Fried Ravioli is the ultimate crispy and cheesy snack, turning a classic pasta dish into an irresistible appetizer or party treat. Golden, crunchy on the outside, and filled with warm, gooey cheese or savory meat, these fried ravioli are perfect for dipping in rich marinara sauce. Whether you're hosting a game day or craving a fun twist on Italian flavors, this dish will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Number of servings: 4 servings
- Serving size: 6-8 ravioli
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Ingredients:
For the Fried Ravioli:
- 1 pack fresh or frozen cheese or meat ravioli (about 300g / 10 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (60 ml)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (120g / 4 oz)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g / 1.75 oz)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (5g)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (5g)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 500 ml / 2 cups)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (250 ml)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil or oregano (5g)
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the dried basil or oregano. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, then set aside.
- Prepare the Dredging Station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Ravioli: Dip each ravioli in the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Place the coated ravioli on a plate or baking sheet.
- Fry the Ravioli: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat (about 180°C / 350°F). Fry the ravioli in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Transfer the fried ravioli to a serving plate, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately with the warm marinara dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the ravioli in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which ensures even, crispy frying.
- Freeze Ravioli First: If using fresh ravioli, freeze them for 30 minutes before frying to prevent them from becoming too soft and falling apart.
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, substitute half the breadcrumbs with panko.
- Preheat the Oil: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the ravioli will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Alternative to Frying: For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded ravioli at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes or air-fry them at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen ravioli? Yes, frozen ravioli works great for this recipe. You can fry them directly from frozen—just be sure to adjust the frying time, as they may need an extra minute or two.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can bread the ravioli ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying. Fry them fresh for the best texture.
- What other sauces can I serve with this? In addition to marinara, you can serve fried ravioli with Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a different flavor profile.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover fried ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes to regain their crispiness.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free ravioli and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce is a fun and indulgent way to elevate your favorite stuffed pasta into a crunchy, cheesy treat. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, a snack, or a party dish, this recipe brings the perfect combination of flavors and textures to the table. Try this crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!