Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli Without Breading

Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli Without Breading is a super simple way to turn ravioli—fresh or frozen—into a snack or light meal without the extra steps. With just olive oil and a few pantry spices, the ravioli gets golden and crisp around the edges with a soft, warm center. It’s great for when you want something quick but still homemade and you don’t want to bother with eggs, flour, or breadcrumbs.

A lot of “toasted” or air fryer ravioli recipes call for full-on breading, which can be messy, and time-consuming. This version skips all that but still brings enough texture to make it feel different from boiled ravioli. It works with any filling, takes less than 20 minutes to cook, and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. It’s handy for busy days, or when you’re just not in the mood for anything fussy.

Why Skip the Breading?

There are a few good reasons to skip the breading—and none of them are about sacrificing flavor. First, it’s just quicker. No dipping stations, no flour on the counter, and no breadcrumbs all over the floor. You can literally toss the ravioli in a bit of oil and seasoning and pop them in the air fryer.

Second, it’s lighter. While breaded ravioli definitely has its place, this version is less heavy, especially if you’re looking to cut back on carbs or just want a simple snack. It’s also naturally gluten-free if you’re using gluten-free pasta.

And maybe most importantly—this method lets the actual ravioli filling shine. With no breading to cover it up, the cheese, spinach, or whatever you’re using is more noticeable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ravioli – You can use either fresh or frozen ravioli for this recipe. Boil them for 4-5 minutes, following the instructions on the packaging. Pat them dry with a paper towel before air frying to help them crisp up better.

• Seasoning – I use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add paprika, garlic powder, or oregano.

• Olive oil – A good quality olive oil to give flavor and crispness to ravioli.

• Parmesan – Use a block parmesan and grate it just before using it. Avoid ready grated parmesan for the best flavor.

• Marinara sauce – To serve your ravioli with. You can use any sauce you have in hand for dipping.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli Without Breading

If you’re using frozen ravioli, let them thaw just a little—long enough so they’re not stuck together. You don’t need them fully defrosted, just soft enough to separate easily.

Cook them in boiling water for 5-6 minutes, or simply follow the instructions on the packaging. Drain, and pat them dry using a kitchen towel.

Place the ravioli in a mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is lightly coated—this helps them crisp up and gives a bit of flavor.

Set your air fryer to 392°F (200°C). Add the ravioli in a single layer (don’t pile them on top of each other) and cook for 8-10 minutes total. Flip them halfway through. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and a little puff to the ravioli.

Once they’re crisp, take them out and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve with a small bowl of marinara or pesto for dipping.

Expert Tips From the Chef

• Use parchment liners with holes to prevent sticking, especially with cheese-filled ravioli that might ooze a bit.

• It’s tempting to cook everything at once, especially if you’re hungry. But stuffing the air fryer full means the ravioli won’t get proper air circulation. That means soft spots and uneven browning. Cook in batches if you need to.

• You don’t need a lot of olive oil—just enough to coat the ravioli lightly—but skipping the oil altogether can leave you with dry, chewy pasta. The oil helps it crisp, adds flavor, and keeps seasonings in place.

• Ravioli cooks fast, especially fresh ones. Keep an eye on the color and texture after the first few minutes. Once the edges turn golden and the pasta starts to puff slightly, you’re good to go.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Ravioli

This recipe works great on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a meal or party spread, here are a few ideas:

Dipping Sauces:

• Marinara (classic and always good)

• Pesto (for a fresh herby twist)

• Garlic butter (especially for cheese or spinach ravioli)

• Spicy arrabbiata or chili oil (for heat lovers)

As a Meal:

• Add a side salad with balsamic or lemon dressing

• Serve with a bowl of soup, like tomato or minestrone

• Pair with grilled veggies or air fryer asparagus

Party Platter Idea:

Make a small ravioli board with different types of ravioli, sauces in mini bowls, olives, cherry tomatoes, and roasted nuts.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they keep well:

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. This helps bring the crisp back. Avoid microwaving. It’ll make them rubbery and soggy. 

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