Fried ravioli are little pockets of joy! They are pasta filled with cheese or meat, breaded, and then fried until golden and crispy. Perfect as a snack or appetizer!
When I make these, I can’t help but sneak a few before serving. They go great with marinara sauce for dipping—yum! Plus, they’re so easy to whip up for any fun gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ravioli: I love using cheese-filled ravioli for a creamy bite, but meat-filled works just as well if you prefer that. For a veggie option, try spinach or mushroom ravioli!
Bread crumbs: Italian seasoned bread crumbs are fantastic for flavor. If you’re out, you can use plain bread crumbs and add your own herbs, or even crushed-up crackers for a different crunch.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can be great substitutes.
Oil for frying: I recommend vegetable oil, but canola or peanut oil also works. If you want to bake them instead of frying, brushing them lightly with oil and baking on high heat can give a crispy texture.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch When Frying Ravioli?
Achieving that crispy outer layer is all about the double coating process and the right frying temperature. Here’s how to ensure your ravioli come out perfectly crunchy:
- First, make sure you dip each ravioli in egg thoroughly to help the bread crumbs stick.
- The breadcrumb layer should be pressed onto the ravioli. This creates a nice crust that holds up during frying.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature. If it’s too cool, the ravioli will absorb oil and be greasy; too hot will burn them. Aim for the sizzling sound when they hit the oil!
Finally, frying in batches allows each ravioli enough space to crisp up without steaming.
Delicious Fried Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 frozen or fresh cheese or meat-filled ravioli
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fried ravioli recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes frying them to golden perfection. Enjoy a delicious snack in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
Gather three shallow bowls to prepare your breading assembly line. In the first bowl, beat the two eggs. In the second bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Leave the third bowl empty, as this will be used to hold the coated ravioli.
2. Coat the Ravioli:
Take a ravioli and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow the excess egg to drip off, then transfer it to the bread crumb mixture. Coat the ravioli with bread crumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick well. Place the coated ravioli in the empty bowl. Repeat this process until all the ravioli are coated.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan and set it over medium-high heat. You’re aiming for the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is hot enough, you can drop in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re ready to fry!
4. Fry the Ravioli:
Carefully place the breaded ravioli in the hot oil in batches—make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them halfway through frying for even cooking.
5. Drain and Serve:
Once they are golden brown, carefully remove the fried ravioli from the oil using a slotted spoon, and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Arrange the fried ravioli on a serving plate, and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a nice touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the fried ravioli hot with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Store-Bought Ravioli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought frozen or fresh ravioli are perfect to save time and effort. Just ensure they are fully thawed if using frozen ravioli before breading and frying.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Bread Crumbs?
No problem! You can make your own by processing plain bread into crumbs and mixing in Italian herbs and seasoning. Alternatively, use crushed crackers or plain bread crumbs mixed with your favorite spices!
Can I Bake the Ravioli Instead of Frying Them?
Yes, you can bake the ravioli for a healthier version! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly brush the coated ravioli with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use the oven or an air fryer to regain their crispiness! Simply heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.