Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for the ultimate party appetizer that's crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and bursting with Italian flavor, look no further than this Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce. It's the perfect finger food for game day, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they're so easy to make—your guests won't believe they're homemade. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
- Irresistibly crispy on the outside and gooey cheese or savory meat on the inside.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick entertaining or weeknight snacks.
- Perfect for dipping, sharing, and bringing people together.
- Customizable with your favorite ravioli fillings and sauces.
- Sure to become a family favorite thanks to its fun, crowd-pleasing vibe!
Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese or meat ravioli
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Dredging Station
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a separate shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Set a large plate nearby for the coated ravioli.
Step 2: Coat the Ravioli
Dip each ravioli first into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the plate in a single layer.
Step 3: Fry the Ravioli
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 ½ inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the coated ravioli for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Heat and Serve the Marinara Dipping Sauce
While the ravioli cools slightly, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot. Serve the fried ravioli on a platter with the marinara dipping sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Notes for Perfect Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying—work in batches for even crispiness.
- You can use frozen ravioli, just thaw them first for best results. Find tips for frying frozen foods here.
- Store-bought marinara works well, but you can make your own for extra flavor. Try this easy homemade marinara sauce.
Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or the marinara sauce.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ravioli, dairy-free milk, and vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
- Baked Version: Lightly coat breaded ravioli with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Equipment Needed for Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon or spider skimmer
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dredging bowls
- Tongs
- Thermometer (for oil temperature)
Storage Instructions
Store leftover fried ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy. The marinara sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Learn more about food storage safety.
Serving and Pairing Ideas for Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
- Serve alongside garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a satisfying appetizer platter.
- Pair with a light Italian red wine, sparkling water, or lemonade.
- Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for restaurant-worthy presentation.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
- Use a kitchen thermometer to keep your oil between 350°F and 365°F for perfectly golden, non-greasy ravioli.
- Let breaded ravioli rest for a few minutes before frying—this helps the coating stick better and fry up crispier.
- Double-coat the ravioli for an extra-crunchy exterior if you're feeling indulgent. For more on breading techniques, check out this guide.
Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce FAQ
- Can I make Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce ahead of time?
- Yes! Fry the ravioli, cool completely, and reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving for a crispy finish.
- What type of ravioli works best for this recipe?
- Refrigerated cheese or meat ravioli are ideal, but any sturdy, filled ravioli will work. Avoid extra-thin pasta, as it may split during frying.
- Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
- Absolutely! Cook breaded ravioli in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.
Recipe Summary
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 as an appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 12 oz) refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, for dipping
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
1In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
-
2Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
-
3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C).
-
4Fry the coated ravioli in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
-
5Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan. Serve the fried ravioli hot with marinara dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!