Air-Fried Tortellini: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason: they can cook a variety of foods with less oil than traditional frying methods. But can you make tortellini in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer tortellini is a quick, easy, and tasty snack or appetizer that can be made in about 20 minutes. The tortellini comes out crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

The best type of tortellini to use

When making tortellini in an air fryer, it is best to use refrigerated tortellini as it is the freshest option. However, frozen or shelf-stable tortellini can also be used. It is also important to ensure that the tortellini is cooked al dente before air frying, as this will ensure that the pasta is not tough and difficult to eat.

When it comes to the filling, cheese-filled tortellini is a popular choice, as the melty cheese centre provides a great contrast to the crispy pasta. Other options include ricotta, prosciutto, ham, chicken, spinach, and pumpkin.

The size of the tortellini also matters. It is best to use larger tortellini as they are easier to batter and fry. Mini tortellini can be used, but they are more labour-intensive.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid frozen tortellini if using a batter, as the batter will not stick as well.

When preparing the tortellini for air frying, it is important to ensure that the pasta is moist and supple. This can be achieved by soaking the tortellini in boiling water for a few minutes before air frying.

How to prepare the tortellini before air frying

Preparing tortellini for the air fryer is simple and only requires a few ingredients. The first step is to choose your desired type of tortellini. While cheese tortellini is the most popular option, you can also experiment with other flavours such as spinach and ricotta, roasted garlic and cheese, or even ham, chicken, or pumpkin. It's best to opt for refrigerated tortellini as it tends to be the freshest, but you can also use frozen or shelf-stable varieties.

Before air frying, it's crucial to boil the tortellini first. Place the desired amount of tortellini in a large pot of salted water and cook according to the package instructions. However, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two to ensure the pasta doesn't get overcooked. This step softens the pasta and keeps it moist during the air frying process. Once the tortellini is cooked, drain the water and transfer the pasta to a mixing bowl.

The next step is to toss the cooked tortellini with your choice of oil, seasonings, salt, and parmesan cheese. You can use olive oil or avocado oil for this step. For seasonings, a combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper is recommended. However, feel free to add other seasonings like onion powder or dried herbs such as basil or oregano. Coat the tortellini well with the oil and seasoning mixture.

After coating the tortellini, it's now time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this ensures even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 340°F and 375°F. Air fry the tortellini for 7 to 11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent them from sticking or burning.

Once the tortellini are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served! You can garnish them with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. These air-fried tortellini make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, ranch, or aioli.

The best temperature and length of time to air fry tortellini

Air-frying tortellini is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack, appetiser, or side dish. It is also a versatile method, as you can use any type of tortellini, including refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable, and any flavour, such as four cheese, ricotta, ham, chicken, spinach, or pumpkin.

Temperature

The best temperature to air fry tortellini is 340°F. If the temperature is too low, the tortellini won't get crispy, and if it is too high, the tortellini will dry out and burn.

Length of Time

The length of time to air fry tortellini at 340°F is 7-11 minutes. However, it is important to note that different air fryers may vary, so it is recommended to shake the basket at the 5-minute mark to ensure even cooking and to check that the tortellini is not burning.

Additional Tips

For the best results, it is recommended to boil the tortellini first before air frying. This will soften the pasta and keep the inside moist. Additionally, preheating the air fryer and using olive oil or avocado oil will help ensure the tortellini is crispy.

How to store and reheat air-fried tortellini

Air-fried tortellini is best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply pop the air-fried tortellini into a preheated air fryer at 300–350° F for 4–6 minutes until warm and crispy.

Dipping sauces to serve with air-fried tortellini

Air-fried tortellini is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side. To elevate your air-fried tortellini, serve it with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some delicious options:

Marinara Sauce

The classic choice for dipping air-fried tortellini, marinara sauce is a tasty, savoury option that pairs perfectly with the crispy pasta. It's a simple, yet effective dipping sauce that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Pesto

Pesto is another excellent choice for a dipping sauce. The combination of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in pesto provides a fresh and flavourful contrast to the crispy tortellini. You can also mix pesto with marinara sauce for a unique, savoury option.

Ranch

Ranch dressing is a popular choice for a dipping sauce and pairs well with the crispy, cheesy tortellini. It adds a creamy, tangy flavour that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is similar to marinara but often has a sweeter, more concentrated flavour. It's an excellent choice for those who want a slightly sweeter dipping option to contrast the savoury, crispy tortellini.

Blue Cheese Dressing

For those who enjoy a sharper, more pungent flavour, blue cheese dressing is an excellent choice. It adds a creamy texture and a unique flavour that pairs well with the tortellini.

Nacho Cheese

For a fun, indulgent option, nacho cheese sauce is a great choice. It's perfect for those who want a rich, cheesy dipping experience to go with their air-fried tortellini.

Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes an excellent dipping option for air-fried tortellini. It's a classic choice for pasta and its rich, indulgent flavour is sure to be a hit with your guests.

Feel free to get creative with your dipping sauces and offer a variety of options to suit different taste preferences. You can even set up a "dipping bar" with various sauces and let your guests choose their favourites!

Frequently asked questions