Tortellini, those delightful little pasta pockets, are usually tucked away in comforting bowls of soup or blanketed under rich sauces. But what if they took center stage as a crispy, cheesy snack? Enter these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites—imagine the satisfying crunch of parmesan armor giving way to the tender pasta inside. They’re like popcorn for pasta lovers, and once you start, stopping is a myth.
Steps
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped parsley, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mixture will serve as the coating for the tortellini.
- Cook the tortellini until it’s just shy of al dente, then drain thoroughly. Coat the drained tortellini evenly with all-purpose flour to prepare for the breading process.
- Dip each floured tortellini into beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated. Next, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F, ensuring there’s enough oil to submerge the tortellini by an inch or two. Test the oil with a small piece of tortellini to make sure it fries gently but efficiently.
- Fry the tortellini in batches, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve the fried tortellini with warm marinara sauce for dipping, enjoying them as a delicious appetizer. For a baked alternative, preheat the oven to 375°F, bake breaded tortellini on a greased sheet for 15-20 minutes until crisp, and serve with marinara.
Ingredients
- 9 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- 48 oz. (6 cups) canola oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
FAQ
- Can These Tortellini Bites Be Prepared in Advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the breading for the tortellini ahead of time. Once breaded, store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them, which can be done the next day.
- Is It Possible to Make These in an Air Fryer?
- Absolutely. Tortellini with a breaded coating, rather than a liquid batter, is suitable for cooking in an air fryer. You can also apply this method to ravioli.
- How Do You Bake Parmesan Crusted Tortellini?
- To bake the tortellini, preheat your oven to 375°F. Put a greased baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes. Arrange the breaded tortellini on the sheet, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve them with warm marinara sauce.
- What is the Ideal Oil Temperature for Frying?
- The oil should be heated to 375°F. To check if it’s ready, place a test piece of tortellini in the oil. It should start frying immediately but not too aggressively.
- What Brand of Tortellini Works Best for This Recipe?
- BUITONI Refrigerated Three Cheese Tortellini is recommended for making these Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites.
Tips
- Prepare Ahead: To save time when making these tortellini bites, coat them in the breadcrumb mixture a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Optimal Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit before frying. Test the oil with a single tortellini piece—it should start frying immediately but not too vigorously. This helps achieve a perfect golden brown crust.
- Baking Alternative: For a lighter version, bake the breaded tortellini. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, heat a greased baking sheet for 5 minutes, then bake the tortellini for 15-20 minutes until they are crisp and lightly browned.
- Air Fryer Option: If you prefer using an air fryer, this recipe adapts well. The breadcrumb coating works perfectly, and you can even substitute ravioli for a similar tasty result.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven – for frying the tortellini.
- Digital Cooking Thermometer – to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.
- Air Fryer – if you prefer the air frying method.
- Baking Sheet – for the baking method.
- Cooking Spray – for greasing the baking sheet in the oven method.
