Air Fryer Gnocchi: Crispy, Delicious, and Ready in Minutes

There’s something magical about perfectly cooked gnocchi – those soft, pillowy potato dumplings that melt in your mouth. But what if you could take this Italian comfort food to new heights with a crispy exterior while maintaining that tender center? Enter the air fryer, your secret weapon for creating restaurant-quality gnocchi at home without the mess of deep frying or the time needed for traditional methods.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making perfect air fryer gnocchi – from selecting the right type of gnocchi to creative serving suggestions that will impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary adventures, this recipe is accessible, delicious, and bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Calories: 320 per serving

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (any model will work)
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Silicone spatula or tongs
• Serving dish

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 oz) shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi (not frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

Start with shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for best results. There’s no need to boil the gnocchi first – this is what makes this recipe so quick and convenient! If you’re using frozen gnocchi, allow it to thaw completely before proceeding.

Place the gnocchi in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. The oil is essential for achieving that beautiful golden crisp exterior, so make sure every gnocchi gets a light coating.

Step 2: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper over the oil-coated gnocchi. Use your hands or a silicone spatula to toss everything together, ensuring each dumpling is evenly seasoned. This step infuses the gnocchi with flavor as it cooks, rather than simply seasoning the exterior.

Feel free to customize the seasonings based on your preferences. Some delicious variations include adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or swapping the Italian herbs for smoked paprika and oregano for a different flavor profile.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures the gnocchi starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket, which helps develop that desirable crispy exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Transfer the seasoned gnocchi to your air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with some space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each gnocchi, resulting in even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the gnocchi in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or gently stirring the gnocchi halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as cooking times may vary slightly between different air fryer models. The gnocchi are ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked to crispy perfection, transfer your air fryer gnocchi to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while still hot, allowing it to melt slightly over the gnocchi. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and eating experience.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of air fryer gnocchi means it pairs beautifully with numerous sauces and accompaniments. Here are some delicious serving ideas to inspire your next meal:

1. Classic Marinara: Toss the crispy gnocchi with warm marinara sauce and top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
2. Brown Butter and Sage: For an elegant touch, drizzle the gnocchi with brown butter infused with fresh sage leaves and finish with toasted pine nuts.
3. Pesto Perfection: Coat the gnocchi in fresh basil pesto and serve alongside cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for a colorful plate.
4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan: Create a simple sauce with butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a decadent treatment.
5. Mediterranean Style: Toss with olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and fresh oregano.
6. As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite protein like grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or Italian sausages with a simple side salad.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Gnocchi

To ensure your air fryer gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches if necessary to give each gnocchi enough space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will result in uneven cooking and less crispiness.
• No Need to Boil First: Unlike traditional cooking methods, the air fryer transforms uncooked gnocchi directly into crispy delights without the need for pre-boiling.
• Watch Carefully Near the End: Air fryers can vary in temperature and power, so start checking your gnocchi a minute or two before the suggested cooking time ends.
• Experiment with Flavors: The basic recipe provides a canvas for endless flavor variations. Try adding different herbs, spices, or even a tablespoon of your favorite pesto mixed into the oil before coating the gnocchi.
• Make Extra for Leftovers: Crispy air fryer gnocchi makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

While air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline your cooking process:

Make Ahead: You can toss the gnocchi with oil and seasonings up to 2 hours before cooking. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to air fry.

Storage: Leftover cooked gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy again. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it will make the gnocchi soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes, but for best results, thaw it completely before air frying. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before tossing with oil and seasonings.

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first? No! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The air fryer cooks the gnocchi perfectly without pre-boiling.

Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Most store-bought gnocchi is naturally vegan (check the package to be sure). Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

My gnocchi stuck to the air fryer basket. How can I prevent this? Make sure your gnocchi is well-coated with oil before air frying. You can also lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the gnocchi.

What type of air fryer works best for this recipe? Any air fryer model will work for this recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on your specific model’s tendencies.

Conclusion

Air fryer gnocchi revolutionizes how we enjoy this classic Italian pasta. With its irresistible combination of crispy exterior and tender interior, minimal prep time, and endless serving possibilities, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. The best part? It requires just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to something special, this air fryer gnocchi recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. So dust off that air fryer, grab some gnocchi, and prepare to experience pasta in a whole new, deliciously crispy way.

Once you try gnocchi in the air fryer, you might never want to prepare it any other way again. Happy cooking!