Air Fryer Ravioli Bites: The Crispiest, Easiest Appetizer Recipe

Air Fryer Ravioli Bites: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly simple yet utterly addictive appetizer! Imagine crispy, golden-brown ravioli, each bite bursting with warm, cheesy goodness. Forget boiling or frying in oil; the air fryer is the secret to achieving perfect, restaurant-quality ravioli bites in minutes.

While the exact origins of fried ravioli are debated, many believe this delightful snack gained popularity in the Italian-American communities of St. Louis, Missouri, where it’s often referred to as “toasted ravioli.” Regardless of its precise birthplace, the concept of transforming pasta into a crispy, handheld treat is pure genius.

What makes air fryer ravioli bites so irresistible? It’s the delightful contrast of textures – the satisfying crunch of the exterior giving way to the soft, flavorful filling inside. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese, or even drizzle them with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or a quick and easy weeknight snack. I know you’ll love how quick and easy these are to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 (25 ounce) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• Cooking spray
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Preparing the Ravioli Coating

Okay, let’s get started! The key to perfectly crispy air fryer ravioli bites is a well-seasoned and evenly applied coating. We’re going to create a breadcrumb mixture that’s bursting with flavor and adheres beautifully to the ravioli.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that each ravioli bite gets a consistent flavor profile. I like to use a whisk to really get everything incorporated, but a fork works just fine too.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. The milk helps to thin out the egg, creating a lighter coating that won’t be too heavy or gummy. Whisk until the egg and milk are fully combined and slightly frothy.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station: Now, set up a breading station. This will make the whole process much smoother and less messy. You’ll need the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture, the bowl with the egg wash, and a clean plate or baking sheet to place the breaded ravioli. Having everything organized beforehand will save you time and frustration.

Breading the Ravioli

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to carefully coat each ravioli, ensuring that it’s fully covered in the breadcrumb mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture we’re after.

1. Dip in Egg Wash: Take one ravioli at a time and gently dip it into the egg wash, making sure both sides are coated. Let any excess egg wash drip off before moving on to the next step. You don’t want the ravioli to be overly saturated, as this can lead to a soggy coating.
2. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Immediately transfer the egg-washed ravioli to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to gently press the breadcrumbs onto the ravioli, ensuring that it’s completely covered on all sides. I like to use one hand for the egg wash and the other for the breadcrumbs to avoid getting my fingers too sticky.
3. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded ravioli on the clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the remaining ravioli until all of them are breaded. If you’re working in batches, you can lightly spray the breaded ravioli with cooking spray to help the breadcrumbs adhere even better.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best results, place the breaded ravioli in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before air frying. This allows the breadcrumbs to adhere more firmly to the ravioli, preventing them from falling off during cooking. It also helps to firm up the ravioli, making them easier to handle.

Air Frying the Ravioli

Now for the fun part! Air frying is the key to achieving that crispy, golden-brown texture without all the oil. We’ll be carefully arranging the ravioli in the air fryer basket and cooking them until they’re perfectly crisp and heated through.

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the ravioli will cook evenly and quickly. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply turn it on to the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding the ravioli.
2. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the ravioli from sticking and ensure that they release easily once cooked.
3. Arrange Ravioli in Basket: Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the ravioli from cooking evenly. If necessary, work in batches. Overcrowding will steam the ravioli instead of air frying them.
4. Cook the Ravioli: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the ravioli are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep a close eye on them. I usually check them after 5 minutes and then adjust the cooking time as needed.
5. Check for Doneness: To ensure that the ravioli are cooked through, you can insert a toothpick into one of them. If the toothpick comes out clean, the ravioli are ready. You can also cut one open to check that the filling is heated through.
6. Repeat with Remaining Ravioli: If you’re working in batches, repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining breaded ravioli.

Serving and Enjoying

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! These crispy air fryer ravioli bites are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. Grab your favorite marinara sauce and get ready to enjoy!

1. Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked ravioli to a serving plate. They’re best enjoyed hot, so don’t let them sit for too long.
2. Serve with Marinara Sauce: Serve the ravioli with warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also use other dipping sauces, such as pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy aioli.
3. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the ravioli with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a pop of color and flavor.
4. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your delicious air fryer ravioli bites! They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: This is the most important tip! Overcrowding will lead to steamed, not crispy, ravioli. Work in batches if needed.
• Use Fresh Ravioli: While you can use frozen ravioli, fresh ravioli will give you the best results. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed. Keep a close eye on the ravioli and check them frequently.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture. Try adding some red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some dried basil for a more Italian flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can bread the ravioli ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.

Variations:

• Different Fillings: Try using ravioli with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even meat.
• Different Sauces: Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as pesto, Alfredo sauce, or a spicy aioli.
• Baked Ravioli: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the ravioli in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Air Fryer Ravioli Bites are truly a game-changer for snack time, appetizers, or even a fun, quick dinner. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The crispy, golden exterior giving way to the warm, cheesy filling is an experience you absolutely don’t want to miss. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. But why are these little bites a must-try? It’s simple: they deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Forget about messy deep-frying; the air fryer gives you that perfect crispy texture without all the extra oil and cleanup. Plus, the air fryer cooks them in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, meaning you can satisfy your cravings in minutes. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! For a classic appetizer, serve these ravioli bites with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also try pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a bolder flavor. Want to elevate your presentation? Arrange the bites on a platter with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Looking for some creative variations? Consider using different types of ravioli. Spinach and ricotta ravioli would be delicious, as would mushroom or even lobster ravioli for a more decadent treat. You can also experiment with different seasonings. A sprinkle of Italian herbs, garlic powder, or even a touch of red pepper flakes can add a unique twist. For a sweeter option, try dusting the cooked ravioli bites with powdered sugar and serving them with a chocolate dipping sauce. Imagine that! Another fun idea is to use these Air Fryer Ravioli Bites as a topping for salads or soups. They add a delightful crunch and cheesy flavor that will take your dishes to the next level. Crumble them over a Caesar salad for a unique twist, or add them to a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting and satisfying meal. I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one of yours too. The sheer simplicity and deliciousness of these bites are hard to resist. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, your favorite ravioli, and get ready to experience snack time bliss. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Did you try a different dipping sauce? Did you experiment with different seasonings? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I’m sure other readers would appreciate your insights as well. Let’s create a community of ravioli bite enthusiasts! Happy air frying! I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I’d love to see your masterpieces! Print