Gluten-Free Toasted Ravioli (Air Fryer Recipe)

I can’t wait to show you how I make gluten-free toasted ravioli in my air fryer using simple ingredients and a little ingenuity. These toasted ravioli are lightly fried so they’re crispy and warm, and I serve them topped with parmesan shreds and a spicy marinara dipping sauce. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosures.

Toasted ravioli is breaded and fried ravioli that is crispy and delicious. It’s typically served as an appetizer, whereas most ravioli is boiled in water, covered in sauce, and served as the main course.

I first discovered toasted ravioli during my college years in Missouri. These fried ravioli are said to originate in St. Louis. Legend has it that a chef named Fritz accidentally dropped a ravioli into hot oil vs. water at Mama’s on The Hill restaurant in St. Louis.

This happy accident tasted good, and toasted ravioli became a beloved dish by all. Today, even Trader Joe’s sells frozen toasted ravioli, albeit it’s not gluten free.

Roll up your sleeves and join me on a journey to make gluten-free toasted ravioli at home with little mess or fuss. These toasted ravioli taste incredible and contain way less fat and grease.

Here’s how to make the best homemade gluten-free toaster ravioli with five simple ingredients and an air fryer.

How to Make Gluten-Free Toasted Ravioli

Making gluten-free toasted ravioli is easier than you think, and it starts by gathering a few simple ingredients, including store-bought ravioli. You’ll need the following:

• 1 package of gluten-free ravioli. I used Trader Joe’s gluten-free ravioli. If you can’t find store-bought gluten-free ravioli near you, you could make your own using my gluten-free pumpkin ravioli recipe.
• 1 cup of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. I used Aleia’s Italian gluten-free breadcrumbs, but you could use any gluten-free breadcrumb of choice or make your own.
• 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Avocado oil cooking spray or another cooking spray
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated (for sprinkling on top)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for sprinkling on top – optional)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (jarred)

Preheat the air fryer to 350º F for 2 minutes.

In one bowl, add the egg combined with 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk the egg wash with a fork.

In a second bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs and garlic powder.

Dip each ravioli into the egg wash mixture, then dip it into the breadcrumbs until fully coated on both sides.

Add each ravioli to your air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook the ravioli in batches. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray the breaded ravioli with avocado oil cooking spray (or another cooking spray), then place the basket into the air fryer.

Set the air fryer to cook at 350º F for 7-9 minutes. The ravioli will be lightly toasted, browned, and puffed with air. Check the toasted ravioli after 7 minutes for doneness.

Place the toasted ravioli on a serving tray and sprinkle the tops with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional). Serve immediately with jarred marinara sauce (I suggest this spicy marinara sauce from Mezzetta). Pro tip: Warm the marinara sauce in your microwave for 20 seconds.

Can You Make Toasted Ravioli in a Frying Pan?

While I love how the gluten-free toasted ravioli turned out using the air fryer, I wanted to see if I could replicate the results on my stovetop.

I heated a pan with a bit of avocado oil, then added the breaded ravioli into the pan to fry for a few minutes on each side.

The stovetop method works, however, I found the ravioli to be a bit soggier, and they didn’t puff up as they did in the air fryer.

Can You Make Toasted Ravioli in an Oven?

Alternatively, place the breaded ravioli on a greased baking sheet, spray the tops of the ravioli with cooking oil, and cook at 425º F for 15-20 minutes. If you have a convection setting in your oven, use it. Convection ovens circulate air around the food and helps food become crispy.

Because ravioli will come in different shapes and sizes, be sure to keep a close eye on it as it cooks. Check the ravioli after 10 minutes, then again every few minutes until lightly toasted and puffy.

FAQs and Tips

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Where do I find gluten-free ravioli? I used Trader Joe’s gluten-free ravioli, but please note that many brands carry gluten-free ravioli too. Read my article, Gluten-Free Ravioli Options, to find other store-bought gluten-free ravioli options.

Can I use frozen ravioli to make toasted ravioli? Yes, you can use frozen ravioli, but you must first defrost it before preparing it for the air fryer.

Do I need to cook the ravioli in water before air frying it? No, DO NOT pre-cook the ravioli. The air fryer is going to cook the ravioli. No boiling water is needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy free? You’ll need to buy dairy-free and gluten-free ravioli or create your own ravioli with a dairy-free filling.

What do you dip the ravioli in? I use warm marinara sauce from a jar. I love spicy marinara from Mezzetta, which you can find at Kroger, Safeway, and Sprouts. Use any jarred marinara sauce you like.

How long will toasted ravioli stay fresh? I recommend serving the toasted ravioli immediately, as they will be the most crispy and puffy straight from the air fryer. They will still taste good for 30-45 minutes after toasting them. However, a little zap in the air fryer before serving them will bring them back to life.

How do you store leftover toasted ravioli? Store leftover toasted ravioli in a sealed container in your fridge for up to two days. You can reheat the ravioli in your air fryer for one minute or heat them in your microwave to soften and warm the ravioli before enjoying them.

Can I freeze toasted ravioli? I find it easier to make toasted ravioli fresh when I’m ready to enjoy it. But yes, you can freeze the fried toasted ravioli in a zip-top freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, defrost them overnight in your fridge and reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to crisp them up.

Toasted ravioli is a beautiful and fun appetizer that garners plenty of oohs and ahs. They may even be the topic of conversation with your guests who won’t believe you created such a delicious and beautiful gluten-free appetizer.