Air Fryer Tortellini

Air Fryer Tortellini is a crispy, cheesy, and golden-brown snack or appetizer made in just minutes. With a crunchy coating on the outside and a soft, melty center, these tortellini bites are perfect for dipping and sharing. Whether you serve them at parties or enjoy them as a quick snack, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
• Perfectly crispy without deep frying
• Great for parties, game days, or after-school snacks
• Can be made with fresh or frozen tortellini
• Pairs well with your favorite dips like marinara or ranch
• Customizable with different coatings or fillings

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• cheese tortellini (fresh or thawed if frozen)
• eggs
• milk
• Italian-style breadcrumbs
• grated Parmesan cheese
• garlic powder
• salt
• olive oil spray
• marinara sauce (for dipping)

directions

1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Dip each tortellini into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Arrange the coated tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil.
7. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
8. Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use different tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta or sausage
• Add red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mix
• Substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• Serve with Alfredo or pesto sauce instead of marinara
• Make them gluten-free using gluten-free breadcrumbs and tortellini

storage/reheating

• Store leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp
• Freezing is not recommended after cooking, as the coating may become soggy

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just thaw them completely before coating and air frying.

Do I have to boil the tortellini first?

Yes, cooking them until al dente ensures they’re fully cooked inside before crisping up in the air fryer.

Can I bake them instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.

What sauces go well with air fryer tortellini?

Marinara, ranch, Alfredo, or pesto are all great options for dipping.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the tortellini in advance and store in the fridge for a few hours before air frying.

Can I make them without cheese?

Yes, use meat-filled or veggie tortellini if preferred.

What kind of breadcrumbs work best?

Italian-style or seasoned panko breadcrumbs give the best flavor and crunch.

How do I make them spicier?

Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.

Can I cook a large batch at once?

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for best results.

Are these good as leftovers?

Yes, they reheat well in the air fryer and make a great next-day snack.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Tortellini is a quick and tasty way to enjoy a restaurant-style appetizer at home. With a crisp outside and gooey center, they’re endlessly snackable and customizable to your taste. Whether you’re serving a crowd or looking for a fun twist on pasta, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your air fryer lineup.

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