This quick and easy air fryer tortellini has a crispy parmesan coating and a soft, cheesy inside. Easily make it gluten-free since it's made without breading. The perfect appetizer, side dish, and snack!
Extra crispy air fried tortellini
Say hello to your new favorite way to eat tortellini! Once I made this recipe, I couldn't enjoy tortellini any other way... it's that delicious! Air fryer tortellini has a crunchy, crispy parmesan cheese coating and a soft, cheesy inside. You don't need breadcrumbs or panko!
This is the only online recipe that doesn't call for breading. That's why it is the best! This air fryer tortellini is so crispy without coating them in an egg wash and bread crumbs.
Best of all, you can use any flavor or type of tortellini for this recipe. You can use refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable tortellini. Plus, you can use any flavor you want. My go-to's are four cheese, parmesan, and ricotta, but feel free to use prosciutto, ham, chicken, spinach, pumpkin, or whatever you love most.
This air-fried tortellini is not only easy to make, but it is the perfect snack, appetizer, and side dish for any meal. I promise your kids and family will love it!
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- Air-fried in less than 15 minutes.
- The tortellini is crispy on the outside and cheesy and soft on the inside.
- It has the best crispy parmesan coating.
- No bread crumbs or panko needed!
- It calls for four ingredients.
- Seasoned to perfection.
- Great appetizer, snack, and side dish.
- Use them as a healthy "crouton" on salads.
- This recipe can be made 100% gluten-free.
- Use frozen, refrigerator, or shelf-stable tortellini.
- Try this super popular air fryer gnocchi or this air fryer halloumi next!
Ingredients needed & substitutions
This is seriously the best-ever air fryer tortellini recipe because it's so customizable, and you can use any frozen, refrigerated, or shelf-stable tortellini flavor. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Tortellini: First, grab one 9-ounce package of your favorite type of tortellini. I love cheese, but feel free to use ricotta, four cheese, ham, prosciutto, chicken, pumpkin, garlic cheese, and the list keeps going! Refrigerated tortellini is best since it is the freshest, but you can also use frozen or shelf-stable.
- Olive Oil: This is super important and makes the tortellini extra crispy on the outside. You can also use avocado oil, or if you want to make this recipe oil-free, you can use olive oil cooking spray.
- Seasonings: You need a combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and a little black pepper to season the tortellini.
- Parmesan Cheese: My favorite ingredient! Parmesan adds so much flavor to this recipe. Once air fried, the cheese gets crispy and gives the tortellini a no-breading crunchy coating. You can also use Romano cheese or pecorino cheese.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a quick list of kitchen utensils you'll need to make this easy 15-minute air fryer tortellini recipe.
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Pasta Pot
- Tongs
- Measuring Tools: ¼ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, and ¼ cup.
How to make air fryer tortellini
This air fryer tortellini recipe is made without breading and takes under 20 minutes to cook! It's going to be your new favorite way to eat tortellini. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them; make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the tortellini and cook according to the package. When done, strain the tortellini and add them directly to a mixing bowl.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 340°F.
Step 3:
Then, toss the cooked tortellini with olive oil, seasonings, salt, and parmesan cheese.
Step 4:
Finally, add it to the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 7 - 11 minutes until golden brown and crispy. I recommend shaking the basket at the 5-minute mark since all air fryers are different.
Step 5:
Lastly, I recommend enjoying your air fried tortellini immediately! Before serving, feel free to garnish them with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley and serve them with your favorite main dish or as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.
Expert tips for perfectly crispy air fryer tortellini
- Boil your tortellini first. This is my #1 tip for the best air-fried tortellini. It's essential to boil the tortellini first before air frying them. Your tortellini will dry out if you add uncooked tortellini directly to the air fryer, which, in turn, will make the pasta shell tough to eat. Boiling the tortellini first softens the pasta shell and keeps the inside moist as they air fry.
- Preheat your air fryer. This ensures the tortellini are air-fried evenly and extra crispy.
- Shake the basket at the 5-minute mark. This ensures that the tortellini are air fried evenly and one side is not crispier or browner. Every air fryer is different, so it is important to also check how they are cooking. No one wants burned tortellini.
- Don't skip out on the olive oil. The olive oil (or avocado oil) ensures the tortellini are crisp. If you skip out on the olive oil, the tortellini will turn a darker brown and not be as golden crisp.
