Crispy Fried Tortellini Bites: Easy Appetizer for Parties, Game Day, and Get-Togethers
These Crispy Fried Tortellini are golden on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and perfectly crunchy in every bite. Paired with a simple tomato basil dipping sauce, this irresistible appetizer is ideal for parties, game days, or whenever you want a fun twist on classic pasta night.
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Fried tortellini is a beloved Italian-American appetizer often found at restaurants and sports bars. By breading and frying tender, cheese-filled tortellini, you get a snack that’s crunchy, comforting, and endlessly dippable. The homemade tomato basil sauce adds freshness and balance, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ultra-crispy outside with gooey, cheesy centers
- Easy appetizer that feels restaurant-quality
- Perfect for parties, holidays, and game day
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly
- Pairs well with multiple dipping sauces
Ingredients
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Crispy Fried Tortellini
Step 1: Heat olive oil and add canned tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 4: Whisk the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Dip each tortellini into the egg, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry tortellini in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Expert Tips to make
- Let cooked tortellini cool slightly before breading to help the coating stick
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Fry in small batches to prevent soggy tortellini
- Keep finished batches warm in a low oven (200°F)
- Season immediately after frying for the best flavor
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Swap sauce: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli
- Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or asiago to the breadcrumb mix
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or cayenne to breadcrumbs
- Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway
- Pair with: Sparkling water, mocktails, or a light red wine
Crispy Fried Tortellini FAQs
Yes! Cook them first according to package directions before breading.
Yes! Bread the tortellini and refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying.
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
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Crispy Fried Tortellini With Tomato Basil Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Two shallow bowls
- Whisk
- Large skillet or deep frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Small saucepan or skillet
Ingredients
For the Fried Tortellini
- 1.1 lb tortellini fresh or frozen
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Tomato Basil Dipping Sauce
- 7 oz canned tomatoes with juices
- 1½ tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried or fresh basil
- Pinch of sugar
Instructions
Make the Tomato Basil Dipping Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, crushing them gently with a spoon if whole. Season with salt, black pepper, basil, and a pinch of sugar if using.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Leave the sauce chunky or blend until smooth, based on preference. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to serve.
Prepare and Fry the Tortellini
- Cook the tortellini in salted boiling water according to package instructions, about 2-3 minutes, until they float. Drain well and let cool slightly.
- Whisk the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each tortellini into the egg, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat about 1½-2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry the tortellini in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with the tomato basil dipping sauce
Notes
- Fresh or frozen tortellini both work well.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying, as this lowers the oil temperature and affects crispiness.
- The dipping sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
More Snacks and Appetizers
- Thinly sliced and fried until crisp, these banana chifles are a classic plantain chip with a clean, salty crunch. They fry up golden, stay light and crisp, and work just as well for casual snacking as they do on a snack board. Simple, familiar, and easy to keep reaching for.
- Thin and crispy Turkish lahmacun is baked with a finely spiced lamb topping that keeps every bite flavorful and light. The flatbread slices easily for sharing or folds neatly for a casual, hands-on meal. It works just as well on a party table as it does for a relaxed dinner spread.
- Smoked salmon avocado bruschetta is the kind of appetizer that quietly steals attention on a party table. Creamy, fresh, and elegant, it fits right in with brunch spreads, cocktail hours, and anything in between. It looks thoughtful, tastes familiar, and never feels overdone.
