Air fryer ravioli are golden and crunchy on the outside with a deliciously creamy ricotta filling. Made in the air fryer in just minutes, they’re an easy appetizer or snack that tastes like restaurant-style fried ravioli without the need for deep frying.

Toasted ravioli is a famous appetizer from St. Louis, and this air fryer version gives you the same crunchy coating without a pot of hot oil. Store-bought ravioli keep it easy, so a plate of crispy bites for dipping is ready in about 15 minutes.

Serve these crispy ricotta stuffed ravioli hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a quick, crowd-pleasing air fryer recipe that’s perfect for parties, game day, or an easy weeknight treat.

Julia’s Tip: Warm the marinara before serving. Hot sauce with the crispy ravioli is what makes this snack taste like it came from a restaurant.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Ravioli

These air fryer ravioli are everything you want in a quick appetizer: crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. Instead of deep frying, the air fryer creates a golden, crunchy coating with much less mess.

They’re perfect when you want something that feels a little special without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even as a fun addition to an easy weeknight dinner.

The warm ricotta filling paired with the crispy coating and marinara dipping sauce makes every bite deliciously satisfying.

How to Get Ravioli Crispy in the Air Fryer

The secret to crispy ravioli is giving the outside enough room to become golden and crunchy.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the ravioli in a single layer with a little space between each piece so the hot air can circulate around them.

A light coating of cooking spray can also help the breading turn beautifully golden. You don’t need to soak them in oil—a small amount is enough to help create that fried-style texture.

Depending on your air fryer, cooking times can vary slightly. Check the ravioli toward the end of cooking and add another minute or two if you prefer them extra crispy.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ravioli

For the best results, keep these simple tips in mind:

Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary. Giving the ravioli enough space helps them crisp evenly instead of steaming.

Make sure the coating sticks well. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto each ravioli before placing it in the air fryer.

Use a light spray of oil. This helps create that beautiful golden-brown finish without deep frying.

Check them early. Air fryer models can cook at slightly different speeds, so check your first batch before the full cooking time has passed.

Serve them immediately. Crispy ravioli taste best straight from the air fryer while the outside is crunchy and the ricotta filling is warm.

What to Serve With Crispy Ravioli

Warm marinara sauce is the classic choice and makes these ravioli perfect for dipping. You can also serve them with garlic marinara, tomato basil sauce, or another favorite Italian-style dipping sauce.

For a larger meal, pair your crispy ravioli with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. They also work well as part of an appetizer spread alongside mozzarella bites, garlic bread, or other air fryer favorites.

If you’re serving them for a party, place the ravioli on a large platter with a bowl of warm marinara in the center for an easy shareable appetizer.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Ravioli

These air fryer ravioli are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to eat them again, skip the microwave if you want to preserve the crispy coating. Instead, place the ravioli back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crisp again.

Keep an eye on them while reheating because they will usually need much less time than the original cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make air fryer ravioli ahead of time?

You can prepare and coat the ravioli ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. For the crispiest texture, air fry them shortly before serving.

Can I cook frozen ravioli in the air fryer?

Frozen ravioli can be prepared in an air fryer, but the cooking method and time may differ from this recipe. If using frozen ravioli, make sure they are heated completely through before serving.

Why aren’t my air fryer ravioli crispy?

Overcrowding is one of the most common reasons. Too many ravioli in the basket can prevent hot air from circulating properly. A light coating of oil and enough space between each piece can help create a crispier finish.

Can I use a different ravioli filling?

Yes. Cheese-filled ravioli are a classic option, but other varieties can work too. Keep in mind that different sizes and fillings may require slight adjustments to the cooking time.

What dipping sauce goes best with air fryer ravioli?

Warm marinara sauce is the classic choice and pairs perfectly with crispy air fryer ravioli. Tomato basil sauce and garlic marinara are also delicious options.

Fresh vs. Frozen Ravioli

Both fresh refrigerated ravioli and frozen ravioli work in this recipe. Fresh ravioli coat more easily and cook a little faster. Frozen ravioli can be breaded straight from the freezer, without thawing, but add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time and check that the filling is hot in the center. Avoid very large ravioli, as the coating may brown before the filling is warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to boil the ravioli first?

No. The ravioli cook through in the air fryer, so you can bread them directly. This keeps them crispy instead of soft.

Can I make them ahead for a party?

Bread the ravioli up to a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge on a tray. Air fry them just before serving so they stay crunchy.

What other dips go well with fried ravioli?

Besides marinara, try pesto, garlic aioli, ranch dressing or a spicy arrabbiata sauce.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Love crispy, cheesy snacks? Try our Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites – golden panko on the outside and gooey mac and cheese inside. For another crispy party snack, try our Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Burger Sauce.