Name: Fried Ravioli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated or frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach-filled); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp milk; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; For serving: warm marinara sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely addictive. The contrast of a crispy coating with the soft, cheesy filling inside makes fried ravioli a standout dish. It’s versatile too—you can use fresh, frozen, or refrigerated ravioli and choose from different fillings. Plus, it works just as well as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun main course.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated or frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach-filled)
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Milk
Italian-style breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For serving:

Marinara sauce (warm, for dipping)

Directions

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each ravioli in flour, then egg wash, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Fry ravioli in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Bake instead of frying: Place breaded ravioli on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Use air fryer: Cook breaded ravioli at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Try different fillings: Use spinach, mushroom, sausage, or lobster ravioli for variety.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
Change the dip: Serve with Alfredo sauce, pesto, or a garlic butter dip instead of marinara.

Storage/Reheating

Fried ravioli is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli?

Yes, just thaw them slightly before breading and frying.

Do I need to pre-cook the ravioli?

If using refrigerated ravioli, no pre-cooking is needed. For frozen ravioli, boil for 1–2 minutes before breading.

Can I make fried ravioli ahead of time?

You can bread them ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before frying.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian-style?

Yes, panko will give an extra-crispy texture.

What oil is best for frying ravioli?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil works best because of their high smoke points.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free ravioli, flour, and breadcrumbs.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Press the breadcrumbs gently into the ravioli and make sure each piece is coated well with flour and egg wash before breading.

Can I freeze breaded ravioli before frying?

Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to cook time.

Is this dish the same as toasted ravioli?

Yes, “toasted ravioli” is a popular name, especially in St. Louis, even though it’s fried.

Can I make it healthier?

Yes, bake or air fry instead of deep frying for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Fried ravioli is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. With a crunchy coating, warm filling, and delicious dipping sauces, it’s the perfect finger food for sharing. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for parties, game days, or when you simply want a fun twist on pasta night.