I recently tried making air-fried tortellini as a crunchy salad topping and it completely transformed my usual greens. Using fresh or refrigerated tortellini, I lightly coated them with olive oil and sprinkled a bit of garlic powder and Italian seasoning before air frying at 400°F for about 9 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even crisping. The result was golden and crispy bites that added such a satisfying texture to my salad. What made this even better was pairing the crispy tortellini with a creamy Avocado Ranch dressing. The smooth richness of avocado combined with the tang of ranch created an irresistibly fresh and vibrant flavor that worked perfectly against the crunch of the tortellini. I also mixed in some chopped green cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, and a taco cheese blend to build a hearty chopped salad inspired by the fresh produce in the dressing kit. If you want to elevate this further, adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on your tortellini before air frying adds a nice umami touch. Using fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions can also brighten the overall salad flavor. For an easy lunch idea, this combo hits a great balance between indulgent and wholesome, making it a satisfying meal on warmer days. This method is a fantastic way to use your air fryer for inventive, salad-friendly recipes beyond traditional croutons. The tortellini stay tender inside while gaining an addictive crunch outside, making each bite a mini pasta salad experience. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new favorite salad addition!