- Use fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen tortellini. I love using refrigerated, fresh tortellini for this air fryer recipe! That's why it is the easiest and best recipe on the internet. But you can easily use frozen or shelf-stable.
- Make it vegan & gluten-free. Most stores have dairy-free, vegan tortellini, as well as gluten-free tortellini. You can make this recipe vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese and substituting it with nutritional yeast.
How to serve air fryer tortellini
You can serve air fryer tortellini as a side dish, appetizer, snack, or use them as a healthier "crouton" on your favorite salad. Here are the best ways to serve air fryer tortellini:
1. Serve it as an appetizer:
Serve this crispy air fryer tortellini with your favorite dipping sauce at a super bowl watch party, family event, or friend's party. I love marinara, pasta sauce, pesto, ranch, Caesar, and aioli.
2. Serve it as a side dish:
Serve this crispy air-fried tortellini with one of these delicious main dishes:
- Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon
- Balsamic Feta Stuffed Chicken
- Homemade Tomato Soup
3. Serve it as a snack:
This crispy air fryer tortellini makes for the perfect snack. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce - I love marinara, pasta sauce, pesto, ranch, Caesar, and aioli.
4. Serve it as a crouton:
I love adding crispy air-fried tortellini on top of one of these delicious salads:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the texture of air fryer tortellini?
Air fryer tortellini is crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. This recipe is made without breading or bread crumbs but has a crispy parmesan cheese coating. Air-fried tortellini is not dry or hard to bite into. It has a crisp golden shell and a warm, chewy middle.
Do I have to boil the tortellini first?
Yes, you must boil the tortellini first before air frying to soften them. Boiling the tortellini first softens the pasta and keeps the inside moist as it air fries. Don't add hard, uncooked tortellini directly to the air fryer will dry out, and the pasta shell will be tough to eat.
Can I use dairy-free tortellini?
Easily make this recipe 100% vegan by using your favorite plant-based, dairy-free tortellini.
Can I use gluten-free tortellini?
Absolutely! Feel free to use gluten-free tortellini to make this recipe 100% gluten-free.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini for this recipe.
Can I use ravioli?
Yes, you can also use ravioli for this recipe. The air fry time will likely increase by 3 - 4 minutes, depending on the side of your ravioli. I recommend checking the air fryer at the 10-minute make and then assessing how long they need to get crispy.
What's the best temperature to air fry tortellini?
For best results, air fry tortellini at 340°F. If the temperature is too low, the tortellini won't get crispy. The tortellini will dry out and burn if the temperature is too high.
How long do I air fry tortellini at 340°F?
For best results, air fryer fresh or frozen tortellini for 7 - 11 minutes at 340°F.
What's the best substitute for Romano cheese?
Romano cheese is very similar to parmesan cheese. It is a hard Italian cheese that's salty, grainy, and made from pasteurized sheep's milk. The best substitution for Romano cheese is parmesan or pecorino cheese.
What's the best substitute for pecorino cheese?
"Pecorino" in Italian means "of sheep." Pecorino cheese is very similar to parmesan and Romano cheese. It is a hard Italian cheese that's salty, grainy, and made from pasteurized sheep's milk. The best substitution for pecorino cheese is parmesan or Romano cheese.
How to store and reheat leftovers:
Storing: Air fryer tortellini is best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat air fry tortellini in your air fryer at 300°F for 4 - 6 minutes until it is warm and crispy again.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Tortellini
Ingredients
- 9-ounce package of tortellini, (refrigerated is best, frozen and shelf-stable are good too!), I like cheese but you can use any flavor
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the tortellini. Cook according to the package. When done, strain the tortellini and add them directly to a mixing bowl.
- Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 340°F.
- Toss the cooked tortellini with olive oil, seasonings, salt, and parmesan cheese.
- Add it to the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 7 - 11 minutes until golden brown and crispy. I recommend shaking the basket at the 5-minute mark since all air fryers are different.
- Enjoy immediately! Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve as a side with your favorite main dish or as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Barb says
The Parmesan cheese. You call for 'grated'. Quick question, freshly grated or dried from the can.
Thanks. Been looking for a recipe that doesn't use egg and breading. Want to recreate how I do them in the skillet, without turning the stove on!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! You can use either freshly grated or dried. I prefer freshly grated because i love the flavor 🙂