Fried ravioli are little pockets of joy! Crispy on the outside and stuffed with tasty cheese or meat filling, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer.
These ravioli are truly irresistible! I love to dip them in marinara sauce—it’s like a party for your taste buds. Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop munching! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ravioli: I suggest using refrigerated cheese ravioli for ease and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own or swap in store-bought meat or vegetable fillings!
Italian-style Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have these, seasoned breadcrumbs or panko can work great too. Panko adds extra crunch if that’s what you like!
Eggs and Milk: This creates a nice egg wash. For a vegan option, you could use a mixture of flour and water or a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flax meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as a binding agent.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor! If you’re out, try pecorino romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Ravioli Without Making a Mess?
Frying can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get perfect, crispy ravioli every time!
- Keep the oil hot: Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at 350°F. This helps achieve that crispy texture without soaking the ravioli in oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Let them drain: After frying, place the ravioli on paper towels to absorb extra oil and stay crispy.
- Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed fresh and hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Fried Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated cheese ravioli (or any filling you prefer)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to fry, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ravioli:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully add the ravioli and cook them according to the package instructions. To keep them firm (al dente), reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes. Once done, drain the ravioli and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This will serve as your egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick to the ravioli.
3. Mix the Coating:
In another shallow dish, mix together the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined to create your coating.
4. Dredge the Ravioli:
Take each ravioli and first dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, gently dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the ravioli completely, about 2-3 cups. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. A cooking thermometer is useful here!
6. Fry the Ravioli:
Carefully add the breaded ravioli to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
7. Drain and Garnish:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the ravioli to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. While they’re still hot, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
8. Serve:
Serve your crispy fried ravioli immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy fried ravioli! They make a fantastic snack or appetizer that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen ravioli before boiling. You can do this by letting them sit in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Adjust boiling time as needed; cooked slightly less than al dente works best for frying.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds a nice cheesy flavor while keeping it vegan. Just sprinkle it into the breadcrumb coating!
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Ravioli?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness, or you can reheat them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can partially prepare them by breading the ravioli and refrigerating them for up to a few hours. When you’re ready to serve, fry them fresh for the best texture!