After a long week of busy work, there’s nothing better than making a snack that’s quick, satisfying, and fun to eat. I recently had one of those moments when I found myself scrolling through my kitchen pantry looking for something easy to whip up, yet different enough to feel like a treat.
That’s when I spotted a package of tortellini in the back of the fridge, still wrapped up neatly after a grocery run days ago. As I thought about how to prepare them, it dawned on me—air frying them could give me that crispy, golden-brown crunch that would make them irresistible.
Toss in a bit of Italian seasoning and parmesan, and I had a dish that felt both indulgent and light. A few minutes in the air fryer and I was hooked. These crispy tortellinis became the star of my weekend snacking—and I’m betting they’ll do the same for you too!
Short Description
Air fryer crispy tortellini is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that combines tender, cheesy tortellini with a crispy, golden coating. It’s the perfect appetizer or snack, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Key Ingredients
- 1 package (9 ounces) tortellini (refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable, any flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Tools Needed
- Large pot for boiling water
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions.
This usually takes about 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini or a little longer for frozen versions. Once the tortellini floats to the top, it’s done! Drain the tortellini and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
While your tortellini is cooling down slightly, preheat your air fryer to 340°F. This ensures that your tortellini will get nice and crispy without overcooking.
Step 3: Season the Tortellini
To the mixing bowl, add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Toss everything together gently until each piece of tortellini is well coated with the seasoning mixture. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and give it another gentle toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Tortellini
Place the seasoned tortellini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the timer for 7-11 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through (around the 5-minute mark) to ensure the tortellini cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the tortellini is golden brown and crispy to the touch.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once done, remove the crispy tortellini from the air fryer and garnish with a bit of extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, pesto, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-packed: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan brings out an irresistible flavor.
Crispy perfection: The air fryer gives the tortellini that perfect crispy texture without the mess of deep frying.
Quick & easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
Versatile: Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun side dish at dinner.
Healthier option: Air frying cuts down on the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Overcrowding the air fryer basket
Solution: Be sure to arrange the tortellini in a single layer for the best crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Mistake 2: Tortellini sticking to each other
Solution: After draining, allow the tortellini to sit in the bowl for a few minutes to cool down. This helps prevent them from sticking together when you add the oil and seasoning.
Mistake 3: Undercooking the tortellini
Solution: If the tortellini isn’t golden brown and crispy after 7 minutes, continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, checking for crispiness.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer: Pair it with marinara sauce, pesto, or ranch for dipping.
Serve as a side dish: These crispy tortellini work wonderfully alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
For a more substantial meal: Serve with a hearty main dish like garlic butter chicken or grilled vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to get that crispy texture back. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the tortellini soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen tortellini. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for boiling before air frying.
2. Can I skip the olive oil?
For the crispiest result, olive oil is essential. However, you can try substituting with a cooking spray if you’re looking for a lighter option.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can prepare the tortellini up to the seasoning step and refrigerate it. Air fry when ready to serve.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in mozzarella, asiago, or any cheese you prefer for a different flavor profile.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free tortellini, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients!
Tips & Tricks
For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
Don’t skip the halfway shake in the air fryer—this helps achieve an even crisp on all sides of the tortellini.
If you want a more herby flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh basil or oregano on top after air frying.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Air Fryer Tortellini: Add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Tortellini: After air frying, toss the tortellini with melted butter and minced garlic, then top with more parmesan cheese.
Veggie-Loaded Tortellini: Add finely chopped spinach or roasted vegetables to the tortellini before air frying for an extra nutritional boost.
Final Thoughts
Making Air Fryer Crispy Tortellini feels like creating a snack from scratch while keeping things simple and effortless. From crunchy bites with a tender center to that savory parmesan finish, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress, no matter the occasion. And with a few simple tweaks, you can adjust the seasonings or dipping sauces to match your personal taste. I
can’t wait to make these crispy tortellinis again and experiment with new flavor combinations. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, whether you need a quick appetizer, a fun side dish, or just a snack that feels a little extra special.
Air Fryer Crispy Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini (refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable, any flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add tortellini and cook according to the package (usually 2–3 minutes for fresh, longer if frozen). Once it floats, it’s done. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Set your air fryer to 340°F while the tortellini cools slightly.
- Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the tortellini. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle in the parmesan and toss again until evenly coated.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7–11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Tortellini should be golden and crispy.
- Remove and garnish with extra parmesan and parsley. Serve hot with marinara, pesto, or your favorite dip.
