Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini (Print version)

Golden tortellini bites with crispy parmesan-herb breading, air-fried to perfection and served with warm marinara sauce.

# What you need:

→ Tortellini

01 - 14 oz refrigerated or frozen cheese or spinach tortellini

→ Breading Station

02 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tablespoons milk
05 - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

11 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
12 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to ensure proper crisping.
02 - If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions, drain, and let cool slightly. For refrigerated tortellini, use directly from packaging.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: first with flour, second with beaten eggs and milk whisked together, third with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper combined.
04 - Dredge each tortellini in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
05 - Place breaded tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not overlap. Lightly spray with cooking oil for optimal golden color.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. Tortellini should be golden brown and crispy when done.
07 - Transfer to serving platter and accompany with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • You get that satisfying fried food crunch without the mess of deep-frying or the guilt from too much oil
  • They come together in under 30 minutes but taste like something from an Italian restaurant's appetizer menu
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket creates steam instead of crispiness—work in batches if necessary
  • Let breaded tortellini rest for about 5 minutes before air frying if your kitchen is particularly warm, otherwise the coating can slide off
03 -
  • Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep your fingers from getting completely coated in breading
  • Let the air fried tortellini rest for about 2 minutes before serving—this helps the coating set so it doesn't fall off when you bite in

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