Ready to enjoy in only 15 minutes, this crispy and cheesy Fried Ravioli is a fan-favorite appetizer! We love to serve it with warm marinara.
Crunchy, cheesy, and delicious perfectly describe these Fried Ravioli. If you like Fried Zucchini or Fried Mac and Cheese, you’ll love this simple Italian Appetizer.
Deep Fried and Delicious
My hubby loves ravioli, and the kids love anything cheese and pasta!
Our Cheesy Ravioli Bake is a huge hit with the family! Since we love ravioli, I decided to make some Fried Ravioli, just like we made our Fried Zucchini. Not only was it simple, but it was delicious!
In the southern US, particularly the Louisiana area, this delicious dish is called Toasted Ravioli even though it is fried.
The family especially loved this Toasted Ravioli recipe some warm Marinara sauce, which made these bite-sized beauties hard to resist.
For a simple, delicious appetizer or even a side dish for your Italian meal, I highly suggest trying this Deep Fried Ravioli. It’s delicious!!
How to Make Fried Ravioli
Deep Fry Ravioli in minutes for a quick and tasty Italian appetizer!
PREP. Heat oil to medium heat.
COAT. Working in batches, throw 10 Ravioli at a time into a bowl of milk making sure all sides get wet.
From there add them to a gallon bag of flour and shake. Add back to the milk, making sure all sides are wet. Finally, add them to a bag of breadcrumbs. Shake around. Repeat with the remaining ravioli.
FRY. Add to oil and fry until golden brown. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to help drain the oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Repeat the process until all the pieces are breaded and fried.
ENJOY! Serve immediately.
Air fry directions
Coat the ravioli as instructed. Spray each side with cooking spray. Working in batches, place the ravioli in a single layer into the basket of the air fryer.
Cook at 360°F for 3-4 minutes, flip, and fry for another 3-4 minutes.
Recipe Tips
Ravioli. I used a 25 oz bag of cheese ravioli from the refrigerated section. If using frozen ravioli, thaw them before coating and frying them. In either case, do not boil them.
Olive oil. Use just enough for a thin layer in the bottom of the pan. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil can also be used.
Dipping sauce. Different dipping sauces can also be used for this recipe, including our Homemade Ranch or Marinara Sauce.
Variations. This Fried Ravioli recipe can be changed up easily based on the added spices or bread crumbs.
- There are several varieties of bread crumbs. We often like to use Panko breadcrumbs for frying which is another alternative.
- Add extra flavor by seasoning the breadcrumb mixture. My favorite spices to add include Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Use different types of ravioli. We used a standard cheese-filled, but meat-filled or spinach and cheese filled would be delicious.
Storing Info
Make ahead of time. After coating the ravioli, place them on a large plate, cover them with plastic, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours before frying.
STORE leftover Pan Fried Ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Microwave, air fry, or heat them in the oven until warm.
FREEZE. Having fully fried Toasted Ravioli in the freezer is handy. So whether you want to whip up a batch solely for freezing, or simply freeze your leftovers, they will not go to waste.
They make an easy snack for your kids to heat up or a great last-minute appetizer for a party.
- Once the ravioli have fried allow them to cool on a paper towel.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then place them in the freezer.
- Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziploc. They can be stored for about 3 months.
To reheat, lightly spray the frozen Fried Cheese Ravioli on both sides with cooking spray. Place them on the baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
For more Italian sides:
Fried Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients
- olive oil for frying
- 1 package ravioli store bought
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- marinara
Instructions
- Heat oil to medium heat.
- Working in batches, throw 10 Ravioli at a time into a bowl of milk making sure all sides get wet.
- From there add them to a gallon bag of flour and shake. Add back to the milk, making sure all sides are wet. Finally, add them to a bag of breadcrumbs. Shake around. Repeat with the remaining ravioli.
- Add to oil and fry until golden brown. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to help drain the oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Repeat the process until all the pieces are breaded and fried. Serve immediately.
Hi Wondering if you can do some prep or make ahead? Timing? Thanks!!! Excited to try. My mom is no longer with us and this will be my first Christmas dinner at my home. I’m hoping I can replicate some of her amazing Italian dishes and add some of my own. Thanks so much.
I’m so sorry to hear your mom won’t be with you this year. Sending lots of love! Fried foods are hard to prep too far in advance because they taste the best when they are fresh. You could potentially bread them earlier in the day and then fry just before eating. You could also fry and then try to warm them up in the oven a bit when ready to serve. They will definitely taste best if fried fresh though.