Air Fryer Cannoli Dip Bites

Oh my goodness, you have to try these air fryer cannoli dip bites they’re my latest obsession! Imagine all the creamy, dreamy flavors of a classic cannoli, but in bite-sized, dippable form, and ready in just 20 minutes. No deep frying, no fuss, just pure dessert magic. I stumbled onto this idea when I needed a quick sweet fix for a last-minute girls’ night, and wow, did it steal the show. The air fryer gives these little bites the perfect golden puff, while the ricotta-based dip stays luxuriously smooth. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll be making them on repeat!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cannoli Dip Bites

Let me tell you why these little bites have become my go-to dessert—they’re practically magic! First off, they solve all my problems:

• No messy deep frying: Who wants to deal with vats of hot oil? The air fryer gives that perfect golden crunch without the splatter or smell.
• Ready in 20 minutes flat: From craving to eating faster than you can say “cannoli”! Perfect for when surprise guests show up.
• Endlessly adaptable: Feeling fancy? Add orange zest to the dip. Want crunch? Throw in chopped pistachios. The possibilities make me giddy!
• Crowd-pleasing: I’ve served these at everything from book club to kids’ playdates—they disappear every time.

The best part? That creamy dip clings to each warm bite like a hug from your Italian grandmother (minus the cheek-pinching).

For more cannoli-inspired treats, try our Cannoli Cheesecake Bars or fun Mini Cannoli Cups.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cannoli Dip Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible bites I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of our batter—no fancy flour needed!
• 1¼ teaspoons baking powder: This makes our bites puff up like little clouds.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the ricotta.
• Pinch of kosher salt: Trust me, this makes all the flavors pop.
• ½ cup + ¼ cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Divided—the first half goes in the batter, the rest in the dip.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Binds everything together beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract total: Split between batter and dip for that classic cannoli aroma.
• 2 tablespoons Greek vanilla yogurt: Makes the dip extra creamy.
• 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips: Because what’s cannoli without chocolate?
• 1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar: For that snowy finish—so pretty!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Now let’s talk swaps—because life happens! Ricotta must be whole milk for that lush texture (low-fat gets grainy). Out of Greek yogurt? Sour cream works in a pinch, or just use all ricotta for an ultra-rich dip.

No mini chocolate chips? Chop regular ones or use shaved dark chocolate I sometimes toss in crushed pistachios too for crunch! If you’re feeling fancy, a splash of orange blossom water in the dip is *chef’s kiss*.

How to Make Air Fryer Cannoli Dip Bites

Okay, let’s get cooking—this is where the magic happens! I’ll walk you through each step so your bites turn out golden and perfect every time.

1. Preheat that air fryer! Crank it to 390°F (199°C) while you mix the batter. A hot air fryer = crispy edges (cold ones make sad, soggy bites).
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. No lumps allowed—I give mine a good sift if I’m feeling fancy.
3. Add the good stuff: Stir in ½ cup ricotta, beaten egg, and ¼ tsp vanilla. Mix until smooth—it’ll be thick like muffin batter (don’t panic, that’s perfect!).
4. Spray the basket: A quick spritz of oil prevents sticking (learned this the hard way after my first batch fused to the basket!).
5. Drop dollops: Use a spoon to place 8 small mounds of batter, leaving space between—they puff up like little pillows!
6. Air fry for 5 minutes: No peeking! They’re done when golden brown and springy to the touch.
7. Make the dip: While bites cool slightly, mix remaining ¼ cup ricotta, yogurt, ¼ tsp vanilla, and chocolate chips. Taste and swoon.
8. Dust & serve: Sprinkle bites with powdered sugar and dunk away!

Tips for Perfect Bites

After burning (and salvaging!) more batches than I’d like to admit, here are my hard-won secrets:

• Don’t overcrowd: Give bites breathing room—they need hot air circulation to crisp up properly.
• Batter consistency is key: Too runny? Add a sprinkle more flour. Too thick? A teaspoon of milk loosens it up.
• Check early: All air fryers vary—start checking at 4 minutes to avoid over-browning.
• Serve warm: They’re best fresh, but if needed, re-crisp in the air fryer for 1 minute at 350°F.

Now go forth and make magic—just don’t blame me when everyone begs for the recipe!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cannoli Dip Bites

Oh, the fun part—how to serve these little delights! I love arranging them on a pretty platter with the dip in a small bowl right in the center for easy dunking. Here’s what makes them shine:

• Espresso or cappuccino: The bitter coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly—just like at an Italian café.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a juicy contrast to the creamy dip.
• Extra chocolate chips or crushed nuts: For those (like me) who can’t resist more texture.

Pro tip: Double the dip—it’s that good, and you’ll want leftovers for fruit the next day!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s the deal—these bites are best fresh, but if you must save some (who has that kind of willpower?), here’s how: Pop any leftovers in an airtight container with a sheet of parchment between layers. They’ll keep for 2 days max before getting sad. To revive them, toss in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1 minute—they’ll crisp right back up! The dip? Store separately in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty bites—but remember, these are estimates (your exact ricotta brand or chocolate chip size might tweak things slightly). Each bite comes in at about 60 calories, with 2g protein and just 3g sugar. They’re vegetarian-friendly and way lighter than traditional fried cannoli! Always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my foolproof way to get that cannoli fix without the fuss! I can’t wait for you to try these little bites of joy. When you do, tag me in your photos or leave a comment—I live for those “OMG, these are amazing!” messages. Happy air frying, friends!

Air Fryer Cannoli Dip Bites FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time let me save you some kitchen trial and error!

Still puzzled? Shoot me a message I love troubleshooting kitchen adventures!

Print