Fried ravioli are little pockets of goodness! They’re crispy on the outside and filled with creamy cheese or savory meat inside. Yum!
These tasty bites are perfect as a snack or an appetizer. And let’s be real: who doesn’t love cheesy goodness with a crunchy twist? I can’t resist dunking them in marinara sauce! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ravioli: You can use either cheese or meat ravioli depending on your preference. Frozen ravioli work great and save time, but fresh ravioli have that delightful texture. Feel free to make homemade ravioli if you’re up for a fun cooking challenge!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs give a nice flavor, but you can use plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning if that’s what you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a wonderful taste. If you want a sharper flavor, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Nutritional yeast can be a tasty dairy-free alternative and adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Marinara Sauce: You can serve these with store-bought marinara, but homemade is always better. If you want something different, try a garlic butter sauce for a unique twist!
How Do You Ensure Your Fried Ravioli Are Crispy and Perfectly Cooked?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about the frying technique. Here’s how: start with hot oil. If it’s not hot enough, your ravioli will absorb oil and get soggy instead of crispy. Here’s a quick guide:
- Check the temperature with a deep-fry thermometer or drop a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle immediately when the oil is ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this lowers the oil temperature. Fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, usually about 2-3 minutes per batch. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to absorb extra oil.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have fried ravioli that are perfectly crispy every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Fried Ravioli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 20-25) fresh or frozen cheese or meat ravioli
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and fry. This gives you enough time to gather all the ingredients, bread the ravioli, and get them perfectly crispy in the oil. In no time, you’ll have a delicious snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Dredging Stations:
Start by setting up your dredging stations. In a shallow bowl, pour in the flour for coating. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and easy!
2. Heat Oil:
Next, get your frying oil ready! In a deep frying pan or a deep fryer, add enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately!
3. Bread the Ravioli:
Now it’s time to coat your ravioli! Take a few ravioli at a time and first dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, allowing the extra to drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. This is where the magic happens!
4. Fry the Ravioli:
Carefully place the breaded ravioli into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn—golden is the goal!
5. Drain and Season:
Once they are done frying, use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy and not soggy.
6. Serve:
Finally, it’s time to serve! Arrange the fried ravioli on a nice serving plate. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried ravioli!
Get ready to delight everyone with these crispy, cheesy bites!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli works perfectly for frying. Just make sure to keep them frozen until you’re ready to bread and fry them. There’s no need to thaw—this helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too soggy in the oil.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and regain their crispiness. Avoid the microwave; it can make them soggy.
What Can I Serve with Fried Ravioli?
Fried ravioli pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping. You could also serve them alongside a fresh salad or with a side of garlic bread for a heartier meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a creamy Alfredo sauce for a twist!
Can I Make the Ravioli in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare and bread the ravioli ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. Just remember to take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.
