Description
These crispy Parmesan tortellini bites are the ultimate crunchy snack. Made with simple ingredients and baked or fried to golden perfection, they’re perfect for parties or quick meals. Pair with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for maximum flavor. Quick, easy, and incredibly tasty! Add this crowd-pleasing recipe to your must-try list today.
Ingredients
- Tortellini: 1 package (cheese or meat-filled)
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup, seasoned
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Olive oil: 1/2 cup, for frying
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your frozen tortellini and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. You want them to be al dente, so they hold up well to frying. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and let them cool on a paper towel. This step ensures that excess moisture does not affect the crispiness.
While your tortellini cools, let’s prepare the delightful coating. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and your favorite Italian herbs. This blend will give the tortellini an irresistibly cheesy crunch once fried! Mix these dry ingredients together to create an even coating.
To give your tortellini that crispy, golden exterior, dip each piece into a bowl of beaten eggs. Allow any excess egg to drip off before dredging them into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each tortellini is well-coated, pressing gently to make the crumbs stick. This step is key! You want the breadcrumbs to cling perfectly to create that succulent crunch.
In a large skillet, heat up a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the tortellini halfway. The right temperature is crucial, so sprinkle a few breadcrumbs in the oil — when they sizzle, it’s time to fry! This step ensures that you achieve the ideal crispy texture.
Carefully place the coated tortellini into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, turning them gently with tongs or a slotted spoon until they reach a beautiful golden brown. The sound of sizzling oil will be your cue that they’re cooking beautifully! Once fried, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
After frying, sprinkle a touch more Parmesan cheese over the top, along with some freshly chopped herbs for garnish. Serve these crispy Parmesan fried tortellini with your favorite marinara sauce or a creamy dip. Get ready to dig in and enjoy every crunchy bite!
Notes
Customize the Breadcrumbs
Feel free to experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko for extra crunch, or seasoned crumbs to add more flavor.
Adjust the Oil Temperature
If you find that the tortellini brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly. An even temperature will result in a perfect crispiness without burning.
Make It a Meal
Serve your crispy tortellini alongside a fresh salad or as part of an appetizer spread. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo while watching your favorite movie!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes