I’ve heard them called “Fried Ravioli,” but where I come from, we call these delicious tidbits Toasted Ravioli. No matter what you call them, prepare to become addicted! They originated in my hometown of St. Louis and they grace the appetizer section of most Italian restaurants in town. There’s a bit of debate over which local restaurant invented them back in the 1940s, but these “t-ravs,” as they’re affectionately called by locals, have earned their place in restaurants around the country.
With a small time saving hack (ahem-start with refrigerated ravioli), Toasted Ravioli don’t take too much time to prepare. Plus, the ingredient list is super easy. Their crisp, salty goodness pairs wonderfully with savory marinara for dipping and makes for a very satisfying appetizer. You can use cheese ravioli or meat-filled ravioli, whichever you prefer, or even tortellini in a pinch. A sprinkle of parmesan and chopped parsley and your Toasted Ravioli are ready to serve.
Toasted Ravioli, also known as fried ravioli, are cheese or meat ravioli fried in an air fryer or in oil, topped with parmesan cheese and parsley, and dipped in a side of marinara sauce.
How to Make Toasted Ravioli in less than 30 Minutes
You don’t have to worry about this appetizer recipe! It’s super easy to make and you can even prepare it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for unannounced guests.
Simple Ingredient List
- 1 12-oz package of refrigerated or frozen ravioli (if using frozen, thaw them first);
- 2 eggs;
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk;
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (you can also use normal breadcrumbs, but the result may differ a little);
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for serving);
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley (for serving);
- oil (for frying);
- marinara sauce for serving (or other pasta sauce).
Easy Toasted Ravioli Step-by-Step Recipe
- First of all, whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl.
- Next, place the breadcrumbs on a plate or in a shallow dish.
- Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, coating them completely. Finally, place them on a sheet of waxed or parchment paper as you go.
- Place a large frying pot on the stove and pour enough oil into it to form 1/4″ inch deep.
* Heat oil to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
- Next, add enough ravioli to the pot so it’s not crowded. Fry them until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat until all of your ravioli are cooked.
- Lastly, place the fried ravioli on a serving platter, then sprinkle with the parmesan and parsley. You can serve them with a small dish of marinara sauce for dipping.
Quick and Easy Fried Ravioli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These fried ravioli make the perfect snack for any occasion! They are crispy and full of flavor! Serve them with all your favorite sauces and dips and replace any boring appetizer with them. They are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 12-oz package of refrigerated cheese ravioli (you can also use frozen, but they’ll need to be thawed first);
- 2 eggs;
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk;
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (you can also use normal breadcrumbs, but make sure they are very fine);
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for serving);
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley (for serving);
- oil (for frying);
- marinara sauce for serving (or any favorite dip of yours).
Instructions
- First of all, whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl.
- Next, place the breadcrumbs on a plate or in a shallow dish.
- Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, coating them completely. Finally, place them on a sheet of waxed or parchment paper as you go.
- Place a large frying pot on the stove and pour enough oil into it. Heat to 325 degrees.
- Next, add enough ravioli to the pot so it’s not crowded. Fry them until they’re golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Repeat until all of your ravioli are cooked. Cooked ravioli may be placed on a wire rack or on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
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Lastly, place the fried ravioli on a serving platter, then sprinkle with the parmesan and parsley. You can serve them with a small dish of marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of your oil. Make sure it is 325 degrees but not higher.
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: snack
- Method: stovetop cooked
- Cuisine: Italian
How to Make Ahead Fried Ravioli
You can prepare this recipe ahead of time and store it for a future occasion. Whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer, you’ll be able to turn to these made-ahead fried ravioli and save a lot of time!
Make the fried ravioli as directed in the recipe below and allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and place them into the freezer. As soon as they’re frozen (about 1 hour), place them in a zip freezer bag or airtight container and put them back into the freezer.
Finally, when you want to serve them, place the frozen ravioli on a sheet pan and bake them at 400F for about 15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy.
Fried Ravioli FAQ
Lastly, I find it essential to know a little more about this recipe before getting started. So, I gathered some of the frequently asked questions about the fried ravioli recipe and answer them below.
Ravioli, a dish of stuffed pasta, is a humble but very popular dish in Italian cuisine traditions. Humble in its ingredients of cheese, meat, or specific vegetables, this traditional Italian pasta is often prepared with loved ones for the feast table at Christmastime or for a family celebration. Even though they are traditionally boiled and served as normal pasta, recently they became a trend to be fried and served as snacks.
Yes! You just have to simply pan-fry thawed ravioli in a skillet with melted butter and a little oil for a few minutes until they’re browned on both sides and cooked through. Keep in mind that if you’ve ever pan-fried pierogi, it’s basically the same process.
If you prefer to cook these ravioli in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350F. Next, prepare them just like in the main recipe, then place the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the fryer basket. Cook them for about 9 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Repeat the process until all the ravioli have been fried.
Enjoy Your Toasted Ravioli!
Finally, this is our beloved fried ravioli recipe that made such a fuss on social media during the last months. I hope its easy preparation process and super delicious taste impressed you as much as I expected!
Last but not least, if you are looking to try something new at your next gathering, look below. I gathered below some of my favorite easy-to-make appetizer recipes. Try them out!
