If you love an easy appetizer then you'll love this Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini recipe. In about 20 minutes you can have a fun snack the whole family will enjoy. They are made with fresh tortellini from the refrigerator aisle of the grocery store and taste great with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why you'll love it
Quick and simple - a favorite appetizer everyone loves because it tastes great and is easy to make and clean up.
Delicious appetizer and main dish - you can serve this at your next party or get together as a snack or for family dinner when you need something quick.
Family friendly - everyone will love this Italian inspired twist on cheese tortellini that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Lighter than fried - skip the mess and calories with deep frying and use the air fryer instead. Air frying uses hot air instead of oil to make foods crisp.
If you love this Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini, try my creamy beef tortellini soup.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom of the post for a printable recipe card.
Cheese tortellini - there are several different varieties of tortellini so you can use the kind you like best.
Breadcrumbs - I used garlic and herb seasoned breadcrumbs. You can use Italian breadcrumbs, or even plain breadcrumbs and add some garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, basil or oregano. You can also try panko breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.
Eggs - I used large eggs to help bind the breadcrumb mixture to the tortellini.
Cooking spray (optional) - any will work such as olive oil spray, avocado oil spray, or non-stick spray.
Dipping sauces - use your favorite marinara sauce, pizza sauce (that's what I use) Alfredo sauce, or sweet chili sauce for a fusion riff.
Instructions
- Add seasoned breadcrumbs to a shallow dish. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk eggs until very well combined.
- Add 5 or 6 tortellini to the beaten eggs. Thoroughly coat them with the egg mixture then place them in the bread crumb mixture. Evenly coat the entire tortellini in the breadcrumbs then transfer them to the air fryer basket.
- Repeat the process until all tortellini pieces are used. You may need to work in batches.
- Spray tortellini with cooking spray. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 6 minutes. Flip over and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes depending on how crisp you want the tortellini to be.
Quick facts
No, you don't! You can put fresh or refrigerated tortellini right in the air fryer for a delicious, crispy snack. I tested this recipe both ways, and found that boiling the tortellini first didn't change the texture of the pasta very much.
I recommend boiling frozen tortellini first. Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before coating with egg and breadcrumbs.
Top tips
I use the Cosori XL for all my air fryer recipes. It's perfect for 4 to 6 people. You may also like this one that's also a toaster oven, or this smaller one from Dash perfect for 2 people.
- For best results, cook tortellini in a single layer. Cooking time may vary depending on air fryer.
- Frozen tortellini can be used, but it will need to be cooked until al dente. Follow package instructions, drain well, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes.
How to store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 or 4 days.
- Freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat in the microwave until hot. Or, reheat in the oven or air fryer. Spray with oil first, the heat at 300 degrees F until heated through.
What goes good with air fryer tortellini?
- Buttermilk Ranch
- Sriracha Mayo
- Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
- Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
- Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs garlic herb, Italian, etc.
- 2 eggs beaten well
- 9 ounce package tortellini fresh or refrigerated; about 2.5 cups
- Cooking Spray your favorite variety
Dipping Sauce
- Pizza Sauce, Marinara, Alfredo, Ranch etc.
Instructions
- Add seasoned breadcrumbs to a shallow dish. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk eggs until very well combined.
- Add 5 or 6 tortellini to the beaten eggs. Thoroughly coat them with the egg mixture then place them in the bread crumb mixture. Evenly coat the entire tortellini in the breadcrumbs then transfer them to the air fryer basket.
- Repeat the process until all tortellini pieces are used. You may need to work in batches.
- Spray tortellini with cooking spray. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 6 minutes. Flip over and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes depending on how crisp you want the tortellini to be.
Notes
- For best results, cook tortellini in a single layer. Cooking time may vary depending on air fryer.
- Frozen tortellini can be used, but it will need to be cooked until al dente. Follow package instructions, drain well, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Did you make the recipe? Share a tip here!