Looking for a quick, easy, and irresistible appetizer or snack that the whole family will love? These Air Fryer Cheese Ravioli are a total crowd-pleaser! Imagine crispy, golden-brown ravioli coated in flavorful breadcrumbs with warm, gooey cheese inside. And the best part? They’re ready in just 15 minutes! Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll have a dish that both kids and adults will be diving into.
I love making these as a fun twist on traditional pasta night or as a finger food for parties. They’re less messy than frying, healthier, and just as satisfying! Plus, kids enjoy dipping them, making it a great hands-on food experience. Let’s get started on this crunchy, cheesy goodness!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 20 frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cheese Ravioli
- Don’t thaw the ravioli: Keep the ravioli frozen until breading. If thawed, they can get soggy and harder to handle.
- Bread generously: Make sure every inch of the ravioli is coated for the crispiest results. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to help them stick.
- Preheat the air fryer: A hot air fryer ensures the ravioli cook evenly and get that signature crunch.
- Spray evenly with oil: A light coating of olive oil spray ensures an even golden-brown crust.
- Work in batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space between the ravioli to allow air to circulate.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Shallow bowls or plates for breading
Substitutions and Variations
- Ravioli Flavors: Use spinach and ricotta ravioli or meat-filled ravioli instead of cheese for a fun variation.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free ravioli.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch if you don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Dipping Sauce: Swap marinara for alfredo, ranch, or even pesto for a unique twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bread the ravioli ahead of time and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook straight from frozen when ready to serve!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Bread the Ravioli
Dip each ravioli into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, covering all sides. Repeat until all ravioli are breaded.
Step 3: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil.
Step 4: Air Fry the Ravioli
Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with a bit more olive oil to ensure even crispiness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the ravioli from the air fryer and serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: Breaded ravioli can be frozen before cooking. Cook from frozen in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes.
Conclusion
Air fryer cheese ravioli are the ultimate crispy, cheesy snack or appetizer that you can whip up in minutes. Whether you’re serving these as a fun dinner addition or a party finger food, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and let us know how they turned out in the comments below—don’t forget to share your favorite dipping sauce! 🎉
