Name: Air Fryer Ravioli Bites: The Crispiest, Easiest Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 (25 ounce) package refrigerated cheese ravioli; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup olive oil, for drizzling; Marinara sauce, for dipping; Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; Optional: Garlic powder, to taste; Optional: Onion powder, to taste

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. Often referred to as "toasted ravioli," it quickly became a beloved staple at local restaurants and family gatherings. The air fryer revolutionizes this classic, offering a healthier and faster way to enjoy this iconic treat.

What makes air fryer ravioli bites so irresistible? It's the delightful contrast of textures – the satisfying crunch of the exterior gives way to a soft, cheesy center. They're incredibly easy to customize with your favorite dipping sauces, from classic marinara to creamy pesto. Plus, they're ready in under 15 minutes, making them the perfect appetizer for impromptu get-togethers or a quick and satisfying snack. I know you'll love how simple and delicious these are!

Ingredients:

1 (25 ounce) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup olive oil, for drizzling
Marinara sauce, for dipping
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional: Garlic powder, to taste
Optional: Onion powder, to taste

Preparing the Ravioli Bites:

First, let's get our breading station set up. In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder (if using), and onion powder (if using). Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This is where our ravioli will get its crispy, flavorful coating.
In a second shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. This will help the egg mixture adhere better to the ravioli.
In a third shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. This creates a nice egg wash that will bind the breadcrumbs to the ravioli. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated with the milk for a smooth consistency.
Now, take each ravioli and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour. This step is crucial for creating a good base for the egg wash and breadcrumbs to stick to.
Next, dip the floured ravioli into the egg mixture, again ensuring all sides are coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
Finally, transfer the egg-coated ravioli to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the ravioli gently into the breadcrumbs to ensure they adhere well. Turn the ravioli over and repeat, making sure all sides are thoroughly coated with the breadcrumb mixture. This is what will give our ravioli bites that perfect crispy texture.
Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining ravioli. It's a bit of a process, but trust me, it's worth it!

Air Frying the Ravioli:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure the ravioli cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, let it run at 400°F for about 5 minutes before adding the ravioli.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil. This will prevent the ravioli from sticking to the basket.
Place the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket! Overcrowding will result in steamed ravioli instead of crispy ravioli. You may need to cook the ravioli in batches.
Drizzle the ravioli with a little olive oil. This will help them get extra crispy and golden brown.
Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the ravioli are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time. You want them to be crispy but not burnt.
Once the ravioli are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serving and Enjoying:

Serve the air fryer ravioli bites immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also use other dipping sauces like pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy ranch.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
These ravioli bites are best enjoyed hot and crispy. They make a great appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Ravioli Bites:

Don't skip the flour! The flour coating is essential for helping the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere to the ravioli.
Use fresh ravioli if possible. Fresh ravioli tends to hold its shape better during cooking than frozen ravioli.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is the most important tip for achieving crispy ravioli. Cook in batches if necessary.
Adjust cooking time as needed. Air fryers can vary in cooking time, so keep a close eye on the ravioli and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Experiment with different seasonings. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture.
Get creative with dipping sauces. Marinara sauce is a classic, but don't be afraid to try other dipping sauces like pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy ranch.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
If you don't have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can make your own by combining plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
To prevent the ravioli from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can use parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers.
For a vegetarian option, use cheese ravioli. For a meat-filled option, use beef or sausage ravioli.
If you want to make these ahead of time, you can bread the ravioli and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.
For a fun twist, try using different flavors of ravioli, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom ravioli.
If you're using frozen ravioli, thaw them completely before breading and air frying. This will help them cook more evenly.
To add a little sweetness, you can drizzle the cooked ravioli with a balsamic glaze.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
These ravioli bites are also great served as part of a charcuterie board.
Make sure to use a good quality marinara sauce for dipping. The sauce can really make or break the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses in the breadcrumb mixture. Parmesan cheese is a classic, but you can also try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
These air fryer ravioli bites are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for parties and gatherings.

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 simply irresistible. The best part? It's so incredibly easy and fast to make, even on the busiest weeknights. Forget ordering takeout; you can whip up a batch of these in less time than it takes for the delivery driver to arrive! But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the sheer deliciousness and speed, it's the versatility that really shines. You can customize these little bites to your heart's content. Feeling adventurous? Try using different flavored ravioli – spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli would be fantastic. Want to add a little kick? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before air frying. The possibilities are endless! Speaking of serving suggestions, these Air Fryer Ravioli Bites are perfect on their own with a simple marinara dipping sauce. But don't stop there! They're also amazing served with pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a creamy garlic dip. For a more substantial meal, toss them into a salad for added texture and flavor. Imagine a vibrant Caprese salad with these crispy ravioli bites scattered throughout – pure perfection! Here are a few more variations to get your creative juices flowing:

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Parmesan Power: Before air frying, brush the ravioli with a little olive oil and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and create a wonderfully crispy crust. * Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your dipping sauce for an extra layer of heat. * Italian Herb Infusion: Mix some dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) into the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic and flavorful coating. * Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the cooked ravioli bites for a sweet and tangy contrast. * Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the ravioli bites on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces and garnishes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. I'm genuinely excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of these crispy, cheesy delights. I've made them countless times, and they're always a hit with family and friends. They're the perfect snack for movie nights, game days, or just a casual get-together. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bag of your favorite ravioli, dust off your air fryer, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, don't forget to share your experience! I'd love to hear what variations you tried, what dipping sauces you loved, and how much everyone enjoyed them. Tag me in your photos on social media – I can't wait to see your creations! Happy air frying, and enjoy these incredible Air Fryer Ravioli Bites! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'm always here to help. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Now go forth and conquer the world, one crispy ravioli bite at a time!