Oh my goodness, you have to try this Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! It’s my new obsession – rich, cheesy, and ridiculously easy. I’m talking about tender cheese-filled ravioli smothered in marinara and bubbling mozzarella, all ready in just 30 minutes. The air fryer works magic here, giving you that perfect golden crust without heating up your whole kitchen. Trust me, the first time I made this, my family went wild for it. Now it’s our go-to when we need comfort food fast. And that cheesy pull? Absolute perfection. You’ll want to make this every week!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new best friend:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to table in just 30 minutes – even my teenage boys can’t eat that fast!
- Cheese pull heaven: That perfect stretchy mozzarella and nutty Parmesan combo? I swoon every time.
- One dish wonder: My air fryer basket goes straight to the table – fewer dishes means more happy dance time.
- Customizable: Feeling fancy? Add sausage. Want veggies? Throw in spinach. It’s your cheesy canvas!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy masterpiece – and trust me, every ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect bite:
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli: Don’t bother thawing – the kind from the refrigerated section works best here. The cheese filling gets so ooey-gooey!
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand, or go fancy with homemade if you’ve got it. This is the saucy hug that brings everything together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (packed): Pack it in there good – we want serious cheese coverage! The pre-shredded stuff works fine, but block cheese melts dreamier.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: That salty, nutty kick takes this over the top. Freshly grated makes all the difference.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: My little flavor booster – it sneaks into every cheesy nook and cranny.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: That classic Italian aroma we all love. Rub it between your fingers before adding to wake up the oils.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to balance the richness without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): My secret weapon when I want a subtle kick – leave it out if you’re serving kids.
- Cooking spray: A quick spritz keeps everything from sticking. I use olive oil spray for extra flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is easier than you think, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure you get that perfect bubbly, golden result every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – preheat that air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab an oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket (mine’s a 7-inch round one). Give it a good spray with cooking oil – I learned the hard way that skipping this step leads to sad, stuck-on cheese!
Step 2: Layering the Ravioli and Sauce
Now for the fun part! Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of your dish – this creates a saucy base so nothing sticks. Then layer half your ravioli in a single layer (no need to be perfect, just roughly cover the sauce). Dollop another 1/2 cup sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle half your mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses. Pro tip: I like to press the top layer of ravioli down gently so they get cozy in all that sauce.
Step 3: Seasoning and Air Frying
Time for flavor magic! Sprinkle your garlic powder, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil – this helps the ravioli cook through without drying out. Pop it in the air fryer for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, carefully remove the foil (steam is hot!) and cook for 5 more minutes until the cheese is gloriously bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but this keeps it from becoming a molten cheese lava!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
After making this casserole more times than I can count (okay fine, I’m obsessed), here are my foolproof tips for absolute ravioli perfection:
Meat lover’s twist: Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef while your air fryer preheats. Layer it between the ravioli for a heartier meal – my husband swears this is the only way to eat it now!
Cheese swap magic: Out of mozzarella? Try shredded provolone or fontina for extra creaminess. For a sharper bite, I sometimes mix in asiago with the Parmesan. Just keep the total cheese amount about the same.
Don’t overfill! Leave about 1/2 inch space at the top of your baking dish. I learned this the messy way when bubbling cheese dripped onto my air fryer basket (cleanup was no fun). If your dish is small, you might need to make two batches.
Fresh herb finish: Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley. The bright green makes it pretty, and the fresh flavor cuts through all that richness beautifully.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is how easily you can mix it up! Here are my favorite twists that still keep that amazing cheesy comfort we all crave:
Different ravioli varieties: While cheese ravioli is classic, I’ve had fantastic results with spinach and ricotta ravioli too. The earthy spinach pairs wonderfully with the marinara. Mushroom ravioli? Oh yes – that umami bomb takes this to restaurant-level deliciousness.
Vegan version: My plant-based friends adore this when I swap in vegan ravioli (check the refrigerated section) and use dairy-free mozzarella shreds. For the Parmesan, I mix nutritional yeast with a pinch of salt – shockingly good!
Cheese alternatives: Out of mozzarella? No panic! Ricotta dolloped between layers gives incredible creaminess. For sharper flavor, try shredded provolone or fontina. Once I even used leftover smoked gouda – that smoky note was unexpectedly amazing.
