Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites

Serve up cheese-stuffed Parmesan-crusted tortellini Bites encased in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan shell, perfect with tangy marinara sauce.
Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites Recipe
Prepare to wow your guests with Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites, a crunchy, cheesy appetizer that pairs perfectly with warm marinara sauce. These bites feature a crispy Parmesan coating that complements the soft, flavorful tortellini. Whether fried, air-fried, or baked, these delicious little bites are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
INGREDIENTS
- 9 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini, see notes for my preferred brand
- 48 oz. Canola oil, (6 cups)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, (optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the tortellini until it’s 1 minute before it’s al-dente. Drain, and coat generously with flour.
- Dip each tortellini into the beaten eggs, and then into the panko mixture.
- Heat the oil in a dutch oven to 375 degrees. You may not need to use all of the canola oil but ensure that the tortellini is covered by an inch or two.
- If you’re unsure if the oil is the right temperature, put a test piece of tortellini in the oil and ensure that it begins to fry almost immediately, but not too intensely.
- Cook the tortellini pieces for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You may have to do this in batches.
- Place on a paper towel, pat dry, and serve with warm marinara sauce!
Serving Suggestions
- Marinara Sauce
- Italian Salad
- Garlic Bread
- Vegetable Platter
- Herbed Ricotta
- Pesto Sauce
- Antipasto Skewers
Tips and Tricks:
- For a healthier version, you can cook the breaded tortellini in an air fryer until crispy.
- Choose cheese-filled tortellini for this recipe, as it pairs wonderfully with the parmesan crust.
- However, you could also experiment with meat or spinach-filled variations.
- Make sure to coat the tortellini thoroughly during the breading process to achieve a consistent crispy crust after frying.