Name: Air Fryer Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup); 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

Air fryer tortellini makes a quick, crispy snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Using refrigerated cheese tortellini, this recipe combines Italian seasoning and parmesan for a deliciously cheesy crunch.

A large white oval plate holds many bite-sized toasted tortellini that are a golden brown color with some spots darker from toasting, scattered with thin shreds of pale yellow cheese and small green herb bits. Near the center of the plate is a small white bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce topped with a few small green herb pieces. Around the plate are fresh green parsley leaves and a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Make sure all the water is drained thoroughly so the oil, spices, and parmesan stick well to the tortellini.
Step 2: Place the drained tortellini in a medium bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 3: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ cup of parmesan cheese over the tortellini. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated.
Step 4: If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 360°F following your owner’s manual instructions.
Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Arrange the seasoned tortellini in a single layer inside the prepared basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.
Step 7: Air fry the tortellini for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to turn them. Continue air frying for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Transfer the crispy tortellini to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toss the tortellini with a small amount of breadcrumbs before air frying.
Try swapping the Italian seasoning for a Cajun or smoked paprika blend to add a different flavor profile.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the parmesan and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Serve with a side of marinara or pesto sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover air-fried tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness, or heat briefly in a skillet. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval plate filled with golden-brown baked tortellini pasta, sprinkled with light grated cheese and small green parsley bits on top. In the center of the plate, there is a small white bowl of bright red marinara sauce with some green herb pieces floating on the surface. The plate is placed on a white marbled texture surface, surrounded by a small white bowl of chopped green herbs, some loose parsley leaves, and some grated cheese on a wooden plate. The scene also includes a piece of black and white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but be sure to cook and drain them completely before air frying. Rinsing with cold water might not be necessary if they are fully cooked.

Do I need to boil the tortellini before air frying?

Yes, boiling is essential to cook the tortellini through. Air frying alone will crisp the outside but not cook the filling properly.