Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini makes a cozy, crunchy snack that warms the kitchen and fills the house with a toasty, cheesy smell. This simple dish works when you want a fast appetizer, a kid-friendly after-school bite, or a quick side that still feels special. If you like easy air fryer snacks, try our crispy chicken and mozzarella wraps for another fast family hit.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Family Favorite: Kids love the crispy outside and gooey inside.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses frozen tortellini and pantry spices.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or meal side.
This recipe stands out because the tortellini get a golden, crunchy shell while staying soft and cheesy inside. It brings a homey comfort — the warm steam, the cheesy pull, and the simple joy of dipping into warm marinara. Pair it with a hearty main like our crispy chicken parmesan for a full, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- For the tortellini
- 1 pound (about 450 g) frozen cheese tortellini (no need to thaw)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- For the seasoning
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For serving
- Warm marinara sauce for dipping
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for brightness)
Notes: Use unsalted butter if you prefer instead of olive oil for a richer taste. If your tortellini are large or filled with meat, adjust cook time slightly.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating gives an even crisp on the pasta.
- Pat the frozen tortellini dry with a paper towel if they look wet. This helps them crisp faster.
- In a bowl, toss the tortellini with olive oil until lightly coated. Use just enough to make the seasonings stick.
- Mix Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mix over the oiled tortellini and toss to coat evenly.
- Mini-tip: The cheese creates a crunchy, golden crust as it melts and browns.
- Arrange the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; air needs to circulate for even crisping. You may need to cook in two batches.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tortellini halfway through. Cook until the outside is golden and crisp and the inside feels warm and soft.
- Why this matters: Shaking or flipping keeps them crisp on all sides and prevents sticking.
- Remove to a plate, sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve hot with warm marinara.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
- Serve in a shallow bowl with warm marinara in the center for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Plate as a side next to salads or grilled chicken; add a lemon wedge for a fresh pop.
- Turn them into a crunchy topping on a warm Caesar or mixed green salad for texture and flavor.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The tortellini will lose some crispness.
- Freezer: Lay cooked tortellini on a tray to freeze until firm, then move to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen.
- Reheat: For best texture, warm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes, or in a hot oven for 6–8 minutes until crisp again. Microwave will heat but will make them soft.
Tips to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for even browning.
- Dry the tortellini briefly to help them get crispy faster.
- Use a little extra Parmesan on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Watch the last few minutes closely—cheese can go from golden to too brown quickly.
Variation
- Gluten-free: Use frozen gluten-free tortellini and follow the same steps.
- Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or serve with a spicy marinara.
- Meaty: Use meat-filled tortellini and increase cook time by 1–2 minutes to ensure the filling is hot.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes. Fresh tortellini will cook faster—check after 6–8 minutes in the air fryer. They crisp nicely but are more delicate, so handle them gently.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Use a light coating of oil, a thin layer of grated Parmesan, and give them space in the basket. Finish with a minute or two at a slightly higher temp if needed, but watch closely.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes. Bake on a lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini brings warm, cheesy comfort with a satisfying crunch. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and perfect for nights when you want something simple but special. If you enjoyed this version, you might like the linked recipe for a similar air fryer treat from another kitchen: Air Fryer Crispy Tortellini – Life Currents. Please leave a comment and a star rating to tell us how it turned out, and share the recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so family and friends can try it too. What twist did you try? Let us know below!
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Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, crunchy snack that is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 450 g) frozen cheese tortellini (no need to thaw)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Warm marinara sauce for dipping
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the frozen tortellini dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, toss the tortellini with olive oil until lightly coated.
- Mix Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle over the oiled tortellini.
- Arrange the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the tortellini to a plate, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve hot with warm marinara.
Notes
Use unsalted butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste. Adjust cooking time for larger or meat-filled tortellini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg