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This air fryer tortellini recipe makes a fun appetizer or snack in just 25 minutes! Crispy with a soft, cheesy, and creamy center, they’re simply irresistible.
If you’ve only been eating tortellini the classic way and haven’t tried air frying them yet, you’re seriously missing out!
These crispy air fryer tortellini are mouthwateringly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with no overthinking or extra prep on your part.
All you need is store-bought tortellini and a few basic pantry staples to make a quick appetizer (or cheesy snack) that even non-pasta lovers can’t ignore.
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Looking for more easy snacks you can just pop in the air fryer? Try our air fryer tater tots and corn ribs next!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tortellini Recipe
- This air fryer tortellini recipe is as easy as quickly boiling the pasta, coating it for a crispy crust, and letting the air fryer do its thing.
- If you’re feeling uninspired by your go-to crunchy snacks and cheesy appetizers, these air-fried tortellini are for you. From the contrast in textures to that addictive savory flavor, even picky eaters will want the whole batch of these air fryer crispy tortellini.
- Once you learn how to make tortellini in air fryer, you can switch up the little bites of heaven every time! Try using a different type of tortellini, add more seasonings to the coating, or find the best sauce to serve with these yummy snacks.
Ingredients
Cheese tortellini – We want things fast and fuss-free, so we’re making this air fryer tortellini recipe with store-bought refrigerated tortellini. Remember to check the package for the cooking instructions!
Eggs – To help the crust stick.
Panko breadcrumbs – For a beautifully crispy exterior.
Cornstarch – Helps keep the coating from getting gummy.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning – The seasonings for these cheesy air fryer tortellini are totally up to you! This simple trio just adds a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese filling.
Want some kick? Cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes are just what these beautifully seasoned cheese-filled tortellini need.
Shredded parmesan cheese – Go ahead and serve your freshly air fried tortellini with an extra sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese!
Cooking spray – Don’t skip the extra coating of oil if you want that perfect golden finish on your air fryer cheese tortellini.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Air Fryer Tortellini
Mushroom and prosciutto tortellini
This air fryer tortellini recipe works with any type of tortellini! Prosciutto and mushroom tortellini are some delicious options you can try.
Herbs
For extra flavor, color, and texture, sprinkle dried oregano or fresh chopped parsley on the cheese filled tortellini once they’re out of the air fryer.
Dipping sauces
This air fried tortellini recipe is already delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or even with a white sauce like Alfredo for dipping!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Get Perfectly Crispy Tortellini
Cook the tortellini in batches, making sure they don’t overlap in the air fryer basket. You can also shake the basket at the 5-minute mark to ensure they’re air-fried evenly.
Storage and Reheating
You can store your air fryer cheese tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve, reheat at 300°F for 4 minutes, or until they’re crispy again.
Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini Recipe FAQs
What’s the texture of air fryer tortellini?
Air fryer tortellini are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Coating the cheese tortellini with bread crumbs adds extra crunch, and pre-cooking them before air frying helps them cook evenly and become easy to bite into.
What is the best tortellini to use for fried tortellini?
We like shelf-stable tortellini and those from the store’s refrigerator section for this air fryer tortellini recipe. Frozen tortellini might work, but to keep the coating from coming off, cook them until al dente, then drain them well.
Can you cook tortellini in an air fryer without boiling?
Nope. Air-fried tortellini is best made after boiling the pasta, or they’ll dry out and become tough to eat. However, you still don’t want to overcook the cheese-stuffed tortellini, so check the package directions.
Can you bake tortellini instead of air frying?
Sure! Feel free to bake your cheese tortellini in a preheated oven at 350°F for 9 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Can pasta be cooked in an air fryer?
Of course! As proven by these air fryer crispy tortellini, you can cook pasta in the air fryer for an instant crunchy snack or appetizer.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Peaches
- Air Fryer Hand Pies
- Pumpkin Seed Recipe
- Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
- Custard Yogurt Toast
I found this recipe for Air Fryer Potato Chips that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Air Fryer Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then cook the tortellini for about 4 minutes.
- Drain the tortellini and gently blot them dry. Transfer to a bowl right away to prevent overcooking.
- In one bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk the eggs in another bowl. Then, prepare another bowl and mix the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Toss the tortellini in the cornstarch mixture until lightly coated, then dip each piece into the egg mixture.
- Transfer the coated tortellini to the breadcrumb mixture and coat well for that crispy finish.
- Arrange the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
- Lightly spray the tortellini with cooking spray, then air fry the pasta for about 10 minutes per batch.
- Shake the basket every 3 minutes for even browning. Once golden and crispy, they are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the tortellini in batches, making sure they don’t overlap in the air fryer basket. You can also shake the basket at the 5-minute mark to ensure they’re air-fried evenly.
- You can store your air fryer cheese tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve, reheat at 300°F for 4 minutes, or until they’re crispy again.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
