Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli: A Crispy Delight for Beginners

There’s something magical about the crispy crunch of toasted ravioli. Whether served as an appetizer at a party, a snack during a cozy evening, or even as a light meal, this dish always hits the spot. But what if you could make this delicious treat without deep frying? Enter the air fryer! Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli gives you that perfect golden crunch without the oil-heavy mess. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for beginner cooks looking for a stress-free yet impressive recipe. In this article, we’ll walk through the process, step by step, so that you can create this crispy, cheesy, and delightful dish in no time!

Print

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

Cooking can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially for those just starting out in the kitchen. That’s why this recipe is ideal for beginners. It’s simple, fast, and requires only a handful of basic ingredients. Plus, using an air fryer takes away all the guesswork of frying in oil, making it a healthier and less messy alternative. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or just craving a tasty snack, Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli is a foolproof choice for any beginner cook.

Ingredients and Preparation: Getting Ready for Success

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s get familiar with the ingredients. Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli requires only a few basic ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for Toasted Ravioli

• 1 package fresh or frozen ravioli (fresh is preferred, but frozen works just fine)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour (white flour works too)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect crispy coating)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fine parmesan cheese (for that added savory touch)

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Ravioli: While traditional ravioli is stuffed with cheese or meat, you can also experiment with different fillings like spinach, mushroom, or chicken if you prefer. For a more customized option, you could even try making your own ravioli!
• Breadcrumbs: If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy coating if you’re a fan of that texture.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour is used here for added nutrition, but all-purpose flour works just as well. You could even use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
• Parmesan cheese: If you don’t have parmesan on hand, any hard cheese such as pecorino or Romano can work as a substitute.

Preparation: The First Step to Crispy Perfection

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s break down the preparation process. Don’t worry, it’s super simple!

1. Cook the Ravioli:
   • In a medium pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, drop the ravioli into the water and cook for about 3 minutes. This step is important because it softens the ravioli and ensures that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
   • After the ravioli have cooked, strain them using a colander and set them aside. Allow them to cool slightly. This prevents them from getting soggy when coated with the breadcrumbs.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1 tablespoon of whole wheat flour. Whisk everything together until smooth. This egg mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the ravioli.
3. Prepare the Crumb Mixture:
   • In another bowl, combine ¾ cup of breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of finely grated parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together so the spices and parmesan are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
4. Set Up Your Assembly Line:
   • To make the coating process smoother, set up your ingredients in an assembly line. Place the egg mixture on one side and the breadcrumb mixture on the other. This will allow you to quickly coat the ravioli without any mess or delays.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. This part is simple and easy to follow, making it a great recipe for beginners.

1. Coat the Ravioli:
   • Take 2-3 ravioli at a time and drop them into the egg mixture. Toss them gently to ensure they are fully coated with the egg. Using tongs, lift each ravioli out of the egg mixture, letting any excess egg drip off.
   • Next, place each ravioli into the breadcrumb mixture. Shake the ravioli around in the breadcrumbs until they are fully coated. Repeat this process for all the ravioli, making sure they are evenly coated with both the egg and breadcrumb mixtures.
2. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
   • Place the breaded ravioli into the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced apart and not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and ensures that they get crispy all over. Lightly spray the tops of the ravioli with oil spray to help them achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
3. Cook the Ravioli:
   • Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and flip the ravioli over using tongs. Spray the tops with oil spray again.
   • Continue cooking at 370°F for another 3 minutes. Once the timer goes off, your ravioli should be crispy and golden on both sides.
4. Repeat:
   • Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ravioli in batches. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent them from becoming crispy. Repeat the process until all the ravioli are cooked.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Cooking Made Easy

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To achieve that crispiness, it’s essential that the ravioli have enough space in the air fryer. If you overcrowd them, they’ll steam instead of crisp up, which defeats the purpose of this recipe.
• How to Check If the Ravioli Is Cooked Through: Air fryers cook quickly, so it’s important to check that your ravioli are crispy and golden on both sides. If they are too pale or soft, continue cooking them for a couple of extra minutes.
• What to Do If the Breadcrumbs Aren’t Sticking: If you find that the breadcrumbs aren’t sticking to the ravioli properly, try dipping them in the egg mixture again before coating them with breadcrumbs.
• Efficient Prep Tips: To speed up prep, you can make the breadcrumb and egg mixtures ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to coat the ravioli.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Toasted Ravioli

While Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides or sauces can elevate the entire dish. Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Dipping Sauces:
   • Classic marinara sauce is a perfect dipping companion for these crispy ravioli, offering a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy coating.
   • If you like a little heat, serve with spicy arrabbiata sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
2. Complementary Sides:
   • Pair your toasted ravioli with a light salad to balance the richness of the dish. A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or a Caesar salad would work perfectly.
   • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
3. Storage Tips:
   • Leftovers? No problem! Store any leftover toasted ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion: Share Your Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli Adventure

There you have it—a simple, flavorful, and crispy recipe that even beginner cooks can master. Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli is not only easy to make but also fun to eat. The golden, crunchy exterior and cheesy interior will surely impress anyone you serve it to. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your cooking experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how it went for you and if you added any special twists to make it your own!