Crispy Golden Tortellini Bites (Print Version)

Golden, crispy tortellini bites with parmesan-herb breading

# What You'll Need:

→ Tortellini

01 - 14 oz refrigerated or frozen cheese or spinach tortellini

→ Breading

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 (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions; drain and let cool slightly.
03 - Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper mixed together.
04 - Dredge each tortellini in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
05 - Arrange breaded tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil.
06 - Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
07 - Serve hot with warm marinara sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come out impossibly crispy with just a hint of air fryer magic
  • The breading station setup makes them feel like restaurant quality without any fuss
  • They disappear faster than any other appetizer I serve
02 -
  • Crowding the basket is the fastest way to end up with soggy spots instead of that crunch everyone wants
  • Let the breaded tortellini sit for a minute before air frying so the coating sets properly
  • The first batch always goes faster than you think so have your serving platter ready
03 -
  • A light spray of oil after arranging them in the basket makes all the difference in color
  • Work with one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep your fingers from getting completely coated