Ravioli isn’t the only pasta that you can cook in an air fryer. Today, I’m going to show you how easy it is to make bite-size Toasted Tortellini that the entire family will love. Yup, the Air Fryer is back. Back again.
Today, we are doing a spin on the famous St. Louis Toasted Ravioli and making Air Fryer Toasted Tortellini. This recipe can be used as an appetizer for a party or just as a full entree for family dinner.
WHAT IS TORTELLINI?
Tortellini is hands down my kids’ favorite pasta. I’m not sure if it’s the shape, the fact that it’s is bite-size or that I normally serve it covered in a white sauce.
If you aren’t familiar with tortellini, according to Wikipedia, “Tortellini are ring-shaped pasta originally from the Italian region of Emilia (in particular Bologna and Modena). Traditionally they are stuffed with a mix of meat (pork loin, raw prosciutto, mortadella), Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, egg and nutmeg and served in capon broth (in brodo di cappone).”
“While in the area of origin they are usually sold fresh or home-made, industrially packed, dried and refrigerated or frozen tortellini appear in many locations around the world, especially where there are large Italian communities.”
FROZEN OR REFRIGERATED PASTA?
My family liked both the frozen and refrigerated versions of tortellini. So, we get our tortellini in the freezer or refrigerated section of our grocery store depending on the recipe that I am making. If I’m making Toasted Tortellini (this recipe), then I opt for the refrigerated option. If I’m just making a traditional Tortellini Ai Formaggi, which is traditionally made with a cream sauce, peas and prosciutto ham, I’ll grab either the frozen or refrigerated tortellini depending on which one is on sale.
What are the Benefits of an Air Fryer?
- It produces a similar crunchy texture to foods that deep frying would result in but with way less fat and calories.
- No oil is required so it is a lower fat, healthier type of cooking compared to deep frying.
- Easy Clean Up.
- Super quick. Many things cook in less than half the time as your conventional oven.
OTHER AIR FRYER RECIPES
After you whip up these Toasted Tortellinis, why not keep that air fryer working with some of these other great Air Fryer recipes?
Air Fryer S’mores Crescent Bombs
INGREDIENTS
- 1 package refrigerated tortellini
- 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- basil (for sprinkling)
Preheat Air Fryer to 350 degrees. Combine bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
Dip each tortellini in flour and coat both sides. Lightly shake off excess.
Dip each tortellini in beaten eggs.
Then dip tortellini in bread crumb cheese mixture.
Place breaded tortellini in air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray. Air bake for 4-5 minutes and golden brown.
Serve warm immediately with marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Toasted Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 pkg tortellini refrigerated
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- basil for sprinkling
- 2 eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Combine bread crumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Dip tortellini in flour to coat both sides. Lightly shake off excess.
- Dip tortellini in beaten eggs.
- Dip tortellini in bread crumb and cheese mixture.
- Place breaded tortellini in pre-heated air fryer. Lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray. Air fry for 5 minutes and golden brown.
- Serve warm immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.