Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini turns tender cheese-filled pasta into a crunchy, addictive bite that’s perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving as a party appetizer. The air fryer gives each tortellini a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the filling warm and melty inside. Think of them as a mix between fried ravioli and mozzarella sticks—only lighter and easier. I once tossed the finished tortellini in a sprinkle of garlic-Parmesan seasoning, and the extra layer of flavor made them vanish even faster. Whether you serve them with marinara, pesto, or a creamy dipping sauce, these crispy bites are simple to prepare and impossible to resist. They’re ideal for game nights, gatherings, or quick comfort-food cravings.
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Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini: A Golden, Crunchy Snack or Appetizer Everyone Craves
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden tortellini cooked in the air fryer and coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture—perfect as a quick appetizer or snack with marinara for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions for 1–2 minutes less than directed; drain and cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Dip each tortellini in the beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange coated tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for best texture.
- Add crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mix for heat.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- Try pesto or Alfredo sauce for dipping instead of marinara.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated cheese tortellini
These cook quickly and provide a melty, savory center once crisped.
Eggs
Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the tortellini.
Breadcrumbs or panko
Breadcrumbs create a crisp, golden exterior; panko adds extra crunch.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan boosts flavor and helps the coating brown beautifully.
Italian seasoning
Adds herbaceous depth to complement the pasta and cheese.
Garlic powder
Infuses each bite with warm, savory flavor.
Salt and pepper
Essential for seasoning the breadcrumb mixture.
Cooking spray or oil
Ensures the tortellini crisp evenly in the air fryer.
Marinara or dipping sauce
Perfect for serving and enhancing each bite.
Directions
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, reducing the boiling time by one minute to prevent over-softening. Drain well and let cool slightly.
Set up a breading station: whisk eggs in one bowl, and in another mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each tortellini into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place coated tortellini on a parchment-lined tray.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the tortellini with cooking spray to promote even browning. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. Serve warm with marinara, pesto, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, cooking takes 8–10 minutes per batch, and total time is around 20–25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as the coating will turn soft. Freezing is possible before air frying—bread them, freeze on a tray, then air fry from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic-Parmesan Tortellini
Toss cooked tortellini with extra Parmesan and garlic powder right after air frying.
Spicy Tortellini Bites
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
Herb-Crusted Tortellini
Mix fresh chopped parsley or basil into the breadcrumbs.
Pesto-Coated Tortellini
Toss warm tortellini in pesto before serving for a bold, aromatic finish.
Four-Cheese Version
Use cheese tortellini and add extra shredded mozzarella to the breadcrumb mixture.
Buffalo Tortellini Bites
Drizzle with Buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free tortellini.
Vegan Adaptation
Use plant-based tortellini, dairy-free Parmesan, and an egg substitute.
Everything Bagel Crust
Add everything bagel seasoning to the breadcrumbs for savory crunch.
Lemon-Herb Tortellini
Finish with lemon zest and fresh herbs for bright flavor.
FAQs
Do I need to boil the tortellini first?
Yes—brief boiling ensures they cook through and stay tender inside.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes—thaw slightly or boil directly before breading.
Why is my coating falling off?
Ensure tortellini are dry before dipping and press breadcrumbs firmly.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes—bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Marinara, pesto, Alfredo, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Can I double the recipe?
Easily—air fry in batches for best crispness.
Can I make them ahead?
Bread them ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying.
Are they good for parties?
Absolutely—they’re perfect finger food and stay crispy for awhile.
Can I use tortellini with meat filling?
Yes—both cheese and meat varieties work well.
Should I shake the basket?
Yes—shaking halfway ensures even browning.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini delivers everything you want in a snacking appetizer—crunchy coating, warm cheesy center, and big flavor with very little effort. Whether served at game nights, parties, or simply as a fun weeknight treat, these bite-sized pasta snacks are guaranteed to impress. With endless customization options and quick cooking time, they’re destined to become a go-to favorite in your appetizer lineup. Enjoy them hot, crisp, and dipped in your favorite sauce.
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