Fried ravioli are tiny pockets of joy! These tasty treats are stuffed with cheese or meat and then fried until golden and crispy. Perfect for a fun snack or appetizer!
Each bite is like a crunchy little surprise, and they pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping. I can never eat just one—how about you? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ravioli: Fresh cheese ravioli are a classic choice. For a heartier option, try meat-filled ravioli. If you’re gluten-sensitive, look for gluten-free ravioli options available in stores.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add great flavor. In a pinch, you can use plain breadcrumbs mixed with a little dried Italian herbs. Don’t forget to toast stale bread for homemade breadcrumbs!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful salty flavor. Pecorino Romano is a solid substitute, or Nutritional Yeast for a dairy-free option, which gives a cheesy flavor without the cheese!
Oil: Vegetable or canola oil is great for frying. If you want to switch it up, try olive oil or avocado oil, but keep in mind they might have lower smoke points.
How Do I Prevent My Ravioli from Getting Soggy When Frying?
To keep your fried ravioli crispy, make sure the ravioli are dry before breading. Pat them down with a paper towel after thawing to remove moisture. This helps the coating stick and stay crunchy during frying!
- Set up your breading station: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry a few ravioli at a time. Overcrowding the oil decreases the temperature, causing sogginess.
- Drain the fried ravioli on paper towels right after frying to absorb any excess oil.
Fried Ravioli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) fresh or frozen cheese or meat ravioli
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes for frying. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy crispy, cheesy fried ravioli.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ravioli:
If you’re using frozen ravioli, follow the package instructions to thaw them. Once they’re thawed, use paper towels to gently pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This step is important so they stay crispy when fried!
2. Set Up for Breading:
Get three shallow bowls ready for the breading process. Fill the first bowl with flour, crack the eggs into the second bowl and beat them, and mix the Italian breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese in the third bowl.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the heat, which is essential for perfect frying.
4. Bread the Ravioli:
Take each ravioli and coat it first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any additional egg drip off. Finally, coat it well with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
5. Fry the Ravioli:
Carefully place the breaded ravioli into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried ravioli to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps your ravioli crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once all the ravioli are fried, arrange them neatly on a serving plate. Sprinkle on some extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if you wish for a fresh touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the fried ravioli immediately while they’re hot and crispy, with a bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them according to package instructions and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before breading.
What Type of Oil is Best for Frying?
Vegetable or canola oil is ideal for frying fried ravioli because they have a high smoke point. If you prefer, you can also use peanut oil or avocado oil, but avoid using olive oil as it has a lower smoke point.
How Do I Keep Fried Ravioli Crispy?
To maintain their crispiness, ensure the ravioli are dry before breading. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable, and always drain them on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
While fried ravioli are best served fresh, you can prepare the breaded ravioli in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. Fry them just before serving for the best texture!
