Fried ravioli are crispy little pasta pockets filled with cheese or meat, perfect for snacking. They’re quick to make and pack a punch of flavor in every bite!
I love serving these with marinara sauce for dipping. Trust me, once you start munching, it’s hard to stop! 🍽️ Perfect for parties or just a fun night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ravioli: You can use either cheese or meat-filled ravioli. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, cheese ravioli is perfect. Fresh ravioli is great but frozen saves time. If you’re gluten-free, you can find gluten-free ravioli in stores!
Breadcrumbs: I prefer Italian-style breadcrumbs for that extra flavor. If you don’t have those, plain breadcrumbs will work, just add some Italian herbs or spices. Panko breadcrumbs can also add a nice crunch if you prefer that texture.
Eggs: The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the ravioli. If you’re vegan, you can use a flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg substitute to keep the coating in place.
Oil: Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying, but feel free to use canola or peanut oil. Just make sure it has a high smoke point for frying.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Fried Ravioli?
To get that irresistible crispy coating, focus on two key things: the breading technique and the oil temperature. Here’s how to nail it:
- Set up three bowls: one for flour, one for the egg wash (eggs + water), and one for the breadcrumb mix. This organization helps streamline the process.
- When breading, make sure to shake off any excess flour before dipping into the egg. This ensures a better coating and avoids clumps.
- Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; too cool, and they’ll turn out soggy. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can drop the oil temperature. This way, they’ll cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
- Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have crunchy, delicious fried ravioli every time! Enjoy with a side of marinara or your favorite sauce!
Fried Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients:
- 20-24 frozen cheese or meat ravioli (thawed if you prefer)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried ravioli recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. With some time for frying, you can have these tasty bites ready in 30 minutes or less!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Breading Station:
Start by setting up your breading station. Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This organization will help you easily coat the ravioli.
2. Bread the Ravioli:
Working in batches, take each ravioli and dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture to coat, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the ravioli to help them stick well.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C). It’s important that the oil is hot enough to ensure the ravioli become crispy!
4. Fry the Ravioli:
Carefully add the breaded ravioli to the hot oil in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Repeat & Serve:
Continue the frying process with the remaining ravioli. Once done, serve the fried ravioli hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Don’t forget to provide a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping!
Enjoy these irresistible crispy fried ravioli as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!
Can I Use Fresh Ravioli Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli can be used for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh ravioli usually cooks faster than frozen. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side until they’re golden brown.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or panko for an extra crunch. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds for a unique texture!
How to Store Leftover Fried Ravioli?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness instead of using the microwave.
Can I Make These Ravioli in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the ravioli ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and fry them just before serving for a fresh, crispy result.