Cheesy And Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for when you want a cheesy, crunchy snack without deep frying or heating up the oven for a long time. The air fryer crisps the tortellini evenly, giving it a satisfying crunch while keeping the cheese melty and flavorful. It’s a crowd-pleaser, simple to prepare, and pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz frozen cheese tortellini

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping

directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

2. In a mixing bowl, toss frozen tortellini with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.

4. Remove tortellini from the air fryer and transfer to a heatproof dish.

5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the tortellini.

6. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

7. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Servings and timing

Makes about 3-4 servings
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini for different flavors.

• Add crushed red pepper flakes or garlic powder for a spicy kick.

• Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

• Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.

• Serve with pesto or garlic butter sauce instead of marinara.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortellini soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini?

Yes, but adjust cooking time as fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen.

Do I need to thaw the tortellini first?

No, cook frozen tortellini directly in the air fryer.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use plant-based tortellini and vegan cheese alternatives.

How do I prevent the tortellini from sticking?

Toss tortellini in oil and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Can I bake this instead of air frying?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, adding cheese in the last 5 minutes.

What dipping sauces go well?

Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or pesto are excellent choices.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Best served fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, cheesy and crispy tortellini is usually a hit with kids.

Can I add other cheeses?

Mozzarella and Parmesan work best, but feel free to experiment.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer.

Conclusion

Cheesy and Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini is a quick, easy, and irresistible snack or appetizer that combines the best of crunchy textures and melty cheese. Perfect for busy days or entertaining, this recipe delivers flavorful bites that everyone will love. Try it for a tasty twist on traditional tortellini.