Parmesan Tortellini Crispy Fried (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta Base

01 - 1 pound refrigerated or fresh tortellini stuffed with cheese, the main event

→ Coating Station

02 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for extra flavor
03 - 1 cup breadcrumbs with Italian seasonings, for that signature crunch
04 - 2 large eggs beaten until silky smooth
05 - 1 cup of everyday flour, the first step to a crispy crust

→ Seasonings

06 - Salt and pepper to taste, as desired
07 - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for some extra aroma
08 - 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to give that Mediterranean vibe

→ For Cooking & Serving

09 - Plenty of vegetable oil for frying, about 1 inch deep
10 - Warm marinara for dipping on the side

# Instructions:

01 - Get your tortellini cooked until it's just barely tender, al dente style. Dry them well after draining to ensure they fry up crisp!
02 - Grab three bowls. In the first, place the flour. The second should hold the eggs you've already whisked. In the third, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. It's like a little assembly line for your tortellini.
03 - Take each tortellini piece one-by-one. First, coat it lightly with flour, then dip it in the egg, and last, roll it all over in the breadcrumbs mixture. Make sure it’s covered completely without too much globbing up.
04 - Heat up your vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pan. Aim for 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a tiny bit of breadcrumb—if it starts to bubble and float, you’re good to go!
05 - Pop the coated tortellini into the oil a few at a time (don’t overcrowd things!). Let them fry for about 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway, until the outside becomes crispy and golden.
06 - Move the fried tortellini to a plate lined with paper towels. While they’re still warm, sprinkle a little more Parmesan over the top if you’re feeling fancy!
07 - Arrange the fried tortellini on a platter and serve them with your warmed marinara sauce for dipping. These taste best hot and fresh, so dig in!

# Notes:

01 - These crunchy tortellini bites are awesome as a party starter—they disappear fast at gatherings!
02 - Keep an eye on your oil's temperature while frying to make sure every batch gets that perfect crisp.
03 - You can prep the coated tortellini ahead of time and chill them for up to two hours before frying.