Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini (Printable Version)
Golden, crispy tortellini cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.
# What You Need:
→ Main Components
01 - 10 oz refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/4 cup milk
→ Breading
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
07 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ For Serving
10 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
11 - Fresh basil leaves
# Directions:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
02 - If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package directions until just tender; drain thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined for the coating base.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
05 - Dip each tortellini into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides evenly.
06 - Place coated tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not touch. Work in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation.
07 - Lightly spray tortellini with olive oil spray. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time, until golden brown and crispy.
08 - Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The air fryer creates restaurant-style crunch without all the oil from deep frying
- They disappear faster than any other appetizer I have ever made
02 -
- Overcrowding the basket makes them steam instead of crisp so work in batches if needed
- Letting them rest for just one minute after cooking helps the coating set so it does not fall off when you bite in
03 -
- A spray bottle with olive oil gives more even coverage than cooking spray
- Meat-filled tortellini work just as well if you want to switch up the filling