If you are searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than the Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe. These crispy, golden bites are bursting with cheesy goodness inside and deliver an irresistible crunch on the outside thanks to a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb coating. Whether you need an appetizer for a casual gathering or a snack to satisfy your comfort food cravings, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor beautifully while taking advantage of the air fryer for quick, mess-free cooking. Trust me, once you try these ravioli bites, they’ll become your go-to treat time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe plays a vital role whether it’s the creamy ravioli, the zesty seasonings, or the crispy breadcrumb coating. These simple but essential components come together to create a dish with a perfect balance of texture, taste, and aroma.
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese ravioli: The star of the dish, providing tender and cheesy centers that stay soft inside the crunchy coating.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Helps the coating stick to the ravioli while adding a subtle tang to enhance flavor.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Creates that much-desired crispy golden crust packed with herbs and texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an extra layer of savory richness and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle sharpness that flavors every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil to tie it all together.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures even browning while keeping the bites light and not greasy.
- 1/2 cup warmed marinara sauce: The perfect tangy, tomato-based dip to complement the crispy ravioli.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish for a pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the appliance is hot and ready, allowing the ravioli bites to start crisping immediately for a perfectly golden finish.
Step 2: Dip Ravioli in Buttermilk
Take each refrigerated ravioli and dip it into the buttermilk. Let any excess drip off before moving to the next step. This sticky layer is crucial so the breadcrumb mixture adheres properly, locking in all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumb Mixture
Combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Press each buttermilk-dipped ravioli into this mixture, ensuring every surface is fully coated. This creates the crispy, flavorful shell your bites need.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated ravioli in a single layer, making sure they have a little space around them for even cooking. Then, give the tops a light spray of olive oil to help them develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfect Crispiness
Cook the ravioli bites in the air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides turn evenly crisp and golden. Avoid overcrowding by working in batches if necessary as space allows air to circulate and work its magic.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Marinara and Parsley
Once cooked, transfer the ravioli bites to a serving plate. Serve them warm alongside the heated marinara sauce for dipping and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like an extra touch of freshness and color.
How to Serve Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful green pop but also a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness perfectly. You could also consider a dusting of extra grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Side Dishes
These ravioli bites pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, maybe tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A bowl of hot soup or roasted vegetables can also turn this appetizer into a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the ravioli bites stacked stylishly on a platter with small bowls of various dipping sauces like spicy marinara, creamy ranch, or garlic aioli. You can even skewer them for handheld convenience and instant wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them crispier is easiest if you place them in a single layer or between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze uncoated ravioli bites before air frying by first coating and then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Cook them from frozen in the air fryer, increasing cook time slightly.
Reheating
To reheat leftover cooked ravioli bites, pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 375°F. This will revive their crispness far better than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
It’s best to use refrigerated ravioli for this recipe. If you want to use frozen, be sure to thaw them completely first; otherwise, the breadcrumbs will not stick well and the cooking time will be uneven.
What kind of cheese ravioli works best?
Classic cheese ravioli such as ricotta-filled works beautifully. For a “million dollar” upgrade, consider mixing cheese and meat-filled ravioli for extra flavor variety.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk works great because of its tang and consistency, but you can substitute with regular milk or even beaten egg if needed. Just note that the tangy flavor will be less pronounced.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, baking at 400°F on a wire rack for 12-15 minutes or until golden can work, but air frying will give you the best crispness with less oil and faster cook time.
How can I make these extra cheesy?
After air frying, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and return to the air fryer for a minute or two until melted and bubbly for an irresistibly gooey finish.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe is pure joy on a plate—perfectly crispy, cheesy, and so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a personal treat, these bites offer maximum flavor with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the delight of this cozy, crunchy appetizer with your favorite people!
Print
Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden-brown Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring cheesy ravioli coated in Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then air fried to perfection. Served warm with marinara dipping sauce and optional fresh parsley, these bites are perfect for entertaining or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Ravioli Bites
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray
Dipping & Garnish
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed (for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the ravioli.
- Prepare Coating: In a bowl, mix Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip Ravioli: Dip each refrigerated ravioli into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat Ravioli: Thoroughly coat the buttermilk-dipped ravioli in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the coated ravioli with olive oil spray and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the ravioli halfway through to ensure even crisping, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy ravioli bites warm with warmed marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use refrigerated ravioli for best texture; avoid using frozen unless fully thawed.
- For a “million dollar” upgrade, mix cheese and meat-filled ravioli or sprinkle mozzarella cheese over ravioli after air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best results.
