You know those moments when you stumble upon a recipe that changes your snack game forever? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made Homemade fried ravioli bites in the air fryer. I was craving something crispy, cheesy, and fast—no deep-fryer mess, no waiting around. The air fryer delivered golden, crunchy perfection in minutes, and I swear I heard angels sing. Now, these little bites are my go-to for game nights, last-minute guests, or just because I deserve a treat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without fried ravioli bites (air fryer style) in your life.
Why You’ll Love These Fried Ravioli Bites
Okay, let me count the ways these little crispy miracles will steal your heart (and probably become your new party trick):
- Speed demon: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes – faster than pizza delivery!
- Crunch factor: That golden breadcrumb shell shatters to reveal molten cheese inside. You’ll hear the crisp from the next room.
- Cleanup? What cleanup: No vats of oil to deal with – just wipe out the air fryer basket and you’re done.
- Crowd pleaser: Watch these disappear at parties faster than you can say “more marinara please!”
Seriously, I’ve converted deep-fry loyalists with this method. The air fryer magic is real, folks. The air fryer magic is real, folks.
Ingredients for Fried Ravioli Bites
Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when these basics come together:
- 1 package (12 oz) cheese ravioli: Frozen or fresh both work beautifully (no thawing needed for frozen!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Italian-seasoned adds extra flavor, but plain works too
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: The real stuff, not the powdery kind
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: My secret – rub it between your fingers to wake up the oils
- 1 large egg: Room temp blends smoother
- 1 tbsp water: Just enough to loosen the egg wash
- 1/4 tsp each salt & black pepper: Trust me, season every layer!
- Marinara sauce: For dipping – warm it up for extra cozy vibes
See? Nothing fussy – just good ingredients ready to transform into crispy magic.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these fried ravioli bites! Here’s what I always grab:
- Air fryer: Any model works, but mine’s a 5-quart that fits the whole batch
- 2 mixing bowls: One for the egg wash, one for the breadcrumb mixture
- Whisk: To blend that egg and water perfectly
- Measuring cups/spoons: For getting those ratios just right
- Tongs or fork: For flipping those little ravioli gems halfway through
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.
How to Make Fried Ravioli Bites in the Air Fryer
Alright, let’s turn those simple ingredients into golden, crispy bites of joy! I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step like it’s your first time (because it might be!). The key is taking it slow and enjoying the process—though trust me, you’ll be racing to eat them once they’re done.
Step 1: Prep the Coating
Grab your medium mixing bowl (I use my trusty 2-quart one) and toss in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now here’s my little trick: use your fingers to mix everything together while gently crushing the Parmesan into the breadcrumbs. This helps everything stick better to the ravioli later. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture smells like your favorite Italian restaurant!
Step 2: Coat the Ravioli
In a smaller bowl (a cereal bowl works great), whisk together the egg and water until it’s completely smooth—no streaks! Now for the fun part: take one ravioli at a time, dunk it completely in the egg wash, let the excess drip off (this prevents clumping), then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick on all sides. I like to do this assembly-line style—egg bath, crumb spa, then onto a plate they go! Assembly-line style—egg bath, crumb spa, then onto a plate they go!
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes—this ensures even cooking. Arrange the coated ravioli in a single layer in the basket (no overlapping or they’ll steam instead of crisp up!). Cook for 4 minutes, then flip each one with tongs (they should be lightly golden already). Cook another 2-4 minutes until they’re deep golden and crispy. Pro tip: Listen for the sizzle to slow down—that’s how I know they’re perfectly done! Listen for the sizzle to slow down—that’s how I know they’re perfectly done!
Tips for the Best Fried Ravioli Bites
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – don’t judge my snack habits), I’ve learned all the tricks for perfect fried ravioli bites every single time:
- Skip the thaw: Frozen ravioli works straight from the freezer – the air fryer cooks them through beautifully!
- Spritz for crisp: A quick mist of olive oil spray before cooking gives that extra crunch without deep frying.
- Give them space: Overcrowding = steamed ravioli. Single layer is non-negotiable for maximum crispiness.
- Flip halfway: Don’t skip this! It ensures even browning on both sides.
- Serve immediately: They’re at their crispiest right out of the air fryer – though I won’t tell if you eat one straight from the basket!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be a fried ravioli bite master in no time!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! While classic marinara is always a winner (warm it up for extra coziness), here are my favorite ways to serve these crispy bites:
- Dipping trio: Marinara, garlic aioli, and warmed pesto – guests go wild for options!
- Garnish game: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds color and freshness
- Cheese lover’s move: Dust with extra Parmesan right after cooking while they’re still hot
- Game night style: Serve in paper cones for easy grabbing during the big play
However you serve them, just be ready for recipe requests – these disappear fast!
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them tasty: store cooled ravioli bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When the craving hits again, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll come out nearly as crispy as fresh! No soggy snacks here.
Fried Ravioli Bites FAQ
I get asked these questions all the time – here’s everything you need to know about making perfect fried ravioli bites:
Can I use frozen ravioli? Absolutely! No need to thaw – they cook through perfectly in the air fryer. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
How do I make these gluten-free? Easy swap! Use gluten-free ravioli and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else stays the same.
Why are my ravioli not crispy? Two likely culprits: overcrowding the basket (they steam instead of crisp) or not flipping halfway. Give them space and turn them! Give them space and turn them!
Can I prep these ahead? You can bread them up to 2 hours before cooking – just keep them on a tray in the fridge so the coating stays crisp.
What other fillings work? Get creative! Spinach ricotta or mushroom ravioli are delicious too – just avoid super wet fillings that might leak.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into (not that it’ll stop you from eating the whole batch!): These numbers are estimates based on my favorite brands – yours might vary slightly. Per serving (about 6 ravioli bites): 210 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated), 28g carbs (2g fiber), and 10g protein. Not bad for something this delicious, right?
Share Your Results!
Did you make these crispy bites? I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations!
Print
Homemade Crispy 20-Minute Fried Ravioli Bites (Air Fryer Magic)
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy fried ravioli bites made easily in the air fryer for a quick appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz) cheese ravioli
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk egg and water.
- Dip each ravioli in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place ravioli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use frozen or fresh ravioli—no need to thaw.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray ravioli with oil before air frying.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American