side of sauce for extra flavor! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Ravioli: You can use store-bought fresh or frozen cheese ravioli. For a twist, try filling them with spinach or meat. If you’re vegan, opt for meat-free ravioli or make your own from scratch!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps give the ravioli a nice crispy coating. If you want a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are perfect for added flavor. If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs work too—just sprinkle in some Italian herbs for flavor. I sometimes crush up crackers for a unique texture!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful cheesy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy. I use extra to sprinkle on top for added taste!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Getting that golden, crispy coating on your fried ravioli is key to this dish. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying – test with a breadcrumb to see if it sizzles.
- Coat each ravioli well in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature, which helps keep the ravioli crispy.
- Keep an eye on them while frying; they cook quickly—about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn them as they brown for even cooking.
Once they’re golden brown, place them on paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Serve them hot for the perfect crunchy bite!
Fried Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese ravioli, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or Italian herb blend
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 to 3 cups)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, warmed (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. Overall, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ravioli:
If you’re using frozen ravioli, start by thawing them first. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to soak up any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Stations:
Grab three shallow bowls or pie plates. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until well mixed. In the third bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or medium-sized pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom (about 2 to 3 cups). Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). No thermometer? Drop a breadcrumb in the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
4. Coat the Ravioli:
Take each ravioli and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
5. Fry the Ravioli:
Carefully place the coated ravioli in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning them as needed until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fried ravioli from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This helps to absorb any excess oil.
7. Garnish:
Arrange the fried ravioli on a serving plate and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy with Marinara Sauce:
Serve these crispy, cheesy ravioli warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli in This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen ravioli first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are several brands available that work well and retain the crunchy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up, instead of using the microwave to avoid sogginess.
Can I Prepare the Ravioli Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can coat the ravioli in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. Just make sure to fry them right before serving to keep them crispy!