Recreate the magic of toasted ravioli at home with this air fryer recipe. Enjoy crispy, cheesy bites in just 20 minutes!
If you’ve ever found yourself lingering a little too long by the appetizer table at an Italian restaurant, you know the magic of toasted ravioli. They’re crispy, golden, cheesy little bites of joy — and honestly, it’s impossible to eat just one. I grew up seeing these at family get-togethers (someone’s always bringing an appetizer!) and they were always the first thing to disappear. So, naturally, I wanted to find a way to recreate them at home without deep frying — and the air fryer came to the rescue.
This Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli recipe is crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for entertaining, snacking, or pairing with a big cozy bowl of marinara. Best of all, it comes together in just about 20 minutes and uses less oil than deep frying!
Why We Love Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
We love Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli because they take everything nostalgic and comforting about classic Italian restaurant appetizers and make them so much easier to enjoy at home. Instead of heating up a pot of oil (and your entire kitchen in the process), the air fryer gives us that perfectly crisp, golden brown coating with just a light mist of olive oil.
They’re the perfect appetizer: bite-sized, fun to share, and always a great addition to any party. Plus, they check all the boxes: crunchy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and irresistibly dippable in warm marinara. They’re quick enough for a weekday snack, but special enough to serve for entertaining — which means once you make these, they pretty much become a go-to crowd-pleaser forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Ravioli
- 1 (9-10 oz) package of ravioli
Using refrigerated cheese ravioli gives you a head start — they’re soft and tender, which helps the breading stick beautifully. Mini works best for appetizers (and easier snacking!). You can find these in the refrigerated section in your local grocery store. - 1 large egg + 2 tablespoons milk
This duo acts as the glue! Whisking the two together helps the breadcrumbs stick evenly to each ravioli. - 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
These bread crumbs add that classic Italian herb flavor without needing to open five different spice jars. If you only have - regular breadcrumbs, add two teaspoons of italian seasoning.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
Parmesan deepens the flavor and adds a gorgeous golden crust as it toasts. Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded — trust me on this one. - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Just enough to enhance the flavor. (See the salt note below for substitutions!) - Olive oil spray or cooking spray
A light mist is what gives us that perfectly crisp outside — no deep fryer necessary! - Chopped parsley (optional) + your favorite marinara for dipping
The finishing touches that make this appetizer irresistible.
How to Make Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F while you get the ravioli ready. Preheating helps the coating crisp immediately — which is key.
- Whisk the egg and milk together in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, and salt.
- Dip each ravioli into the egg wash mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture.
Tip: Press the breading in slightly — we want that beautiful, even texture! - Place the coated ravioli on a clean plate. Once you have about half done, lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
(No stacking — airflow is everything.)
- Spray generously with olive oil or cooking spray — this helps get that crispy coating.
- Air fry for 4–5 minutes, then flip, spray again, and cook another 3–4 minutes until both sides are golden and toasted.
- Repeat with the remaining ravioli.
- Finish with more parmesan and parsley. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Success
- A room temperature egg will whisk more smoothly than a cold one.
- If you’re using table salt, reduce to ¼ teaspoon — it measures saltier than kosher.
- You can use frozen ravioli — just thaw them first.
- Don’t use an air fryer liner here — you need airflow for the crispy finish.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Two batches are better than soggy ravioli.
- If you don’t have an oil spray bottle, lightly brush with olive oil instead.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3 minutes — they crisp right back up!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have a few toasted ravioli left (which is honestly rare in my house!), they store beautifully. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, skip the microwave — it can make the breading soggy. Instead, reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3 minutes, or just until they’re warmed through and crispy again. It brings them right back to that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, no extra oil needed.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with warm marinara, of course. Place a small bowl right on your serving dish
- Or try pesto sauce, creamy Alfredo sauce, or vodka sauce for a fun twist on a dipping sauce.
- These make the perfect game-day snack, holiday appetizer, or late-night kitchen nibble — no judgment.
Additional Recipes to Try
Looking for more easy air fryer recipes?
Air fryer zucchini fries – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, air fryer zucchini fries are a healthy version of your favorite finger food! It makes such a yummy appetizer!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – Air fryer sweet potato fries are crispy, mouthwatering, and so addicting! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for the perfect side dish!
Air Fried Salmon Bowl – a delicious and healthy dinner option for a busy weeknight! Have this delicious bowl on your table in under 30 minutes!
Print
The Best Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli (Easy Appetizer!)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Ingredients
- 1, 9-10 oz package of refrigerated mini cheese ravioli
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated. Plus more for garnish, if desired.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
- Marinara sauce, optional, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer while you bread your ravioli at 350 F.
- In a small bowl whisk together the egg and milk until combined.
- In a separate bowl whisk together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and salt.
- Dip each ravioli individually in the egg mixture followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breading onto the ravioli if needed to make sure it adheres nicely.
- As you bread the ravioli, place on a clean plate. Once you have half done, lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray the top of the ravioli with olive oil or cooking spray generously.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the top is crispy. Use tongs to flip the ravioli over and spray again with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until both sides are perfectly toasted.
- Repeat the process for the second batch.
- Sprinkle with additional parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired. Dip in marinara sauce for serving, if desired.
Notes
- A room temperature egg beats together better than a refrigerated egg.
- If you don’t have kosher salt use only ¼ teaspoon table or sea salt.
- You can use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated. If you do, thaw them before breading.
- I don’t recommend using a liner in your air fryer for this recipe. The air flow around the ravioli is needed to get it crispy.
2 Comments
Can these be made ahead and frozen? If so, at which point would you freeze them – after breading, but before baking or after baking and then just reheat?
Yes, you can freeze air-fried toasted ravioli! Freezing them is a great way to have a quick snack or meal ready whenever you crave them. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Ravioli: Start by air frying the ravioli as you normally would, following your desired recipe. Make sure they are golden and crispy after cooking.
2. Cool Completely: Let the toasted ravioli cool completely at room temperature. This helps to prevent moisture buildup when freezing, which in turn helps to maintain their crispiness once reheated.
3. Freeze in a Single Layer: Place the cooled ravioli on a baking sheet in a single layer without them touching each other. This prevents them from sticking together. If you have a lot of them, you can layer them with parchment paper in between.
4. Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This is called flash freezing and helps them maintain their shape when you put them into bags or containers later.
5. Bag Them Up: Once the ravioli are solidly frozen, transfer them into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to help prevent freezer burn. Label the bags or containers with the date for easy reference.
6. Store: Return the packed ravioli to the freezer. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
To Reheat:
When you’re ready to enjoy them, you don’t need to thaw them first. Preheat your air fryer and cook them directly from frozen until they’re heated through and crispy again. It usually takes about 5-8 minutes at around 375°F (190°C), but keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Freezing your air-fried toasted ravioli makes them a convenient snack or appetizer to have on hand, without sacrificing taste or texture. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy bites anytime!