Ultimate Fried Tortellini is a crispy, cheesy, and irresistible appetizer or snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just whenever you’re craving something crunchy and savory. This dish features bite-sized cheese-filled tortellini that are breaded and fried until golden brown, creating a perfectly crispy exterior with a warm, gooey cheese filling inside. Served with your favorite dipping sauce, this is comfort food at its best!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Fried Tortellini combines the perfect crunch with a creamy, cheesy interior. The breading gives each piece an extra layer of flavor, while the tortellini’s cheesy filling melts in your mouth when you take a bite. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s super easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ultimate Fried Tortellini

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions

Prepare the tortellini:

Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes). Drain the tortellini and set them aside to cool for a few minutes. You can also rinse them with cold water to speed up the cooling process.
Pat dry: Once the tortellini has cooled slightly, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading stick better.

Prepare the breading:

Set up the breading station: In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station:
- In the first bowl, place the flour.
- In the second bowl, place the beaten egg.
- In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.

Bread the tortellini:

Coat the tortellini: Dredge each tortellini in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll the tortellini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks well. Repeat with all the tortellini.

Fry the tortellini:

Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that it bubbles gently when you add the tortellini (about 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the tortellini: Carefully drop the breaded tortellini into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tortellini for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve:

Serve with marinara sauce: Once all the tortellini are fried and crispy, serve them immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. You can also sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil for garnish.
Enjoy: Serve these crispy, cheesy bites as an appetizer or snack and watch them disappear in no time!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings (about 30 pieces of tortellini)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add spice: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also serve the fried tortellini with a spicy marinara sauce.
Different dipping sauces: While marinara sauce is classic, you can serve these with a variety of dips, such as ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto for added flavor.
Cheese variations: Try using different types of cheese-filled tortellini, such as ricotta or spinach and cheese, for variation in flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover fried tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them if needed.
Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover tortellini on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until crispy again. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F for a crispy finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen tortellini, but be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before breading and frying.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the tortellini ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving to ensure they stay crispy.

3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! To make these tortellini healthier, you can bake them instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded tortellini on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Lightly spray the tortellini with cooking spray before baking to help them crisp up.

4. Can I make these tortellini gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Be sure to check that the tortellini you are using is gluten-free as well.

5. Can I use different fillings for the tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese-filled tortellini works best for this recipe, you can use tortellini filled with spinach, meat, or even a mixture of other ingredients if you prefer. The breading and frying process will still work beautifully.

Conclusion

Ultimate Fried Tortellini is a crispy, cheesy, and addictive treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. The combination of a crunchy breading with a warm, cheesy filling makes every bite irresistible. Whether served with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce, these fried tortellini are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!

Chef MARTHA

Ultimate Fried Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients