Air Fryer Tortellini

Name: Air Fryer Tortellini
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil, (extra virgin); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; ¾ cup parmesan cheese, (freshly grated (divide ½ cup and ¼ cup)); 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, (chopped)

Air fryer tortellini is a quick and easy recipe that transforms cheese tortellini into crispy, golden bites coated in parmesan cheese and flavorful seasonings. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, it’s ready in just 25 minutes and pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Servings

Table of Contents

Air Fried Tortellini Ingredients
The Best Tortellini To Use In This Recipe
Air Fryer Tips
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
How To Store Air Fried Tortellini
Air Fryer Tortellini Frequently Asked Questions
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Air fryer tortellini is a game-changing recipe that turns simple cheese tortellini into a crispy, golden-brown snack or appetizer. The olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese come together to create a savory coating that locks in flavor and adds an irresistible crunch. Perfect for serving with your favorite marinara sauce or even pizza sauce, this dish is ideal for the entire family. Whether hosting friends or looking for a quick easy air fryer appetizer, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

A close-up of air fryer tortellini on a platter, golden brown and topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley, next to a bowl of marinara sauce.

What You Need To Know

MAIN INGREDIENTS: Cheese tortellini, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley.
QUICK STEPS: Boil tortellini for four minutes, drain and coat with olive oil and seasonings, mix with Parmesan cheese, air fry at 360°F for 11-12 minutes, garnish with parsley and remaining Parmesan.
TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 25 minutes, four servings.

Air Fried Tortellini Ingredients

Ingredients for air fryer tortellini, including cheese tortellini, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper, displayed on a marble surface.

The Best Tortellini To Use In This Recipe

Choosing the right tortellini is key to achieving the perfect appetizer. Here’s what to consider when selecting your tortellini for this recipe:

Refrigerated Tortellini: This is the best option for air frying. It’s fresh, tender, and cooks quickly, which ensures the seasoning and Parmesan stick well to the surface for a flavorful, crispy bite. Look for cheese-filled tortellini for a classic and savory result.
Frozen Tortellini: While it can work, frozen tortellini must be fully thawed and drained before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent crisping.
Dried Tortellini: Dried tortellini is not ideal for air frying, as it tends to lack the soft, pliable texture needed to hold the oil and seasoning effectively.

For the best results, refrigerated, fresh tortellini is the easiest to work with and provides the perfect texture for this recipe. Whether you choose plain cheese or experiment with other fillings, like spinach or meat, make sure the tortellini is well-drained before seasoning for that irresistible golden brown, crispy exterior.

Air Fryer Tips

Air frying is a game-changer for making this easy appetizer. With a few key tips, you can make the most of your air fryer and enjoy consistent, delicious results every time.

Preheat When Needed: Some air fryers require preheating to reach the correct temperature for cooking. Check your manual and, if necessary, allow the air fryer to heat up before adding the tortellini for even cooking and a golden color.

Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: Always arrange the tortellini in a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven crisping and soggy spots. If you have a smaller air fryer, plan to cook in batches for the best results.

Shake or Flip Halfway: To achieve that perfect crunchy exterior, shake the basket or flip the tortellini halfway through the cooking time. This ensures all sides cook evenly and prevents sticking.

Use Nonstick Spray Wisely: Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray before adding your tortellini. Avoid using sprays with additives like propellants, which can damage the nonstick coating over time. Opt for an oil mister if possible.

Monitor the Temperature: Air fryers vary by brand and model, so keep an eye on the degrees F setting. Start with the suggested temperature and adjust slightly as needed based on your specific air fryer.

Clean Regularly: After making your crispy air fryer tortellini recipe, be sure to clean the basket and tray to prevent buildup. A clean air fryer cooks more efficiently and avoids transferring flavors to future recipes.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

Pairing your air fryer tortellini with the right sauce can take this crispy snack to the next level. Here are some of our favorite dipping sauces that work perfectly with this recipe:

Marinara Sauce: A classic choice, its rich tomato flavor pairs beautifully with the cheese-filled tortellini and enhances the savory seasoning.
Pizza Sauce: Slightly sweeter and more robust than marinara, this is a fun and kid-friendly option for dipping.
Garlic Butter Sauce: Melted butter with a hint of garlic creates a luxurious dip for a more indulgent option.
Alfredo Sauce: This rich and creamy sauce adds a decadent touch and pairs wonderfully with the Parmesan flavor in the tortellini.
Pesto: A fresh, herby choice that adds a unique twist to the dish, ideal for those who love bold flavors.

How To Store Air Fried Tortellini

Proper storage is key to keeping your air-fried tortellini fresh and maintaining its crispy texture. Whether you’re making it ahead or saving leftovers, these tips will help you enjoy this recipe at its best.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the tortellini up to the seasoning step in advance. Boil and drain the cheese tortellini, coat it with the oil and seasonings, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply air fry as instructed.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Allow the tortellini to cool completely before refrigerating to help maintain its crunch.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as it can negatively affect the texture of the tortellini.

REHEATING: For the best results, reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for three to five minutes to restore the crispiness. If you prefer, you can use the microwave for a quicker option, heating in 20-second intervals until warmed through. Keep in mind that the microwave may soften the texture slightly.

More Delicious Air Fryer Appetizers To Try

Air Fryer Tortellini Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my tortellini sticks to the air fryer basket?

To prevent sticking, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the tortellini. Avoid using sprays with propellants, as they can damage the air fryer’s coating.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can make this recipe spicier by adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, starting with a smaller amount and adding more if desired.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese instead of freshly grated?

Pre-shredded Parmesan can be used in a pinch, but freshly grated Parmesan melts and adheres better for a consistent, crispy texture.

This air fryer tortellini recipe makes it easy to create a crispy, flavorful, fun snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s a great way to serve something everyone will enjoy.

A person holding a tortellini dipped in marinara sauce over a plate filled with golden, crispy air fryer tortellini.

Air Fryer Tortellini

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings

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Ingredients

9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 ½ tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
¾ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (divide ½ cup and ¼ cup)
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. It’s important that all the water has drained from the tortellini in order for the oil, spices and parmesan to stick to the tortellini.
Add the drained tortellini to a medium size bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir to completely coat.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper and ½ cup of the freshly grated parmesan. Stir until the tortellini is completely coated with the seasoning and grated parmesan.
If your air fryer requires it, preheat the 360°F. Always check your owner’s manual for instructions for preheating
Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the coated tortellini in a single layer in the prepared basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to bake the tortellini in batches.
Air fry for 6 minutes, shake the tortellini, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer the air fryer tortellini to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Tri-color cheese tortellini, cheese and spinach or chicken and mozzarella make a great substitute for the plain cheese tortellini.
You can substitute frozen cheese tortellini for the fresh, but it may not have the same texture as the fresh.
For a spicy alternative, add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the oil and seasoning before cooking in the air fryer.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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