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Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini

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Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini are excellent; there is nothing better than some Air Fryer Crispy Tortellini. This makes the perfect appetizer, snack, light lunch, or supper.

The air fryer makes a quick and tasty bite of crispy, crunchy, and tender pasta filled with cheese and usually served with marinara sauce. It’s excellent kid-friendly food. I mean, which child doesn’t like to dip while they eat?

I love a great plate of fried pasta; usually, when I order it from the restaurant, it’s deep-fried, made in vats of oil. With the air fryer, it’s so much healthier. So, if you love deep-fried tortellini, I bet you will love this dish.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Appetizers, some great ones are AIR FRYER EASY POUTINE FRENCH FRIES, or air fryer hocus pocus buns.

Can You Air Fry Tortellini?

Yes, you can air fry tortellini! Air frying tortellini results in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Easy Air Fried Tortellini

This is a versatile dish you can make in several ways. I used some refrigerated Spinach and Ricotta stuffed tortellini, but you can make this with your favorite tortellini.

One of my favorites is the refrigerated one they sell at Costco, Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortellini, or grab Trader Joe’s Spinach or Lobster Tortellini. Both would be amazingly air-fried.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini

Elevate your appetizer game with our Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini recipe! These bite-sized pasta pockets are filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and air-fried to perfection. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously crispy and satisfying snack that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive in and discover how to make these irresistible fried tortellini!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Tortellini: Tender pasta pockets filled with a savory mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese provide the base for this crispy dish.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic powder and Italian seasoning, coat the tortellini, adding texture and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the savory profile of the dish, contributing to the crispy coating and providing a deliciously cheesy flavor.
Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: For added flavor.
Eggs: Whisked eggs are binding agents, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the tortellini and create a crunchy coating.
Marinara Sauce: Tangy marinara sauce, served as a dipping sauce, complements the crispy tortellini with its rich tomato flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.

How To Make Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini

Making Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini is easy and delicious! Here’s how:

Prepare The Tortellini:

Soak Tortellini in boiling water in a large bowl for 5 mins, till soft, then drain.

Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini (6)

Bread The Tortellini:

Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a medium shallow bowl.
Dip each tortellini first in beaten eggs, shake excess egg off and then thoroughly coat tortellini in the breadcrumb mix.

Air Fry:

Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F, using air fryer setting. Spray your basket with cooking spray so the tortellini doesn’t stick.
Put coated tortellini into the air fryer basket in a single layer and set cook time for 8-10 mins, until golden and crispy.
Serve warm with your favorite tomato sauce or dip.

Recipe Variations

Here are some delightful recipe variations for Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini:

Three Cheese Tortellini: Use three cheese-filled tortellini instead of spinach and ricotta for a more prosperous and creamier filling.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
Herb-infused: Mix dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for flavor.
Lemon Zest: Add freshly grated lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Bacon and Cheddar: Mix cooked and crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the filling for a savory and indulgent twist.
Mushroom and Onion: Sauté finely diced mushrooms and onions and mix them into the ricotta filling for an earthy and flavorful variation.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Spread a thin layer of sun-dried tomato pesto on the tortellini before coating them in breadcrumbs for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Spinach and Artichoke: For a delicious spinach and artichoke dip-inspired twist, add chopped hearts and frozen spinach to the ricotta filling.
Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles and use it as the filling for a spicy and tangy variation.
Jalapeno Popper: Mix finely diced jalapenos and cream cheese into the ricotta filling for a spicy and creamy variation.

Feel free to experiment with these recipe variations to create unique twists on Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini!

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini can be a breeze with these pro tips:

Pre-freeze Tortellini: Freeze the tortellini for about 30 minutes before breading and air frying. This helps the breadcrumb coating adhere better and prevents the tortellini from becoming too soft during cooking.
Double Coating: For an extra crispy exterior, dip the tortellini in the beaten eggs and breadcrumb mixture twice before air frying.
Even Breading: Ensure the tortellini are evenly coated with breadcrumbs by gently pressing the coating onto each piece. This helps create a uniform and crispy crust.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the breaded tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides of the tortellini.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the tortellini towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while still tender on the inside.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the crispy spinach and ricotta fried tortellini immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture. They tend to lose their crispiness if left to sit for too long.
Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Get creative with dipping sauces! Try marinara sauce, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or pesto for a delicious accompaniment to your fried tortellini.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly crispy and delicious Air Fryer Crispy Spinach & Ricotta Fried Tortellini every time!

Faq’s

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh tortellini for air frying. However, frozen tortellini tends to hold up better during the breading and cooking process.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating the air fryer is recommended for best results, as it helps to ensure even cooking and crispy exteriors. Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How long do I air fry tortellini? The cooking time for air-fried tortellini typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes at around 375°F (190°C), depending on the size and type of tortellini used. It’s important to check for doneness and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I reheat leftover air-fried tortellini? Yes, you can reheat leftover air-fried tortellini in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven or toaster oven.

What dipping sauces pair well with air-fried tortellini? Air-fried tortellini pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces, including marinara sauce, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, pesto, or even a simple tomato salsa. Feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combination.

Can I freeze air-fried tortellini? While air-fried tortellini is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness, you can freeze any leftover cooked tortellini in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the air fryer straight from frozen until heated through.

What can I serve with air-fried tortellini? Air-fried tortellini makes a delicious appetizer or snack on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a fresh salad, garlic bread, or as part of a larger meal with roasted vegetables or pasta.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment Used:

The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: Easy, Foolproof Recipes for Your Air Fryer

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