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: ½ cup and ¼ cup); 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This Air Fryer Tortellini recipe transforms simple cheese tortellini into a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer. Coated with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan, it’s an easy dish that cooks quickly and delights every time.

The image shows a white oval plate filled with a large pile of golden-brown baked tortellini sprinkled with shredded parmesan cheese and small green parsley pieces. In the center of the plate is a small white bowl filled with red marinara sauce garnished with a few parsley bits. Around the plate are fresh green parsley leaves and another small white bowl with finely chopped parsley. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth nearby. 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 fresh 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, making sure all water is drained so the oil, spices, and parmesan stick well.
Step 2: Place the drained tortellini in a medium bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Stir until the tortellini is completely coated.
Step 3: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and ½ cup of the grated parmesan over the tortellini. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
Step 4: If your air fryer requires preheating, heat it to 360°F. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Step 5: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Arrange the seasoned tortellini in a single layer in the basket. For smaller air fryers, cook in batches.
Step 7: Air fry for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to toss the tortellini. Cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Transfer the tortellini to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old refrigerated tortellini for extra crispiness if available.
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serve with marinara or pesto dipping sauce for added flavor.
Swap parmesan for pecorino romano for a sharper taste.

Storage

Store leftover air-fried tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with red marinara sauce garnished with small green herb pieces sits in the center of a white plate. Around the bowl is a big pile of golden brown baked tortellini pasta topped with small bits of shredded white cheese and herbs. A woman's hand holds one piece of tortellini halfway dipped into the sauce, showing its crispy texture and the folded edges. In the blurry background, there is another stack of white plates and a small wooden bowl filled with shredded cheese, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

It’s best to use refrigerated tortellini. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before air frying to ensure proper crisping.

Do I need to pre-boil the tortellini?

Yes, boiling the tortellini briefly softens it and removes excess starch, which helps the oil and seasoning stick better and prevents sogginess in the air fryer.