If you’re craving a snack that’s both indulgent and irresistibly crispy, the Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These golden bites combine pillowy cheese-filled ravioli with a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb coating, then get perfectly crisped up in the air fryer for a quick, fuss-free appetizer or snack. The surprising addition of a creamy cheese stuffing inside each ravioli makes these bites truly feel like a million-dollar treat you’ll want to serve at every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and savory flavors. Every component adds a layer of texture and richness, making the final dish bursting with flavor.
- Refrigerated cheese ravioli (9 oz): The tender pasta pockets are the canvas for our cheesy, crispy masterpiece.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These bring the essential crunch and seasoned flavor needed for that perfect air-fried crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty sharpness and depth to the breadcrumb coating.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the coating with a subtle savory punch.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Offers aromatic herbiness that ties all the flavors together.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Acts as the glue to help breadcrumbs stick and create a golden crust.
- Olive oil spray: Lightly coats the ravioli for crispiness without excess grease.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Provides creamy richness inside the ravioli bites.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup): Adds gooey stretch and mild flavor to the cheese filling.
- Cream cheese, softened (1/4 cup): Gives the filling a luscious, velvety texture.
- Marinara sauce (1/4 cup): Perfect for dipping, adding bright tomato acidity to balance the richness.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Filling
Start by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, and softened cream cheese in a small bowl until silky smooth. This luxurious blend will be gently stuffed inside each ravioli, turning these bites into an ultra-rich treat that lives up to the “million dollar” name perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Breadcrumb Coating
In another bowl, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This mixture not only provides crispy texture after air frying but infuses each bite with a savory, herby crust that complements the cheesy center deliciously.
Step 3: Cook and Stuff the Ravioli
Boil the ravioli for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to float, indicating they are cooked just right — tender but still firm enough to handle. Drain and let them cool slightly. To add the signature million-dollar touch, gently make a small slit on each ravioli and carefully fill it with the cheesy mixture using a piping bag or a small spoon. This step transforms store-bought ravioli into a gourmet delight.
Step 4: Coat and Prepare to Air Fry
Dip each stuffed ravioli into beaten eggs, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Spray both sides lightly with olive oil spray, which helps achieve that perfect golden crisp in the air fryer without extra oil.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the ravioli in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once they turn golden brown and crispy, your Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites are ready to dazzle your taste buds!
How to Serve Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of chopped parsley adds a vibrant, fresh contrast to those golden bites, giving a professional touch of color and subtle herbal brightness that perfectly complements the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Million Dollar Ravioli Bites with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping to add a luscious tomato flavor burst. For a fuller snack or appetizer spread, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the ravioli bites on a wooden board or a lined platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces such as basil pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or creamy Alfredo. Adding toothpicks makes them party-perfect finger foods that invite everyone to dig in eagerly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover ravioli bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They’re best eaten within two days to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the fully cooked ravioli bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to one month and will still taste fantastic once reheated.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer crispness, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. This reheating method keeps the coating crunchy and the cheese melty inside without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and boil the frozen ravioli according to package instructions before stuffing and air frying to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
Do I have to stuff the ravioli with the cheese mixture?
While the recipe shines brightest with the cheese stuffing, you can skip that step for a quicker version. The bursts of cheese inside the bites add extra richness, which is why this recipe is called “million dollar.”
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Swap out cheeses with your favorite plant-based alternatives and use vegan breadcrumbs and egg substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the flavor profile may shift slightly.
What other dipping sauces go well with these bites?
Besides marinara, try garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Dipping sauces are a fun way to customize and elevate these Ravioli Bites according to your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to spray olive oil before air frying?
Spraying with olive oil is key to achieving that irresistible golden and crispy exterior without deep frying. It helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely and keeps the bites from drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a crunchy, cheesy, and perfectly air-fried appetizer that feels special enough to impress any crowd. The Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe is one of those gems you’ll want to keep handy for quick snacks or party treats. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how easy and delicious it is to elevate simple ravioli into a million-dollar snack sensation.
Print
Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 6 ravioli per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Bites are crispy, golden, and deliciously stuffed with a creamy cheese blend. Perfect as an appetizer, these bite-sized ravioli are air fried to perfection for a quick and easy snack or party treat, served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Ravioli and Coating
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Cheese Filling
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
For Serving
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside for stuffing the ravioli.
- Mix the Breadcrumb Coating: In another bowl, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning thoroughly. This mixture will add a flavorful, crispy coating.
- Cook and Cool Ravioli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the refrigerated cheese ravioli for 2–3 minutes or until they begin to float to the surface. Drain and let the ravioli cool slightly so they can be handled safely.
- Stuff the Ravioli: Once cool enough to handle, carefully make a small slit in each ravioli and gently stuff with the prepared cheese mixture using a piping bag or small spoon. This optional step gives these bites their signature ‘million dollar’ cheesy richness.
- Coat the Ravioli: Dip each stuffed ravioli into the beaten eggs to moisten them, then coat all sides evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Spray both sides lightly with olive oil spray to ensure a crispy finish.
- Air Fry the Ravioli: Arrange the coated ravioli in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy ravioli bites warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for an added fresh touch.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture before coating the ravioli.
- These ravioli bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer but can be reheated by placing them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- Handle the ravioli gently when stuffing to prevent tearing.
- Use an air fryer basket large enough to fit all ravioli in a single layer for even cooking.
