Cheesy and crispy Air Fryer Tortellini is such a fun and easy snack or appetizer! The air fryer gives the tortellini a perfect crispy texture while the inside stays cheesy and delicious. Here’s a simple recipe to make these crispy, cheesy bites:
Cheesy & Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated or frozen tortellini (cheese-filled works best, but you can use any variety)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or basil and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the tortellini (if frozen or refrigerated):
- If you’re using frozen tortellini, cook them according to the package instructions first, usually by boiling them for 2-4 minutes until they’re just tender. Refrigerated tortellini will cook faster, so just boil them for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
- If you’re using fresh or refrigerated tortellini, skip the boiling step and go straight to coating them in oil and seasonings.
- Season the tortellini:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked (or fresh) tortellini with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the tortellini are well-coated.
- Add cheese:
- Gently toss in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt and help create a crispy crust around the tortellini.
- Air fry the tortellini:
- Spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if they touch a little, but avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. The tortellini should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve:
- Once the tortellini are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
- Serve with marinara sauce or any dipping sauce you like!
Tips:
- For extra crunch: You can add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs to the tortellini before air frying for even more crunch.
- Experiment with fillings: If you have tortellini with different fillings, such as spinach or mushroom, it can add a nice variation to the flavor.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
These crispy, cheesy tortellini bites are perfect for snacking, game day, or even a fun twist on traditional pasta. Would you pair them with a specific dipping sauce, or are you keeping it classic with marinara?
