Crispy Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dip

Golden-fried cheese ravioli with a crunchy breadcrumb exterior, served hot alongside a savory marinara dip—an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s perfect for gatherings or comfort food cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines creamy, cheesy ravioli encased in a crisp, golden shell—offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether prepared in oil or air-fried, it’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and easy to dip in tangy marinara.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• cheese ravioli (fresh or thawed frozen)

• all-purpose flour

• large eggs (or egg + milk mixture)

• Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko)

• grated Parmesan cheese

• garlic powder, salt, pepper (optional: Italian seasoning)

• olive or vegetable oil (for deep frying)

• marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• fresh parsley (optional garnish)

directions

1. Set up three shallow bowls: flour; beaten eggs (or eggs mixed with milk); breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. epicurious.com+13iamhomesteader.com+13dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk+13wearychef.comcrunchycreamysweet.com

2. Dip each ravioli first in flour, shaking off excess, then in egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs to adhere. iamhomesteader.com

3. Optionally freeze breaded ravioli for about 30 minutes—this helps breadcrumbs stick and prevents bursting. thechunkychef.com+13chefsavvy.com+13allrecipes.com+13

4. For deep frying: heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350 °F. Fry ravioli in batches for 2–4 minutes, turning until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels. dinneratthezoo.com+1wearychef.com+1
   For air-frying: spray ravioli lightly with cooking spray, air-fry at 350–375 °F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. en.wikipedia.org+12iamhomesteader.com+12crunchycreamysweet.com+12

5. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, and serve warm with marinara dip. en.wikipedia.org+5dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk+5epicurious.com+5

Servings and timing

• Yields: Approximately 8 servings (around 24 pieces).

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15–20 minutes (deep fry) or 10 minutes (air-fry)

• Total time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

• Fillings: Use beef, mushroom, or chicken ravioli instead of cheese. bhg.com+13thechunkychef.com+13iamhomesteader.com+13

• Breadcrumbs: Swap Italian-style crumbs with panko for extra crunch.

• Seasonings: Customize seasoning mix with herbs like oregano, parsley, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.

• Sauces: Serve with pesto, aioli, ranch, or spicy marinara.

storage/reheating

Leftover fried ravioli store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. thechunkychef.com+1chefsavvy.com+1
To reheat: warm in a preheated 375 °F oven or air-fryer for 10–15 minutes until crisp. thechunkychef.com

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ravioli directly from the freezer?

Yes, but thawing first is recommended—this avoids excess moisture and reduces cracking during frying.

2. Do I need to boil ravioli before coating?

No need to boil. The ravioli cooks as it’s fried, crisping up in about 2–4 minutes.

3. How hot should the oil be?

Maintain the oil between 350–370 °F to ensure crispiness without burning. A popcorn kernel test or thermometer is helpful.

4. Why freeze the breaded ravioli?

Freezing helps the breadcrumbs adhere and prevents the ravioli from bursting once in hot oil. bhg.com+14chefsavvy.com+14iamhomesteader.com+14

5. Can I bake these instead?

Yes—coat, place on a greased wire rack, and bake at 400–425 °F for about 15–25 minutes until golden.

6. What’s the best breadcrumb for crunch?

Panko breadcrumbs deliver a crispier texture, though Italian-style crumbs are traditional and flavorful.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes.

8. Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely—kids love the cheesy, crispy bite, especially when served with marinara. allrecipes.com+6chefsavvy.com+6crunchycreamysweet.com+6

9. Can I prepare ahead for a party?

Yes—bread the ravioli ahead of time and refrigerate. Fry or bake just before serving.

10. How do I make marinara dip from scratch?

Sauté onion and garlic, add tomatoes, water, herbs, vinegar, sugar, salt, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Conclusion

Crispy fried ravioli is a show-stopping appetizer that’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always welcome at the table. Whether deep-fried, air-fried, or oven-baked, it delivers a satisfying crunch with a warm, cheesy center. Keep extra on hand—it disappears fast!

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