Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini Recipe
If you’re looking for a game-changing appetizer or a fun twist on a classic pasta, Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds). This dish wraps plump tortellini in a savory, cheesy coating and uses the magic of the air fryer to crisp every bite to golden perfection. Whether it’s for an easy snack, a party nibble, or an irresistible side for Italian night, you’ll love how delightfully crunchy and flavorful these little pillows turn out, especially when dunked in your favorite marinara sauce!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini is how quickly it comes together using just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient does some heavy lifting, bringing bold flavors and the ideal texture to ensure you get those addictive, crunchy edges in every mouthful.
- Refrigerated tortellini (9 ounces, cheese or prosciutto): Fresh tortellini holds its shape and becomes perfectly crisp on the outside while staying tender inside.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices and cheese cling, and encourages that golden, crunchy coating during air frying.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds an instant savory kick—think garlic bread meets pasta.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings a burst of herby depth, making each bite extra aromatic.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
- Grated Parmesan (4 tablespoons): This cheesy dust forms the crispiest, most addictive shell.
- Cooking spray: A quick spritz ensures nothing sticks and boosts the signature crunch you’re after.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
Step 1: Soften the Tortellini
Start by placing your refrigerated tortellini in a large bowl, then pour boiling water over them just to cover. Let them sit for about 3 minutes—this softens the pasta without making it mushy, and sets you up for the ultimate crispiness later. Once softened, drain them gently.
Step 2: Add Flavors and Cheese
Return the drained tortellini to the bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and all of that glorious grated Parmesan. This is where the magic happens! Gently toss everything with a spatula to ensure each tortellini is evenly coated in flavor and cheese.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F so it’s hot and ready. While it preheats, spray the basket with cooking spray. This ensures you’ll get that signature crispy texture and keeps things from sticking when it’s time to flip or remove the tortellini.
Step 4: Arrange and Air Fry
Spread the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to work in batches—don’t overcrowd! Air fry the tortellini for 8-10 minutes, giving the basket a good shake or a gentle toss halfway through so all sides get beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 5: Keep Warm If Needed
If you’re cooking in batches, transfer the finished tortellini to a baking sheet and pop them in a 200 degree F oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining tortellini—this way, everything’s hot and crunchy when you serve.
Step 6: Serve with Dipping Sauce
As soon as all your Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini are ready, serve them up with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. This final touch takes the dish over the top, giving you that iconic Italian combo in every bite!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle your warm tortellini with more grated Parmesan, a scattering of chopped fresh basil or parsley, and maybe a light crack of black pepper. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add richness and shine.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini with a fresh green salad, some roasted veggies, or a classic antipasto platter. It’s also amazing alongside a steaming bowl of homemade soup, like tomato basil or minestrone, for the ultimate comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful and thread the tortellini onto skewers for a party-ready finger food, or stack them in little appetizer cups with a dollop of marinara beneath each serving. You can even pack them up for a picnic—these crispy bites travel so well!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for snacking or quick lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready for a speedy re-crisp in the air fryer whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
The best way to bring back the crunch? Pop the tortellini back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crisp—good as new!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini—just thaw them according to package instructions, then proceed with the boiling water soak as written. This helps ensure they get just the right texture before air frying.
What dipping sauces pair well with Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini?
Marinara is a classic, but you can get creative with pesto, Alfredo, ranch, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little heat. Try serving a variety for dipping and watch the platter disappear!
Can I make Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep and cook the tortellini, then let them cool and store as directed. Reheat quickly in the air fryer right before serving for maximum crunch and flavor.
How do I prevent the tortellini from sticking together during air frying?
Be sure to arrange the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a bit of space between each piece. Tossing them halfway through cooking also helps ensure even crisping and prevents sticking.
What other types of tortellini can I use?
Cheese and prosciutto tortellini are delicious, but feel free to play around with spinach, mushroom, or even chicken-filled varieties. Just make sure they’re bite-sized for the perfect crispy texture!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience how fun, easy, and downright satisfying Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini can be. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee it’ll become your new go-to party snack, weeknight treat, or side dish that everyone requests—so fire up that air fryer and dig in!
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Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini is a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, cheesy filling inside.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini (cheese or prosciutto)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Softening the Tortellini: Put the tortellini in a large bowl and cover them with boiling water. Allow to soften for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Coating the Tortellini: Return the tortellini to the bowl, add olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and grated Parmesan. Toss gently to coat.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Preparing the Air Fryer: Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Cooking the Tortellini: Place the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Keeping Warm: Remove cooked tortellini and keep warm in the oven at 200 degrees F if cooking in batches.
- Serving: Serve the crispy tortellini with marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini, Air Fryer Appetizer, Tortellini Recipe
