If you love the idea of transforming a classic comfort food into a golden, crunchy, and crave-worthy snack, the Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender cheese-stuffed ravioli cloaked in a savory Parmesan and herbed breadcrumb crust, air-fried into irresistibly crisp bites just begging to be dipped into warm marinara. This appetizer is wildly easy, impossibly delicious, and always a hit with family and friends—perfect for game day, parties, or just an upgraded snack night. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to make (and share!) again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are the simple yet essential ingredients that make the Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe shine. Each component adds a distinct flavor or texture layer—don’t skip any, as even the smallest detail amps up the final dish!
- Refrigerated Cheese Ravioli: The star of the show, providing a creamy, cheesy interior that stays soft while the outside crisps up beautifully.
- Buttermilk (or Milk): Adds slight tanginess and helps the breading cling to the ravioli; buttermilk is ideal, but regular milk works in a pinch.
- Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: Infuse every bite with classic Italian herbs and help form that addictively crisp shell.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Lends a rich, sharp note and deepens the golden color as it toasts in the air fryer.
- Garlic Powder: Gives a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the filling.
- Dried Basil: Brightens the breading with a subtle herbaceous touch, balancing out the richness.
- Salt: Essential for making all the other flavors pop—don’t forget this tiny powerhouse.
- Cooking Spray: Ensures an even, golden crunch with minimal oil—plus, it keeps your air fryer basket nonstick.
- Warm Marinara Sauce: The perfect tangy-sweet dip for those piping hot, crispy ravioli bites.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Ravioli
Place your cheese ravioli in a shallow bowl, then pour over the buttermilk. This quick soak—just 5 to 10 minutes—softens the pasta just enough so your breading clings tightly, and it infuses a touch of tang that perks up each bite. Give the ravioli a gentle toss to ensure all sides are coated.
Step 2: Mix the Breading
In a separate bowl, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt. This mixture does all the flavor-heavy lifting and creates the golden, savory crust that sets the Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe apart.
Step 3: Bread the Ravioli
Working one at a time, remove each ravioli from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Don’t rush—make sure that every ravioli is generously coated for maximum crunch. Arrange breaded ravioli on a plate while you work through the batch.
Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and get those ravioli extra crispy. Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the basket; avoid overcrowding so that hot air can circulate and crisp up every edge. If needed, cook them in batches.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Spray the tops of the ravioli lightly with cooking spray, then air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when the exterior is deeply golden, crunchy, and gloriously aromatic.
Step 6: Serve with Marinara
Transfer the hot, crispy bites right to a serving platter and pass around a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Undeniably irresistible, especially when shared around the table with friends!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a scatter of fresh basil or Italian parsley, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can instantly take your presentation up a notch. These finishing touches add eye-catching color and another pop of flavor, making your platter even more alluring.
Side Dishes
While these bites can absolutely shine alone, they’re fantastic served with a simple green salad, zesty Caesar, or a cup of hearty tomato soup. If you’re hosting, set out other finger foods like antipasto skewers or veggie sticks for a complete, crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
The Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe is made for creative party moments! Thread a few on skewers for “ravioli kebabs,” nestle them in mini muffin cups for easy grabbing, or offer a trio of dips (marinara, pesto, and garlic aioli) for a choose-your-own-adventure appetizer station. They’re as fun to serve as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra bites (though I wouldn’t count on it!), cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The breading may soften a bit, but a quick air fry or oven reheat brings back their signature crunch.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you crave a quick snack, pop them right in the air fryer from frozen—just add a minute or two to the original cook time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes or until hot and crispy again. The oven (about 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes) also works if you’re reheating a larger batch. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for the Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen ravioli first before starting, so they soak up the buttermilk and cook evenly in the air fryer. The results will be just as delicious.
What other fillings work in this recipe?
While cheese ravioli is classic, meat- or spinach-filled varieties are fantastic spin-offs. You can even try gourmet options like mushroom or butternut squash ravioli for a unique twist on the Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Simply bake the breaded ravioli on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or pan-fry them in a little oil for extra crispiness. The air fryer just makes it hands-off and extra light.
How do I make them spicier?
For a zesty punch, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or finish with a sprinkle of chili flakes just before serving. You can even serve with a spicy arrabbiata dipping sauce!
Is the recipe kid-friendly?
Kids adore crispy ravioli bites! Just stick with cheese or spinach ravioli if younger eaters are wary of meat fillings or heat. The playful finger-food format and dippable sauce make these a hit for all ages.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe enough—these golden nuggets are as easy to make as they are to devour. One bite and you’ll see why they’re a party staple and weeknight favorite in my kitchen. Grab a pack of ravioli and your favorite marinara, and let the crispy magic begin!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites are a fantastic appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Cheese ravioli gets a crispy coating in the air fryer, making them irresistibly delicious. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
Crispy Ravioli Bites:
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- cooking spray
For Serving:
- warm marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Soak Ravioli: Place the ravioli in a shallow bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Coating: In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt.
- Coat Ravioli: Remove ravioli from buttermilk, coat in breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fry: Spray basket, arrange ravioli in a single layer, air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can use meat-filled or spinach ravioli as a variation.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 ravioli
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
