Air Fryer Tortellini
Air Fryer Tortellini with parmesan and Italian seasoning. A quick, crispy appetizer ready in minutes.
Think of these as pasta for dipping rather than a bowl of sauced tortellini. Olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning coat the fresh cheese-filled pasta before it goes into the air fryer. Warm marinara stays on the side so the edges do not soften in sauce before serving.
A single layer is worth the extra batch. Twenty ounces of tortellini can crowd a small basket, leaving some pieces pale while others brown. Give the pasta room, shake halfway through, and check the center as well as the outside; a golden edge does not tell you whether the filling is hot.
Use fresh refrigerated tortellini and follow the cooking and doneness directions on your particular package. Dried pasta is not a swap for this method. For a softer center, the FAQ explains the precooked option; either way, serve promptly, since air-fried pasta firms up as it cools.
Questions you may have about this recipe
Do I need to boil the tortellini first?
This method uses fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini, not dried pasta. Fresh tortellini can be air-fried directly, but check your package directions and any required doneness temperature. For a softer center, cook it according to the package first, drain and dry it well, then season and air-fry, checking earlier because it is already cooked.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Follow the frozen tortellini package cooking instructions first, then drain and dry it well before seasoning and air-frying. Check earlier because it is already cooked. Simply thawing a frozen product is not a universal substitute for the fresh refrigerated tortellini used here.
What sauce goes well with this?
Marinara, alfredo, or even ranch work nicely.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, but the timing will differ. Arrange the seasoned tortellini in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C), turning once, until lightly golden, cooked through, and hot in the center. Follow any doneness instructions on the pasta package.
How do I keep them from sticking?
Toss them lightly in oil before cooking.
What you need to make Air Fryer Tortellini
1 (20 oz) package fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini (not dried tortellini)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving if desired
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce, warmed, for serving
How to make Air Fryer Tortellini
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), if your model requires preheating.
Place fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini in a bowl. Use fresh pasta, not dried tortellini, and follow any specific cooking or internal-temperature instructions on its package.
Add the olive oil, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Toss gently until evenly coated.
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Cook in batches rather than packing all 20 oz into a small basket.
Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes per batch, shaking halfway through. Start checking early because air fryer models and pasta sizes vary.
Continue as needed until lightly golden, the pasta is cooked through, and the cheese filling is hot. Do not rely on exterior browning alone.
Warm the marinara separately according to its package instructions. Serve the tortellini promptly with the sauce and a little extra parmesan if desired.
Tips
Allow about 15 minutes for one batch: 5 minutes prep and about 10 minutes cooking, plus preheating and additional batches. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Shake the basket halfway for even browning. Start checking early, since air fryers and pasta sizes vary.
Serve immediately for best texture; air-fried pasta firms as it cools.
Sprinkle extra parmesan on top before serving. Refrigerate leftover tortellini and sauce within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), use within 3 to 4 days, and reheat to 165°F throughout. Store the pasta and sauce separately for the best texture.
Reader reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Crisp on the outside and soft inside. Perfect little bites.” Janet H
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Quick snack which tasted better than expected.” Alan P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great with marinara. I will make this again.” Teresa L
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very simple and the texture turned out nicely.” Frank D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A smart way to use tortellini for a fast appetizer.” Carol S
Printable Recipe
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Air Fryer Tortellini
Air Fryer Tortellini with crisp edges and soft cheesy centers. A fast snack or appetizer served with warm marinara.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini (not dried tortellini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving if desired
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), if your model requires preheating.
- Place fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini in a bowl. Use fresh pasta, not dried tortellini, and follow any specific cooking or internal-temperature instructions on its package.
- Add the olive oil, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Cook in batches rather than packing all 20 oz into a small basket.
- Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes per batch, shaking halfway through. Start checking early because air fryer models and pasta sizes vary.
- Continue as needed until lightly golden, the pasta is cooked through, and the cheese filling is hot. Do not rely on exterior browning alone.
- Warm the marinara separately according to its package instructions. Serve the tortellini promptly with the sauce and a little extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Allow about 15 minutes for one batch: 5 minutes prep and about 10 minutes cooking, plus preheating and additional batches. Fresh refrigerated tortellini can be air-fried directly, subject to its package cooking and doneness directions. For a softer center, cook according to the package first, drain and dry well, then season and air-fry, checking earlier because it is already cooked. For frozen tortellini, follow its package cooking instructions first; simply thawing is not a universal substitute for fresh refrigerated pasta. Oven option: arrange seasoned tortellini in one layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C), turning once, until lightly golden, cooked through and hot in the center; follow package doneness instructions and expect different timing. Marinara, alfredo or ranch can be used as dipping sauces. Serve immediately for the best texture; air-fried pasta firms as it cools. Refrigerate leftover tortellini and sauce within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), use within 3 to 4 days, and reheat to 165°F throughout. Store the pasta and sauce separately for the best texture.
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