Crispy Fried Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Fried Pasta Recipe

• Winning combination. These tasty treats cook up crispy and golden on the outside, and soft and gooey on the inside.
• So easy to make. The ingredient list is simple and the entire process of prepping and cooking them takes about 30 minutes.
• So many ways to eat them. Enjoy these as an appetizer, midday snack, or you can even make meal of them. I know I have! They’re also great to serve as side dish for a larger meal or added to a charcuterie board for a party.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a scant few ingredients to make this recipe, and you’ll find them all either in your kitchen or at your local grocery store.

• Frozen cheese tortellini: This freezer item is a convenient way to save time because you do not need to cook them from scratch. Be sure to thaw them out ahead of time because they will cook more evenly.
• Panko breadcrumbs: More dense and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs, makes them ideal for frying. They provide the best texture but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s all you’ve got.
• Seasoning: A blend of garlic salt and Italian seasoning adds flavor to the breading for our fried tortellini. We also add some Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning for a bit of a spicy kick.
• Large egg: This helps the bind the breadcrumb mixture stick to the tortellini.
• Buttermilk: Mixed with the egg as the binding agent but it also tenderizes the tortellini and lends a slightly sour flavor.
• Vegetable oil: We will be using this for deep frying the breaded tortellini. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to a higher temperature without burning, and is a good choice for deep frying.

Be sure to check the full list of ingredients with the quantities of each one in the recipe card further down the page.

Variations

• Swap up the pasta. Try a different flavor of tortellini or even mix and match. You can make this recipe with frozen ravioli, too!
• Extra spicy: Add a bit of cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for more heat.
• Cheesier: Add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.

How to Make Fried Tortellini

Making this tortellini is just as easy as the ingredient list. It only takes a few simple steps and about 45 minutes total – TOTAL – time!

1. Step 1: Prep. Preheat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet or deep fryer.
2. Step 2: Setup the Breading Station. Stir the breadcrumbs and seasonings together in a shallow bowl. Whisk together the egg and buttermilk in another bowl.
3. Step 3: Coat the Tortellini. Dip the tortellini into the egg mixture and then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Try to use one hand for the wet mixture and one hand for the dry to make the process less messy!
4. Step 4: Fry. Fry the tortellini in small batches until golden brown on both sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat until all the tortellini are fried. Enjoy with marinara sauce!

Recipe Tips

• Thaw the tortellini. Be sure your tortellini is fully thawed before coating and deep frying them so they cook all the way through.
• No boil needed. There’s no need to boil the tortellini before coating and frying them.
• Give the oil time to heat. Begin heating your oil before you start making the dredge station. By the time you’re done dredging, the oil will be ready. It takes more time than you’d think to heat up.
• Cook in small batches. Avoid overloading your skillet which may drop the temperature of the oil and make the breading absorb too much of the oil and makes it easier to achieve the perfect golden brown color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these fried tortellini with a variety of delicious dishes to create meals or serve them up for a party with your favorite appetizers.

• Enjoy these as a starter for baked bowtie pasta or sausage manicotti, a salad, and crunchy garlic bread.
• They’re a great side dish or starter for a meal of chicken gnocchi soup, lasagna soup, or Tuscan bean soup.
• They’re also delicious when dipped in your favorite marinara or pizza sauce! Or you can try them with some Ranch dip or Alfredo sauce.
• Serve them up for your next gathering or game day event with some air fryer French bread pizza, pizza sliders, and marinara meatballs.

Storage Directions

• Storing: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, flash freeze the tortellini, then place it in single layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight, freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat fried tortellini, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375 or 10 to 15 minutes until heated through, or place them in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375 for 3-4 minutes.

Try These Delicious Fried Tortellini Bites Today

This fried tortellini recipe is as delicious as it is easy. That’s a good thing because once you try it, you’ll be hooked. The cheesy filling combined with the crispy, crunchy, golden brown outside is something you will hook you from the first bite. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making it for every party, potluck, or game night.

More Delicious Tortellini Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Homemade Lasagna is a classic pasta recipe that is loaded with deliciously seasoned ground beef, lots of cheese, a meat sauce, noodles, and baked to perfection. They perfect dinner recipe that is great for a casual dinner or an elegant dinner party.

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