Air Fryer Crispy Golden Tortellini (Print Version)
Crispy breaded tortellini bites cooked in the air fryer until golden. Served with marinara.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ 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 optimal crisping.
02 - If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions. Drain well and let cool slightly until easy to handle.
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 - Working in batches, dredge each tortellini in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then press 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.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. Tortellini should be golden brown and crispy.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Crispy exterior gives way to that tender cheesy center creating that perfect texture contrast everyone craves
- They disappear faster than you can make them and the cleanup is almost nonexistent
02 -
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket creates steam instead of crispiness so work in batches if needed
- The oil spray might seem optional but it creates that restaurant style golden finish that makes them irresistible
03 -
- A pinch of chili flakes in the breadcrumb mixture adds unexpected warmth that keeps people coming back
- The first batch usually takes slightly longer so use that as your timing guide for subsequent batches