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How to Cook Frozen Tortellini in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Tortellini

5 from 1 vote
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

The easiest way to cook frozen tortellini — straight from the freezer to the air fryer in 20 minutes. Crispy, cheesy edges, melty centers, no boiling required.

Ingredients 

Ingredients

  • 9 oz frozen tortellini, cheese, meat, or spinach-ricotta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • Olive oil spray, optional, for extra-golden results

For serving (optional):

  • Warm marinara, pesto, or garlic aioli for dipping
  • Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Soften the frozen tortellini. Place tortellini in a large heatproof bowl. Cover with just-boiled water and let sit 5 minutes. Drain and pat very dry with a clean kitchen towel — this step is essential for crisp results.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Season. In a bowl, toss the drained tortellini with olive oil, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
  • Air fry. Arrange tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket — do not crowd. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Check for doneness. Tortellini should be golden at the edges with crisp, cheesy spots. If you want them deeper-crisp, add 1–2 more minutes.
  • Serve immediately with warm marinara or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large heatproof bowl,
  • Colander,
  • Clean kitchen towel or paper towels

Notes

  • The 5-minute hot-water soak is the secret. Skip it and the tortellini will be tough in the middle.
  • Pat them very dry before tossing with oil — wet tortellini won't crisp.
  • Single layer matters. Work in batches if your basket is small.
  • For a breaded version: see Method 3 in the post above, or try our full Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini recipe.
  • For a dinner version: use cooked tortellini as the base for our Air Fryer Tortellini & Sausage Bake.
  • Gluten-free: use GF tortellini.
  • Reheat: 350°F in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 714mgPotassium: 26mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 81IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 172mgIron: 2mg