Protein boosters: Browned Italian sausage crumbles layered in are my husband’s favorite. For quicker prep, I’ll sometimes use pre-cooked meatballs sliced in half. Vegetarian? White beans or lentils work beautifully too – just pat them dry first.
Sauce switcheroos: While marinara is traditional, I’ve used vodka sauce for special occasions (so decadent!). Alfredo sauce makes a killer white version – just add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese topping. Pesto lovers? Swirl some into the marinara for herby goodness.
The possibilities are endless! The key is keeping the basic structure – saucy base, ravioli layers, cheesy topping – then letting your creativity run wild. What fun combinations will you try first?
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Now, I know the chances of having leftovers are slim – this casserole disappears fast at my house! But just in case, here’s how to keep and revive that cheesy goodness like a pro.
Fridge storage: Let the casserole cool completely (about 30 minutes), then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle – bonus!
Reheating magic: My absolute favorite way to bring this back to life is in the air fryer at 300°F for about 5 minutes. The gentle heat keeps the ravioli tender while making the cheese bubbly again. No air fryer? No problem! Microwave individual portions for 60-90 seconds, but don’t expect that perfect crispy top.
Pro tip: If the cheese looks dry when reheating, just sprinkle a tiny bit of water over the top before warming – it helps revive the sauce beautifully. And whatever you do, don’t overheat or the cheese will turn rubbery (we’ve all been there!).
One warning though – the Parmesan smell when reheating is dangerously tempting. I may or may not have burned my fingers diving in too fast… patience is a virtue with hot cheese, my friends!
Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole FAQs
I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe since I started making it – here are the answers to everything you might be wondering before you dive into this cheesy goodness!
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just don’t thaw them first – the frozen ravioli will cook perfectly during the air frying time. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes if they’re still icy when you layer them in. I’ve done it both ways and honestly can barely tell the difference in the final dish.
What size baking dish fits in my air fryer?
Most standard air fryer baskets accommodate a 7-inch round or 6×6 inch square baking dish beautifully. Mine’s about 2 inches deep and works like a charm. When in doubt, do a “dry run” with your empty dish in the cold air fryer to check clearance before adding ingredients!
Do I really need to cover it with foil?
Yes, don’t skip this! That 15 minutes under foil is crucial for cooking the ravioli through without drying out. I tried it once without and ended up with tough pasta under perfect cheese – tragic! Just be careful removing the hot foil – that steam sneaks up on you.
Can I make this ahead and cook later?
You sure can! Assemble the whole casserole (without preheating), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add about 3 extra minutes to the cooking time since it’s going in cold. The cheese might not brown quite as much, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Why does mine come out watery sometimes?
This usually happens if the marinara sauce is extra liquidy. Next time, try draining your ravioli on paper towels first (they often have excess moisture) or simmer your sauce for 5 minutes to thicken it slightly first. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs between layers can help absorb extra liquid too!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do like to have a rough idea of what I’m eating – especially when it’s this delicious! Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving of this incredible casserole. Just remember, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients (I’m looking at you, extra-cheesy version!).
Per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
And here’s my two cents – while we’re counting numbers, we should also count the joy factor! That first cheesy bite? Priceless. The way it makes your kitchen smell like an Italian bistro? Worth every calorie. Just balance it with a big salad if you’re feeling virtuous (but honestly, I usually go for seconds instead!).
Serve and Enjoy!
Alright, it’s showtime! Slide that golden, bubbly masterpiece onto the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up. I like to garnish mine with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley – makes it look fancy with zero effort. Grab your biggest spoon and dig right in – those cheese pulls are just begging to be Instagrammed!
Seriously, make this tonight. Your future self will thank you when you’re curled up with a bowl of this cheesy goodness in 30 minutes flat. And when your family starts raving about it (because they will), come back and tell me all about it! Did you stick with classic cheese ravioli? Try a wild variation? I live for these food stories!
One warning though – this Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole disappears faster than you’d think. Maybe make a double batch… you know, just to be safe. Happy cooking, my fellow cheese lovers!
Print
30-Minute Air Fryer Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and cheesy ravioli casserole made easy in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a baking dish that fits in your air fryer with cooking spray.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half the ravioli over the sauce.
- Top with another 1/2 cup marinara sauce, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat layers with remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes on top.
- Cover with foil and air fry for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and air fry for 5 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of ravioli you prefer.
- Add cooked meat like sausage or ground beef for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American