On this beautiful Sunday afternoon in Casablanca, September 21, 2025, the air is perfect for gathering with friends and family to enjoy some delicious food. Get ready to discover your new favorite fall appetizer! This recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli takes the beloved seasonal pasta and transforms it into an unbelievably delicious, dippable, and crunchy snack. Imagine biting through a perfectly golden, crispy breadcrumb coating to find a warm, creamy, and sweet pumpkin filling inside. It’s a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that is completely addictive. Using an air fryer makes this impressive appetizer incredibly easy and much healthier than deep-frying. It’s the perfect, unexpected treat for a game day, a holiday gathering, or a cozy night in, and it’s a fantastic addition to your lineup of Fun Snacks for the Holiday. This recipe is a must-try for any pumpkin lover this season.
Why You’ll Love Toasted Ravioli in the Air Fryer
Toasted ravioli is a classic appetizer, but this Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli version offers a wonderful seasonal update. The air fryer is the perfect tool for the job, circulating hot air to create a crunchy, golden-brown exterior that rivals deep-frying, but without all the extra oil and mess. This method makes it a lighter, healthier option that you can feel good about indulging in. The pumpkin filling adds a touch of sweetness and warm spice that makes this dish uniquely autumnal, proving that the beloved pumpkin spice flavor profile is perfect for more than just drinks and desserts, like these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes. The ease and speed of this recipe are remarkable; it turns a simple package of ravioli into a gourmet-level snack in just minutes, making it a perfect, low-effort and high-reward recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli
The ingredient list for this dish is short and simple, relying on a few pantry staples to turn pre-made ravioli into a crispy masterpiece.
For the Ravioli and Breading:
- 1 pound fresh pumpkin or butternut squash ravioli: Use refrigerated ravioli for the best results, as frozen ones can hold too much moisture, which can prevent them from getting truly crispy.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: This first dry coating is essential because it helps the egg wash adhere properly to the slick surface of the pasta.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten with a splash of water to create a smooth egg wash that acts as the “glue” for the breadcrumbs.
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs: For the crispiest possible coating, panko is non-negotiable. These lighter, flakier breadcrumbs create a much crunchier texture than traditional breadcrumbs.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and savory flavor to the breading that perfectly complements the sweet pumpkin filling.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This is the secret ingredient that enhances the warm, seasonal spices of the pumpkin filling and ties the whole dish together.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: For spritzing the ravioli to help them get that beautiful golden brown and crispy finish in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This process for making Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli is all about setting up an efficient dredging station to get your ravioli coated and ready for the air fryer in no time.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls or dishes to make the breading process smooth and organized. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with about a tablespoon of water to create a smooth egg wash. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Bread the Ravioli: Working with one ravioli at a time, follow the three-step dredging process. First, coat the ravioli completely in the flour, then gently shake off any excess. Next, dip the flour-coated ravioli into the egg wash, ensuring it is completely coated on both sides and letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the egg-coated ravioli firmly into the panko mixture, making sure the breadcrumbs adhere to the entire surface. Place the breaded ravioli on a clean plate or baking sheet as you go.
- Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is crucial that you do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
- Cook: Spray the tops of the ravioli lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the ravioli halfway through the cooking time. Spray the other side with cooking spray after flipping. The Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli are done when they are a deep golden brown and perfectly crispy.
Tips for the Crispiest Ravioli
To guarantee you get the absolute best Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli, keep these essential tips in mind. The number one rule of air frying is to never overcrowd the basket. The ravioli need space for the hot air to circulate freely around each one to achieve maximum crispiness. Cooking in a single, even layer is non-negotiable. Second, don’t skip the cooking spray. A light spritz of oil is what helps the breadcrumbs “fry” and achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and satisfying crunch. Finally, for the best texture, always start with refrigerated ravioli. Frozen ravioli can release excess water during the cooking process, which can make the breading steam and become soggy rather than crispy.
Dipping Sauce Ideas and Variations
A great dipping sauce can take your Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli to the next level. The possibilities are endless, ranging from savory to sweet. For a classic savory option, a simple marinara sauce or a warm, creamy tomato soup for dipping is fantastic. For a sweet and tangy contrast that plays up the fall flavors, whisk together some pure maple syrup with a touch of Dijon mustard and a pinch of cinnamon. For a truly decadent fall treat, you could even serve them with a warm caramel dip, similar to this Poison Apple Caramel Dip, for a dessert-like experience. You can also vary the breading by adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some dried sage for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Conclusion
This Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Ravioli recipe is the perfect way to shake up your appetizer game this fall. It’s an unexpected, fun, and incredibly delicious treat that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The air fryer makes it so simple and quick to achieve that satisfying crunch without any of the hassle or mess of deep-frying. It’s the kind of dish that can be the star of a party platter, a fun after-school snack, or a cozy treat for a movie night in. It would make a fantastic and creative addition to a larger spread, like a Halloween Charcuterie Board, where it would surely be the first thing to disappear.