Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You get a satisfying crunchy outer shell and a soft, cheesy interior.
It’s quicker and cleaner than deep frying.
It works with fresh, refrigerated, or even frozen tortellini (with a bit of care).
Versatile: serve as an appetizer, snack, or fun side dish with marinara, pesto, or other dips.
Minimal ingredients required, and you can tweak seasonings to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese tortellini (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen—preferably cheese-filled)
Olive oil (or a neutral oil)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt & black pepper
(Optional) Breadcrumbs for more texture
(Optional) Cooking spray

Directions

Pre-cook or soften tortellini (if needed)
- If using fresh or refrigerated tortellini: cook in boiling salted water until just al dente.
- If using frozen tortellini, either thaw or cook it slightly first (so it’s not completely raw).
  Drain very well and pat dry so excess moisture isn’t present.
Season / coat tortellini
In a bowl, toss the tortellini with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
(If you want extra crunch, you can also toss them in breadcrumbs after this step.)
Preheat air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to about 175–190 °C (≈ 350–375 °F).
Arrange tortellini in air fryer basket
Place the seasoned tortellini in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding; do batches if necessary. Optionally, spray or brush the tops with a little oil.
Air fry until crisp
Cook for 7–10 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through so that all sides crisp evenly.
If you like them extra golden, you can extend by a minute or two, watching closely so they don’t burn.
Serve immediately
Serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs. Provide a dipping sauce—marinara, pesto, garlic butter, or another favorite.

Servings and timing

Servings: typically 4 as an appetizer or snack
Prep time: ~5–10 minutes (includes boiling or softening tortellini)
Cook time: ~7–10 minutes (may vary by air fryer and batch size)
Total time: ~15–20 minutes

Variations

Breadcrumb coating: For extra texture, after tossing in oil and seasonings, dip each tortellini into beaten egg and then into breadcrumbs before air frying.
Spiced version: Add chili flakes, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning to the toss.
Herby version: Mix in dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) before air frying, or finish with fresh herbs.
Cheese burst: Stuff a small extra cube of mozzarella inside each tortellini before cooking (if you can seal them gently).
Gluten-free / vegan: Use gluten-free tortellini and plant-based cheese and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let the tortellini cool fully, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at ~ 160–170 °C (320–340 °F) for 3–5 minutes until warmed and crispy again. Avoid microwaving (it softens them).

FAQs

Do I have to boil the tortellini first?

Yes — especially if they’re fresh or partially frozen. Softening ensures the interior cooks and the texture doesn’t become tough. Recipes emphasize this step.

Can I air fry frozen tortellini directly?

It’s better to thaw or partially cook them first, then dry them before air frying. Some recipes say you can, but the texture is more reliable when softened first.

Classic choices include marinara, garlic butter, pesto, or a creamy sauce like aioli or ranch-style dip.

How do I keep them from sticking?

Dry them well before seasoning, use a little oil, and don’t overcrowd the basket. Also, spray or lightly brush the basket if needed.

How do I know when they’re done?

They should be golden and crisp on the outside. You’ll know by appearance and by trying one—they should have a crunchy bite without being too hard.

Do I need to flip or shake?

Yes—shaking or turning partway through helps ensure even browning. Many recipes advise doing so around the halfway mark.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes—spread seasoned tortellini on a baking sheet (preferably with a wire rack), bake at a high temperature (e.g. 200–220 °C / 400–425 °F), flipping once, until crisp.

Will the cheese melt out?

If cooked too long or at too high temperature, the cheese may leak or burst. Try not to overcook and monitor closely near the end.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Tortellini offers a delightful twist on pasta—crispy, biteable morsels with a cheesy heart. With just a few steps, you transform regular tortellini into a fun snack or appetizer that’s perfect for dipping. If you like, I can send you a printable recipe card with exact measurements for your serving size. Would you like me to do that?

Air Fryer Tortellini

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Crispy, golden Air Fryer Tortellini with a tender, cheesy center — a quick and irresistible appetizer or snack that pairs perfectly with marinara, pesto, or creamy dipping sauces.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 package (about 9 oz / 250 g) cheese tortellini (fresh, refrigerated, or thawed if frozen)
1–2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
(Optional) ¼ cup breadcrumbs, for extra crunch
Cooking spray or oil mist, as needed

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (≈ 350°F).
Cook or soften the tortellini: Boil tortellini in salted water until just al dente (especially if fresh or thawed). Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Season: In a bowl, toss tortellini with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For a crispier result, dip each piece in beaten egg and breadcrumbs after seasoning.
Arrange in air fryer: Place tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil to promote even browning.
Air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Add 1–2 minutes for extra crunch if needed.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan or herbs. Serve warm with marinara, pesto, or garlic butter dip.

Notes

Dry the tortellini well before coating to prevent sogginess.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; work in batches for best texture.
If using frozen tortellini, thaw or parboil first for even cooking.
Breadcrumb coating gives a crunchier texture but is optional.
Serve immediately — they lose crispness as they cool.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg