These Toasted Ravioli are golden, crispy, and incredibly delicious, making them a perfect addition to any meal or as a standalone snack. The crunchy coating paired with the soft, cheesy filling offers a satisfying bite with every piece.
Whether you’re using an air fryer or the oven, this dish is simple and quick to prepare. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in no time. This is a fantastic recipe to impress guests at parties or just enjoy a comforting snack during your weeknight movie marathon.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 large ravioli (cheese or meat)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip each ravioli into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Arrange the coated ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the ravioli are golden and crispy. If baking in the oven, place ravioli on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes (air fryer) or 18 minutes (oven) | Total Time: 20 minutes (air fryer) or 28 minutes (oven)
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli is a popular Italian-American dish that transforms traditional ravioli into a crispy, golden delight. This dish has become a favorite in restaurants and homes alike due to its perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy interior. Whether made in an air fryer or baked in the oven, toasted ravioli is a quick and easy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It’s ideal for parties, movie nights, or even as a snack to enjoy with family and friends.
The beauty of toasted ravioli lies in its versatility. You can choose different types of ravioli fillings, such as cheese, meat, or even vegetables, to suit your preferences. The crisp coating adds a new layer of texture, enhancing the flavor of the ravioli. This dish can be paired with a variety of dips, but the classic marinara sauce never fails to complement the crunchy ravioli. Let’s dive deeper into the history, variations, and the best tips for making the perfect toasted ravioli.
The Origin of Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli, despite its Italian roots, is often considered a St. Louis delicacy, with its origin traced back to the early 1940s. The dish was created by accident at a restaurant called Mama’s on The Hill in St. Louis. The story goes that the restaurant’s chef was experimenting with deep-frying leftover ravioli, and the result was so delicious that it quickly became a local sensation. The dish gained popularity across the city and eventually found its way to restaurants and home kitchens around the United States.
Although toasted ravioli is not a traditional Italian dish, it shares similarities with other Italian recipes that involve frying pasta. In Italy, ravioli is often served boiled or in a broth, but frying ravioli gives it a whole new twist. The crispy exterior paired with the tender filling is a combination that has won the hearts of many food lovers.
Different Variations of Toasted Ravioli
One of the great things about toasted ravioli is that it can be made with a variety of fillings, making it customizable for different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some popular variations of this dish:
Cheese-Stuffed Ravioli
Cheese-filled ravioli is the most common variety used in toasted ravioli recipes. The creamy, melted cheese inside contrasts wonderfully with the crispy coating. This version is perfect for those who love a rich and indulgent bite.
Meat-Stuffed Ravioli
For a heartier version, meat-filled ravioli, typically with a beef or pork filling, can be used. The savory flavor of the meat complements the crispy crust, creating a filling appetizer that is sure to satisfy.
Vegetable Ravioli
For a lighter, vegetarian option, ravioli stuffed with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or butternut squash can be used. These fillings offer a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the crunchy coating.
Gluten-Free Toasted Ravioli
With the increasing demand for gluten-free options, many people are turning to gluten-free pasta to make toasted ravioli. Using gluten-free ravioli allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this dish without compromising on taste.
How to Make Toasted Ravioli at Home
Making toasted ravioli at home is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. Whether you use an air fryer or bake them in the oven, the process is almost the same. The key to making perfect toasted ravioli is in the breading and the cooking method.
Breading
The breading mixture typically includes breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. The ravioli is first dipped in egg, which helps the breading adhere to the pasta, and then coated with the breadcrumb mixture. The Italian seasoning adds a wonderful flavor to the breading, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Cooking Methods
While toasted ravioli is traditionally deep-fried, there are healthier alternatives. You can cook the ravioli in an air fryer or bake them in the oven for a crisp texture without the added oil. Air frying is an excellent option for those looking to reduce the fat content while still achieving a golden, crispy exterior. If you don’t have an air fryer, baking the ravioli in a preheated oven works just as well, giving you a similar crispy result.
Dips and Sauces
The classic dip for toasted ravioli is marinara sauce, which adds a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy ravioli. However, you can experiment with different sauces depending on your preference. A garlic butter sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy buffalo sauce also make great dipping options.
Tips for Making Perfect Toasted Ravioli
Use Fresh Ravioli
For the best results, always use fresh ravioli. Fresh pasta will give you a better texture and flavor than frozen ravioli. If using frozen ravioli, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before breading them to prevent sogginess.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer or Baking Sheet
When cooking toasted ravioli in an air fryer or oven, make sure not to overcrowd the basket or baking sheet. Give the ravioli enough space to cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you have a lot of ravioli, cook them in batches.
Ensure the Coating Sticks
To ensure the breadcrumb coating sticks properly, make sure the ravioli is well-coated in egg before dipping it in the breadcrumb mixture. You can even double-coat the ravioli for extra crunch by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
Experiment with Fillings
Feel free to get creative with the fillings. You can try different cheeses, herbs, or meats to make this dish your own. For a more unique flavor, try using a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach in your ravioli.
Serve Immediately
Toasted ravioli is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight out of the air fryer or oven. If you let it sit for too long, the crispy coating can lose its crunch and become soggy. Serve the ravioli immediately for the best texture.
Toasted Ravioli in the Air Fryer vs. Oven
Both the air fryer and the oven can produce excellent results when making toasted ravioli. However, there are some key differences between the two methods.
Air Fryer
The air fryer is the quickest method and can create a perfectly crispy ravioli in just 8-10 minutes. It uses hot air circulation to cook the ravioli evenly, resulting in a golden-brown exterior. The air fryer also requires less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier option.
Oven
Baking the ravioli in the oven typically takes a bit longer, around 15-18 minutes. However, it is still an excellent option if you don’t have an air fryer. The oven method allows you to bake a larger batch at once and achieve the same crispy texture with just a bit more time.
Healthier Alternatives and Modifications
While toasted ravioli is undeniably delicious, it is often considered a indulgent treat. If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, here are a few modifications you can make:
Use Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, use whole wheat breadcrumbs to add extra fiber and nutrients to the dish. This simple swap can make the dish slightly healthier without compromising on flavor.
Air Fry Instead of Frying
As mentioned earlier, air frying is a healthier option that reduces the amount of oil used in cooking. Air frying helps you achieve the crispy texture without the added fat.
Use Low-Fat Cheese
If you’re looking to cut down on the calories, try using low-fat cheese for the ravioli filling. This can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish without sacrificing the cheesy goodness.
Conclusion
Toasted ravioli is a fantastic dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, from foodies to families looking for a quick and delicious snack. Whether you choose to make it with cheese, meat, or vegetables, this dish is versatile and easy to customize. It can be made in an air fryer or oven, offering two different cooking methods to suit your needs. The crispy, golden exterior paired with the tender filling makes for a delightful bite every time.
Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser at parties, but it also works well for a weeknight meal or a fun snack. By experimenting with different ravioli fillings and dips, you can create endless variations of this tasty treat. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian dishes or you’re just looking for a new appetizer to try, toasted ravioli is a must-try recipe that will leave you craving more.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something crispy, cheesy, and delicious, give toasted ravioli a try. You won’t be disappointed!