If you are looking for a quick, delightful, and crispy treat to spice up your weeknight dinners, this Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine pillowy potato gnocchi turned perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside, all achieved effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples with a dash of bold spices, resulting in a snack or side dish that is bursting with comforting flavor and texture. Totalling just under 20 minutes from start to finish, it is a dish that feels indulgent without any of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this recipe is how straightforward and essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in building texture, flavor, and that irresistible golden crust that turns plain gnocchi into a star appetizer or side.
- 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi: The soft, pillowy base that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer without needing pre-boiling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the gnocchi crisp while adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warm, savory notes enhancing the overall flavor depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Contributes a gentle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and heightens taste sensations.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick and aromatic heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Brings subtle smokiness and a beautiful color contrast.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkles of this add savoriness and a delightful melt-on-top finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by warming your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the gnocchi start crisping right away, giving you that perfect golden crust you crave.
Step 2: Season Your Gnocchi
In a large bowl, toss the potato gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Make sure every single piece is evenly coated so that every bite delivers consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Arrange the Gnocchi in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate freely. Crowding the basket can lead to soggy spots, so give each piece its own space to crisp up.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and prevent sticking. When the gnocchi turn golden brown and absolutely crispy on the outside, they’re ready!
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Remove the delicious gnocchi from the air fryer and plate them hot. If you like, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley for a finishing touch that elevates every bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes such as Parmesan cheese and parsley add a burst of salty richness and a bright herbal note that complements the gnocchi’s texture. You can also try a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes to add an extra layer of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe pairs beautifully with light salads, sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce. Consider serving alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, pile the crispy gnocchi in a rustic bowl next to small dipping bowls filled with pesto, marinara, or garlic aioli. You could also toss the finished gnocchi with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a trendy, flavorful dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days but it’s best to enjoy them as fresh as possible to maintain their crispiness.
Freezing
While raw shelf-stable gnocchi can be frozen, it’s best to freeze leftover cooked gnocchi in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping and makes reheating easier.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the gnocchi back into the air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the crisp exterior without drying out the tender inside, making each bite taste almost as good as freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes, fresh gnocchi can be used, but since they contain more moisture, you might want to pat them dry first and keep a close eye on cooking time to avoid sogginess or burning.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi before air frying?
Nope! This Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe is designed for shelf-stable gnocchi that can go straight into the air fryer, making the process faster and simpler.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with Italian seasoning, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the flavor to your liking.
What dipping sauces work best with this gnocchi?
Marinara, pesto, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo make excellent accompaniments that enhance the crispy gnocchi’s flavor profile.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
The base recipe is vegetarian, and by skipping the Parmesan cheese, you make it vegan-friendly as well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe enough if you want a quick, satisfying dish that impresses every time. It’s perfectly crispy, easy to customize, and super fun to make. Whether as a snack, side, or party appetizer, it brings a little bit of magic to your air fryer and your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy gnocchi!
Print
Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, golden brown gnocchi with minimal effort. Using shelf-stable potato gnocchi tossed in olive oil and flavorful seasonings, this dish is perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a delightful side or snack. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley, it delivers a satisfying Italian-American treat without the need for boiling.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for crisping the gnocchi evenly.
- Toss the gnocchi with seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the shelf-stable gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Arrange the gnocchi in the air fryer basket: Spread the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer within the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Air fry the gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately: Remove the gnocchi once they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve hot, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- No need to boil the gnocchi first; shelf-stable gnocchi can be air fried straight from the package.
- Try using different flavored gnocchi, such as spinach or sweet potato varieties, for a creative twist.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, pesto, or other dipping sauces on the side to enhance flavor.
