When I first discovered toasted ravioli, I was instantly captivated by the delightful contrast of textures — the golden, crispy exterior surrounding a warm, savory filling. It felt like a hidden gem of comfort food that transformed my dinner routine. What makes this dish even more exciting is its versatility; you can create crispy bites using your favorite ravioli fillings, whether it’s a classic cheese, earthy mushroom, or even a sweet butternut squash.
In just a short time, you can whip up a healthier version of this St. Louis classic using either an air fryer or oven, leaving behind the greasy mess of traditional frying. Imagine impressing your friends and family with these gourmet appetizers straight from your kitchen! Dipped in marinara sauce, they are perfect for entertaining or satisfying a late-night craving. So, let’s get ready to embrace this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing delight that promises to shake up your dinner plans!
Why is Toasted Ravioli a Must-Try?
Irresistible Crunch: These toasted ravioli boast a crispy exterior that pairs perfectly with warm, flavorful fillings, creating an unforgettable bite.
Healthier Indoors: Making them in an air fryer or oven means you can indulge without the heavy oil typically used in frying.
Versatile Fillings: Feel free to swap in your favorite ravioli fillings like cheese, mushroom, or even butternut squash for a fresh twist!
Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a gourmet appetizer ready in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these crispy bites will wow your guests and satisfy your cravings.
You can even try adding a touch of Italian seasoning for extra zing! If you want to jazz up your meal even more, consider pairing them with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete dining experience. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Toasted Ravioli Ingredients
• Get ready to explore a delightful mix of ingredients!
For the Filling
• Frozen Ravioli – Choose your favorite filling, like cheese, mushroom, or butternut squash.
For the Coating
• Breadcrumbs – Use Italian seasoned or panko for optimum crispiness; gluten-free options are available, too!
• Parmesan Cheese (optional) – This adds rich flavor; feel free to omit for a dairy-free version.
For the Binding
• Eggs (or Plant-Based Milk) – Acts as a binder to help crumbs stick; almond or oat milk can work as a vegan substitute.
For Cooking
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil – Helps achieve that extra crispiness while preventing sticking during cooking.
For Dipping
• Marinara Sauce – Perfect for dipping, but consider alternatives like pesto or garlic oil for a unique twist.
Enjoy crafting your crispy toasted ravioli, with its warm, inviting fillings complemented by that delightful golden crunch!
How to Make Toasted Ravioli
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfect cooking temperature for that delightful crispiness you’re after.
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Prepare a breading station: grab one bowl for beaten eggs (or your plant-based milk) and another for a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan. This setup makes coating your ravioli a breeze!
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Coat each ravioli: dip it in the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure those crumbs adhere nicely. You want a good, solid coat!
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Air Fry: Lightly spray the basket and arrange your ravioli in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly, and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
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Bake: For the oven, place the ravioli on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
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Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect addition to elevate your crispy ravioli experience!
Optional: Sprinkle some fresh herbs or grated Parmesan before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Toasted Ravioli
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Even Coating: Ensure each ravioli is well-coated in the egg and breadcrumb mixture; a thin, even layer helps achieve maximum crispiness in your toasted ravioli.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid stacking too many ravioli at once in the air fryer or oven; overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy crusts.
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Flipping Technique: When baking, remember to flip the ravioli halfway through cooking; this allows for even browning and crispness on both sides.
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Seasoning Boost: Enhance the flavor of your breadcrumbs by mixing in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
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Leftover Care: Store leftover toasted ravioli in an airtight container and consume within three days for the best taste and texture.
What to Serve with Toasted Ravioli?
Create a delightful dining experience that showcases elegance and comfort in every bite with these fabulous pairings.
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Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery flavors of garlic bread complement the savory fillings of toasted ravioli perfectly, adding an irresistible crunch to your meal.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a refreshing contrast against the hearty ravioli, balancing out richness with vibrant flavors.
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Sautéed Spinach: The earthy notes of sautéed spinach, tossed with garlic and olive oil, provide a nutritious touch that beautifully enhances the meal’s overall flavor profile.
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Marinara Sauce: A classic choice, this tangy dipping sauce not only elevates the ravioli but also adds a touch of Italian tradition that everyone adores.
Pairing these delicious sides will transform your crispy toasted ravioli into a full-fledged feast that’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead Options
These crispy toasted ravioli are a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeknights! You can easily prepare the ravioli by following steps 1-3 up to 24 hours in advance. Simply coat the frozen ravioli in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs, then store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time when you’re ready to cook but also keeps each ravioli just as delicious and crispy. When you’re ready to serve, all you need to do is air fry or bake the coated ravioli as per the cooking instructions, ensuring your family enjoys warm, gourmet bites with minimal effort!
Toasted Ravioli Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe with exciting twists that will elevate every bite!
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the traditional ravioli with plant-based options; use almond or oat milk instead of eggs for breading.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Leave out the Parmesan in the breadcrumb mixture and choose dairy-free ravioli fillings for a completely dairy-free experience.
- Flavorful Broth: Cook your ravioli in vegetable or chicken broth before breading for an added depth of flavor that’s truly delightful.
- Crunch Boost: Try using crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs for an extra crunch that’s hard to resist.
- Savory Spice: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to your breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick that takes your toasted ravioli to the next level.
- Stuffed Surprise: Sneak in some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into your ravioli filling for a burst of freshness and color with every bite.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like basil or parsley into your breadcrumb coating for a garden-fresh aroma and taste.
- Sweet Twist: Embrace a contrast of flavors by using sweet potato or pumpkin ravioli, perfect for pairing with a creamy garlic dip or spicy sauce.
Let your taste buds guide you and enjoy crafting your uniquely delicious toasted ravioli!
How to Store and Freeze Toasted Ravioli
Fridge: Store leftover toasted ravioli in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled toasted ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake directly from frozen in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through and crispy, or quickly air fry for 10 minutes.
Room Temperature: If serving at a party, keep toasted ravioli out for no more than 2 hours to maintain their quality and safety.
Toasted Ravioli Recipe FAQs
What is the best type of frozen ravioli to use?
Choose ravioli filled with your favorite ingredients, such as cheese, mushroom, or even butternut squash. The type you select can enhance flavors and overall enjoyment, so feel free to mix and match based on what excites your taste buds!
How should I store leftover toasted ravioli?
Store leftover toasted ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help keep them fresh and maintain their crispy texture; just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing.
Can I freeze toasted ravioli? If so, how?
Absolutely! Start by placing cooled toasted ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, about 1-2 hours. After that, transfer the frozen ravioli to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months!
How do I reheat frozen toasted ravioli?
To reheat, bake directly from frozen in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can air fry them for about 10 minutes, and they’ll come out deliciously crisp!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with almond or oat milk. Additionally, feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities, and simply omit Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.
What should I do if my ravioli isn’t getting crispy?
If your ravioli aren’t achieving that golden crunch, check a few things: First, ensure that the oil spray is covering the ravioli adequately. Next, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer or oven; this can trap steam and prevent crispiness. Lastly, flipping them halfway through will help achieve an even texture!
Crispy Toasted Ravioli – Deliciously Flavorful and Healthy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a breading station with beaten eggs and a bowl for breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat each ravioli by dipping in egg and then in breadcrumb mixture.
- In the air fryer, spray the basket, arrange ravioli in a single layer, spray tops, and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- For the oven, place ravioli on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.