These air fryer tortellini bites are everything I want in a snack or appetizer—crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside. Made with refrigerated cheese tortellini and a handful of pantry staples, they come out of the air fryer perfectly golden and packed with flavor. Whether I’m serving them for game night, a casual gathering, or just craving something savory and satisfying, this recipe never disappoints. Air Fryer Tortellini Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and simple this recipe is—just 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy way to transform a package of store-bought cheese tortellini into a crunchy, cheesy bite with serious flavor. The combination of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese gives these a classic Italian touch, while the air fryer keeps them lighter and crisp without deep-frying. Best of all, they’re totally customizable and always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

  • 2½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divide: ½ cup + ¼ cup)

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. I bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, then cook the tortellini for about 4 minutes. After draining them, I rinse with cold water and make sure they’re well drained—this step helps the coating stick properly.

  2. In a mixing bowl, I toss the tortellini with olive oil until they’re nicely coated.

  3. I add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, then mix everything together until the tortellini are evenly seasoned.

  4. If my air fryer needs preheating, I set it to 360°F (182°C) and spray the basket with nonstick spray.

  5. I arrange the tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. I cook for 6 minutes, give the basket a shake, then cook for another 5–6 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

  6. Once done, I transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan and chopped parsley. I love serving them hot, sometimes with a dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

  • Yield: Serves 4

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I’ve tried using different tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta or even meat-filled versions. I sometimes add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or swap in smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Dipping sauces can also elevate these—marinara, pesto, or even ranch are great choices depending on the vibe I’m going for.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To bring back that crisp texture, I reheat them in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes. I avoid the microwave—it makes them soft instead of crispy. If I’m reheating a big batch, I do it in stages so they don’t overlap in the air fryer basket.

FAQs

How do I keep the tortellini from sticking together after boiling?

I rinse them with cold water and drain them really well. Tossing them immediately with olive oil helps prevent sticking too.

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw and boil them first as I would with the refrigerated kind, then follow the rest of the recipe as written.

What dipping sauces work best?

I usually go for marinara or garlic aioli, but pesto or ranch dressing also make great pairings depending on the flavor I’m craving.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I can boil and season the tortellini ahead of time and refrigerate them. When I’m ready to serve, I pop them in the air fryer and they crisp up beautifully.

Do I need to flip the tortellini in the air fryer?

I don’t flip them individually, but I do shake the basket halfway through cooking to make sure they cook evenly.

Conclusion

These crispy air fryer tortellini bites are my go-to when I want something quick, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing. With minimal prep and bold flavors, they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun side. I love how easily they come together, and they’re always a hit with family and friends. Once I tried them, they instantly became part of my regular rotation.

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Air Fryer Tortellini Bites

Air Fryer Tortellini Bites

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  • Author: Lidia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Appetizer / Snack
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Italian‑inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy outside, cheesy inside tortellini bites air‑fried with parmesan and Italian seasonings; great as a snack, appetizer, or side.


Ingredients

  • 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divide: ½ cup + ¼ cup)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. (Make sure water is drained well for coatings to stick.)
  2. Add the drained tortellini to a medium bowl, drizzle with olive oil, stir to coat.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Toss until tortellini are fully coated.
  4. If your air fryer requires it, preheat to 360°F (about 182°C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the coated tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Bake for 6 minutes, shake the basket, then bake another 5‑6 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, with dipping sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for 3‑4 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding so pieces crisp evenly.
  • You can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, but if the model requires preheating, do not use it during preheating — instead use cooking spray. Always follow your air fryer’s manual.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 359 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1042 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 41 mg

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