Why You’ll Love This Fried Ravioli

• Party-Perfect: These crispy bites are sure to impress as an appetizer. You can prep them in advance and fry them just before your guests arrive.
• Crunchy Yet Soft Texture: The delightful contrast between the crispy golden-brown exterior and the soft, pillowy cheese filling creates an irresistible bite.
• Restaurant-Style Experience: Enjoy the indulgent, restaurant-quality taste of fried ravioli, right from your own kitchen.
• Customizable: While marinara is a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other dips like garlic aioli or spicy ranch for a unique twist.

Ingredients

• Cheese Ravioli: The star of this dish, bringing a deliciously cheesy flavor.
• Buttermilk: Helps the breading stick and adds a subtle tang.
• All-Purpose Flour: The first layer of coating for better adhesion.
• Italian-Style Bread Crumbs: Provide a seasoned, crunchy finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty finish that complements the ravioli.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Vegetable or Olive Oil: Ensures even cooking to a perfect golden brown.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic dip that balances the richness of the fried ravioli.

How to Make Fried Ravioli

Making fried ravioli at home is a breeze! Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Frying Oil

Pour vegetable or olive oil into a deep pot or large skillet, ensuring it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. A thermometer is a handy tool for maintaining the correct temperature.

2. Set Up Your Coating Station

In three separate shallow bowls, place buttermilk in one, all-purpose flour in the second, and mix Italian-style breadcrumbs in the third.

3. Coat the Ravioli

Start by dipping each ravioli into the flour, making sure to coat it lightly. Then, submerge the floured ravioli into the buttermilk, ensuring it is well covered. Finally, dredge the ravioli in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing down to help the coating stick.

4. Fry the Ravioli

To avoid overcrowding the pan, work in batches. Carefully lower the coated ravioli into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried ravioli, and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the fried ravioli with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best Fried Ravioli

Want your fried ravioli to taste restaurant-worthy? Here are some expert tips!

• Let it Thaw: Ensure your ravioli is fully thawed before breading and frying to guarantee even cooking.
• Make Them Even Crunchier: For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of or in addition to Italian-style breadcrumbs.
• Try a Healthy Twist: For a lighter option, air fry at 350°F for about 10 minutes (flipping halfway), or bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• No Buttermilk? Simply mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk as a substitute.
• Switch Up the Dipper: Besides marinara sauce, think about serving these with basil pesto, creamy Alfredo, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, melted garlic butter, or a creamy marinara sauce by adding cream cheese to regular marinara.
• Experiment with Tasty Fillings: Try different types of ravioli like spinach and ricotta, lobster, or sweet potato to vary the flavors!

How to Store

To keep your fried ravioli fresh, follow these simple storage tips!

To Store: Keep leftover fried ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Arrange the ravioli on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Reheat the ravioli in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy, or in an air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes.