This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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.

Fried ravioli served on a white plate with a side of marinara.
Save This Recipe!
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

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.
Cooking Fried Ravioli in a pan of oil.

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. 

Fried ravioli served on a white plate with marinara.

For more Italian sides:

4.91 from 22 votes

Fried Ravioli Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
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.
Servings: 8
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • olive oil for frying
  • 1 (25-ounce) package ravioli store bought
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • ¼ 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.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal, Carbohydrates: 59g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 27mg, Sodium: 506mg, Potassium: 167mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 126IU, Calcium: 164mg, Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

4.91 from 22 votes (8 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




31 Comments

  1. Natasha says:

    5 stars
    Mmmm these look like the perfect grab and dunk appetizers for game day or pre meal! Love it!

  2. Emily says:

    5 stars
    I absolutely love fried ravioli! It’s so crispy, cream, and delicious!

  3. Joy says:

    5 stars
    These were a hit!! I love how easy they were to make & so much better than the frozen ones from the store. They were crisp, yet still soft & gone in minutes!

  4. Sabrina says:

    5 stars
    great dish, haven’t had these in years, thank you for the reminder and he recipe

  5. Ana Maria says:

    5 stars
    My hubby went nuts for these!

  6. Fayth says:

    Hi Luna,
    These look really good and I’d love to try them, but I have a couple of questions first. One, what kind of ravioli is required for this? Our stores sell both fresh and frozen ravioli, and I’m not sure which one I would need to get. Two, has your family ever tried freezing these after they’re fried? I live alone (busy college student), so I like to make batches of food and then freeze them in individual portions to pull out and re-heat for dinner throughout the month, and was wondering how well this recipe might hold up in the freezer.

    Thanks so much for sharing such a delicious looking recipe!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Oh, they are so good!! I used cheese ravioli, but really it could be any kind. You can change it up 🙂 And, I think I had just the cold pkg ones (not frozen, although, you could get frozen & un-thaw them first) I haven’t tried freezing them, but I’m sure they’d be fine 🙂 Hope that helps!!

      1. Fayth says:

        Thank you, it helps a lot! I won’t be making these for a couple months, but I’ll come back and post on how they all turn out. Cheers (:

      2. Lil' Luna says:

        Thanks Fayth!

  7. Crystal says:

    We love fried ravioli!!! I actually have never tried to make it. We usually go out to get it. I’m going to have to try and make it at home. Super delicious!!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      It’s delicious and great, because you can make it whenever you want 🙂 Hope you give it a try. I’d love to know what you think!

  8. ray says:

    This is actually called Toasted Ravioli in St. Louis. It’s a dish that St. Louis is known for, and oh so good.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Someone just today mentioned that 🙂 I love hearing about these little facts! Thanks so much!

  9. Jennifer says:

    Although these little pillows of deliciousness are fried, they are actually referred to as Toasted Ravioli. As a St. Louisan (where these bites were created), they can be found in most restaurants and a whole section in freezer section of the grocery store. Yum!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      They are so good! Thanks for stopping by!!

  10. Amy K. says:

    Ooooohhh… this is not a good thing for me to know! I LOVE fried ravioli so much!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      LOL!! I do too!! 🙁 It’s all about moderation, right?!