Crispy Parmesan Fried Tortellini
Turn your favorite pasta into an irresistible snack with these Crispy Parmesan Fried Tortellini! This easy appetizer features cheese tortellini coated in a golden, crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust and fried to crispy perfection. Each bite delivers the perfect combo of creamy, cheesy center and crispy outside. Serve them with marinara, garlic aioli, or pesto for a fun twist on comfort food that’s great for party appetizers, movie nights, or casual snacking. Whether you're looking for new tortellini recipes or crave bite-sized crowd-pleasers, these tortellini bites are the answer. A must-try for cheese lovers and snack fans alike!
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dip, for serving
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini
- Boil tortellini according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture—this helps the coating stick better.
Set Up the Dredging Station: In three shallow bowls
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Bread the Tortellini
- Lightly coat tortellini in flour
- Dip into the egg mixture
- Press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix until fully coated
Fry to Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C)
- Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain
Serve & Enjoy
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve immediately with marinara or your dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
Ingredient Tips:
- Tortellini: Cheese-filled works best, but feel free to try spinach or meat-filled versions.
- Breadcrumbs: Italian-style adds built-in flavor. Use Panko for extra crunch.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a noticeable flavor difference.