Fried Ravioli with Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian-American appetizer that delivers everything you love about comfort food—crispy, golden edges, a warm and cheesy center, and a rich marinara sauce for dipping. Originally inspired by St. Louis–style toasted ravioli, this dish has become a beloved party appetizer, game-day snack, and restaurant favorite.

It’s simple, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Whether you choose cheese-filled, meat-filled, or spinach ravioli, this recipe transforms simple store-bought pasta into a restaurant-worthy treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives ordinary ravioli a delicious twist with minimal effort. The contrast between the crunchy breadcrumb coating and the soft, melty filling is unbelievably satisfying. This dish is also very adaptable—you can customize the breading, fillings, and dipping sauces.

It’s perfect for entertaining because you can prep everything ahead of time, fry them quickly before serving, and watch them disappear. It has that nostalgic, comforting taste while still feeling special enough for gatherings.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. You don’t need professional cooking skills to make it, and the final result tastes like something you’d order at an Italian bistro.

The crispy coating holds up beautifully, making the ravioli ideal for dipping and snacking. Plus, you can fry them, air-fry them, or bake them depending on your preference. If you’re looking for an appetizer that guarantees compliments, this is it.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Appetizer / Snack
Cuisine	Italian-American
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15–20 minutes
Total Time	30–35 minutes
Servings	6 servings
Calories per Serving	~260–300 calories (varies based on ravioli filling and cooking method)

Ingredients

1 lb (16–20 pieces) cheese or meat ravioli, fresh or thawed if frozen
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable or canola oil for frying
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Additional Parmesan, for serving

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the breading station with three bowls: flour mixed with seasonings, egg mixture, and breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
2. Dip ravioli into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry ravioli in batches until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Remove and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
6. Serve hot with warm marinara sauce and extra Parmesan.

Step-By-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli
Use fresh ravioli or thaw frozen ravioli so they don’t release excess moisture. Pat dry if needed.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Bowl 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs with milk until smooth.
Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.

Step 3: Bread the Ravioli
Coat each ravioli lightly in flour.
Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
Press firmly into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Place on a tray while you prepare the rest.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet, add about 1–2 inches of oil. Heat to 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy).

Step 5: Fry the Ravioli
Fry in batches without overcrowding.
Cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.
Flip halfway through for even color.
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

Step 6: Serve
Warm the marinara sauce and sprinkle ravioli with parsley and Parmesan before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve fried ravioli immediately while hot and crispy.
Serve in a platter with marinara sauce in a dipping bowl.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Pair with Caesar salad, antipasto platters, or Italian entrées like pasta or chicken Parmesan.

Recipe Tips

Use thawed, not frozen, ravioli to avoid soggy breading.
For extra crispiness, refrigerate breaded ravioli for 10 minutes before frying.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for consistent results.
Season the breadcrumbs well—flavor is key.
Don’t overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.

Variations

Baked Ravioli
Place breaded ravioli on a baking sheet sprayed with oil, spray tops again, and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes.

Air-Fried Ravioli
Air-fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Spicy Fried Ravioli
Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix. Serve with spicy arrabbiata sauce.

Herb-Crusted Ravioli
Add dried basil, oregano, or parsley to the breading.

Three-Cheese Ravioli
Use a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta–filled ravioli for richer flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing (Before Frying): Bread ravioli, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen (add 1–2 extra minutes).
Freezing (After Frying): Freeze cooked ravioli up to 1 month. Reheat in oven or air fryer to crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

Deep skillet or Dutch oven
Cooking thermometer
Slotted spoon or tongs
Three shallow bowls for breading
Paper towels for draining

FAQ

Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before breading for best results.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely. Baking or air-frying will give a lighter but still crispy texture.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. Bread ravioli ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying.

What sauce works best besides marinara?
Pesto, Alfredo sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy tomato sauce all pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Fried Ravioli with Marinara Sauce is a wonderfully crispy, flavorful, and satisfying appetizer that works for parties, holidays, or casual snacking. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

With its crunchy exterior and warm, cheesy interior, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Once you try making fried ravioli at home, it’s sure to become one of your go-to appetizers.