Crispy, cheesy bites of golden tortellini made right in your air fryer — perfect for snacking or party appetizers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy air fryer snack or appetizer

• Uses just a handful of simple ingredients

• Crispy outside, cheesy inside

• Great for game day, parties, or anytime munching

• Kid-approved and endlessly dippable

Ingredients

• 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 20 min
Servings: 3
Calories: ~320 per serving

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Boil tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Season the Tortellini

In a large bowl, toss the tortellini with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the seasoned tortellini in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove from air fryer, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip drying the tortellini — it helps them get extra crispy.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• Swap marinara for ranch, pesto, or garlic butter dipping sauces.

• Try meat or spinach tortellini instead of cheese for variety.

• For extra crunch, coat tortellini in seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but cook them first according to package instructions and dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.

Do I need to boil the tortellini first?
Yes. Pre-cooking ensures they’re fully tender inside before crisping in the air fryer.

Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Can I make these ahead?
You can cook the tortellini and season them ahead of time. Just air fry when ready to serve for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Crispy Tortellini are the ultimate easy snack — crunchy, cheesy, and super fun to dip. Whether you’re hosting guests or just need a quick appetizer fix, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.