Description
Ultimate Fried Tortellini is a crispy, cheesy, and irresistible appetizer made from breaded, fried cheese-filled tortellini. The crunchy exterior and gooey cheese filling make it a perfect snack or party dish.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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 and set aside to cool. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: 1 with flour, 1 with beaten egg, and 1 with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture.
- Dredge each tortellini in flour, then dip in egg, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat for all tortellini.
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to bubble gently (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the breaded tortellini in batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Feel free to use other dipping sauces like ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto.
- You can also bake the tortellini at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative.
- Gluten-free options are available by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pieces
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
