Fried Ravioli Recipe
There’s something magical about fried ravioli. Take the comforting bite of stuffed pasta, crisp it to golden perfection, and you’ve got a snack or starter that’s as addictive as it is delicious. Whether you’re throwing a game-day party, hosting a casual get-together, or just looking to elevate a family dinner, this fried ravioli recipe is your golden ticket.
As a professional chef who’s spent years refining appetizer menus, I can tell you this dish is always a show-stealer. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This post will walk you through everything you need—from choosing the best ravioli to serving it with flair.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Ravioli Recipe
There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with fried ravioli:
- Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside.
- Endlessly customizable—choose your favorite ravioli filling or dipping sauce.
- Crowd-pleasing and party-ready.
- Works as an appetizer, snack, or even a casual main dish.
This recipe transforms store-bought or homemade ravioli into a bite-sized delight that’s crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients for Fried Ravioli
The ingredients for this fried ravioli recipe are simple and approachable. You likely have many of them in your pantry already.
For the Fried Ravioli:
- 1 (20 oz) package of fresh or frozen ravioli (cheese, beef, mushroom, or spinach varieties all work well)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For Dipping Sauce:
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Choosing the Right Ravioli
You can make fried ravioli with virtually any variety, but here’s a breakdown of the best options:
- Cheese Ravioli – Classic and crowd-friendly; melts beautifully.
- Beef or Sausage Ravioli – Meaty, hearty, and satisfying.
- Mushroom Ravioli – Earthy and elevated; great for grown-up gatherings.
- Spinach and Ricotta – Lighter, with a hint of greens.
Pro Tip: Fresh ravioli is quicker to fry and gets perfectly crisp. Frozen ravioli works too, but it should be thawed first for even cooking.
How to Make Fried Ravioli (Step-by-Step Guide)
Let’s break down this fried ravioli recipe into simple, foolproof steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a three-part breading station to make the process smooth and efficient:
- Bowl 1 – Egg Wash: Beat eggs and milk together until well combined.
- Bowl 2 – Breading Mix: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 3 – Ravioli: Keep the ravioli here before coating.
Step 2: Bread the Ravioli
- Dip each ravioli into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides well.
- Place breaded ravioli on a parchment-lined tray and let them rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the ravioli (about 2 inches).
- Fry ravioli in batches (avoid overcrowding) for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
- Warm your marinara sauce while the ravioli cool slightly.
- Serve fried ravioli hot with a side of marinara and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or Parmesan.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Fried Ravioli
Want to take your fried ravioli recipe from great to unforgettable? Here are a few professional tips:
1. Double-Coat for Extra Crunch
If you love a thick, crispy crust, double-dip the ravioli: egg wash → breadcrumbs → egg wash again → breadcrumbs again.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Frying too many ravioli at once drops the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Keep batches small for that signature crunch.
3. Use a Thermometer
Oil temperature matters. Too low, and the ravioli gets greasy. Too high, and it burns. A digital thermometer is your friend.
4. Freeze for Future Frying
Breaded but unfried ravioli can be frozen in a single layer, then stored in a zip-top bag. Fry directly from frozen (just add an extra minute or two).
Air Fryer Fried Ravioli Option
Looking for a lighter version? Try this air fryer variation of the fried ravioli recipe:
- Follow the same breading process.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange ravioli in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
This method uses less oil but still delivers that satisfying crunch.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
While marinara is a classic, you can pair fried ravioli with a variety of dips for a unique flavor twist:
- Alfredo Sauce – Rich and creamy.
- Pesto – Fresh and herbaceous.
- Garlic Aioli – A tangy, garlicky kick.
- Spicy Arrabbiata – For heat lovers.
- Blue Cheese or Ranch – Especially good with meat-filled ravioli.
Mix and match based on your ravioli filling and your guests’ taste preferences.
Creative Variations on Fried Ravioli
The beauty of this fried ravioli recipe is how versatile it is. Try these creative spins:
1. Sweet Fried Ravioli
Use chocolate or sweet cheese–filled ravioli, fry as usual, and dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Serve with raspberry sauce or melted chocolate.
2. Stuffed with Surprise
Make homemade ravioli and add jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or truffle oil to the filling for a gourmet twist.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free ravioli and breadcrumbs to create a version that everyone at the table can enjoy.
4. Spicy Kick
Add cayenne to the breadcrumb mix or serve with a chipotle dipping sauce for some heat.
How to Make Homemade Ravioli for Frying
If you’re up for the challenge, homemade ravioli takes this dish to another level. Use a basic pasta dough (flour + eggs + salt), roll it thin, and fill with your favorite ingredients. Here are some classic fillings:
- Ricotta and mozzarella
- Spinach and feta
- Butternut squash and sage
- Ground beef and herbs
Once filled and sealed, refrigerate the ravioli for at least 30 minutes before breading and frying.
What to Serve with Fried Ravioli
While these golden bites are perfect as a standalone appetizer, they also shine as part of a spread. Consider pairing them with:
- Antipasto platter – Olives, salami, cheeses, roasted red peppers.
- Caprese skewers – Fresh, light contrast to the fried richness.
- Arugula salad – Dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance flavors.
- Sparkling beverages or Italian cocktails – Think Aperol Spritz, Prosecco, or a Negroni.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storage:
Let fried ravioli cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended—turns soggy.
FAQs About Fried Ravioli
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, but thaw them first so they cook evenly and don’t burst in the oil.
Can I make fried ravioli ahead of time?
Yes! Bread them in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze them for later use.
Is fried ravioli Italian?
Fried ravioli is an Italian-American dish, often credited to St. Louis, Missouri—particularly the neighborhood of The Hill. It’s a regional favorite that gained national popularity.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy. Bake at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Final Thoughts: Fried Ravioli Recipe Worth Repeating
This fried ravioli recipe is everything you want in an appetizer: crunchy, cheesy, and totally addictive. Whether you serve it as a party snack, a starter for Italian night, or a midweek indulgence, it’s sure to win rave reviews.
With endless variations and dipping options, fried ravioli is more than just a dish—it’s a canvas for flavor and creativity.
Fried Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fried Ravioli:
- 1 20 oz package cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped (optional)
- Additional grated Parmesan optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Coating Station
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a separate bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Ravioli
- Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Transfer to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to coat both sides.
- Place coated ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you finish the batch.
Step 3: Fry the Ravioli
- In a large skillet or deep saucepan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry ravioli in small batches, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover fried ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded (but uncooked) ravioli on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake ravioli at 400°F for 15–18 minutes on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Tip: Air fry at 380°F for 8–10 minutes, turning once for even crisping.
- Flavor Variations: Try with meat or spinach ravioli. Add crushed red pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.