Craving a crispy and delicious snack without the hassle? Air Fryer Gnocchi is the answer you didn’t know you needed!
Ok, let’s be real. If my nonna or nonno ever laid their eyes on these air fryer gnocchi, they probably would’ve had a heart attack. They cooked gnocchi one way, and one way only and it definitely was not air frying. Lol. I never had any reason to complain though — my nonna’s homemade gnocchi will always be one of my favourite dishes, and I’d give anything just to have one more bowl!
But I mean, in the day and age of air fryers where admittingly even I use mine pretty much every day, as I was watching these soft little pillows of glory crisp up, I just couldn’t help but wonder why I’ve never thought of air frying gnocchi before! After all, they’re just mini potato dumplings and we all know that air fryers and potatoes go mano-a-mano, am I right?!
Air fryer gnocchi make the perfect snack, an easy bite for entertaining, and a fun twist on a classic dish. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—I guarantee they’ll disappear within minutes! It’s a good thing they only take a few to make themselves cause a second batch is definitely going to be needed!
So if you’re used to eating your gnocchi boiled in water and doused in homemade tomato sauce and you’re skeptical of this air fryer gnocchi recipe, I get it. I was too! But trust me when I say that, especially paired with THE PERFECT homemade dipping sauce (hellllllo, pesto mayo!), these crispy little bites will let you know that they’re capable of impressing anyone, even nonna and nonno.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CRISPY AIR FRYER GNOCCHI
Air fryer gnocchi is a super simple yet satisfying dish that requires just a handful of ingredients! The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalism, where you can make it using store-bought gnocchi, or even homemade if you’re up for it. The result is irresistibly crispy gnocchi that’s perfectly golden on the outside while staying pillowy and tender on the inside. Ready to get started? Let’s break down the ingredients for this easy, delicious recipe in a little bit more detail:
- Gnocchi: The star of the show! You can use pre-made gnocchi from the store, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own from scratch. The store-bought version is super convenient and gives you that fluffy texture we all love, while homemade gnocchi offers a more authentic and customizable experience. You can even use sweet potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi instead, if you prefer!
- Olive Oil: A little bit of oil is key to achieving that crispy texture. Olive oil works great because it adds a touch of flavour and helps crisp up the gnocchi as it cooks. You can also use avocado oil, or any other neutral oil that works for you.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavour that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the gnocchi.
- Onion Powder: A dash of onion powder gives a mellow, sweet taste that enhances the overall flavour profile of the gnocchi.
- Smoked Paprika: For that subtle smoky, earthy flavour. It gives the gnocchi a little something extra and turns up the taste without being overpowering. You can use regular paprika instead, if you prefer.
- Salt: A little salt is key to bringing out the natural flavours in the gnocchi and seasoning everything perfectly.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a gentle kick and works in harmony with the other spices.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but I highly recommend it! A sprinkle of parmesan gives the gnocchi an extra cheesy, savory finish that’s irresistible.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: A fresh herb garnish adds a pop of colour and a fresh, herbal note to your gnocchi.
- Pesto Mayo (for dipping): To really take things up a notch, dip your crispy gnocchi in homemade pesto mayo. The creamy, herby combo is the perfect match for these flavourful bites! These air fryer gnocchi would also go great with a well-seasoned marinara sauce for dipping.
HOW TO MAKE GNOCCHI IN THE AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these crispy air fried gnocchi in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use the right gnocchi. Whether you choose whole wheat, cauliflower, or traditional potato gnocchi, make sure to use pre-cooked gnocchi. This way, the air fryer can crisp them up without needing to cook them fully from scratch. Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh, but if using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer tray or basket. The key to crispy gnocchi is air circulation! Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven crisping, leaving some pieces soft while others get crispy. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use enough oil. Lightly coat the gnocchi with oil to ensure they crisp up properly. You can either use a spray bottle to evenly coat them or toss them gently in a bowl with olive or avocado oil. The oil helps the gnocchi become golden brown and crispy on the outside, while keeping them soft on the inside.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. Season your gnocchi well before cooking. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper will elevate the flavour and ensure that each piece is packed with taste. For extra flavour, you can even sprinkle a little parmesan directly onto the gnocchi before cooking. EXTRA TIP: Feel free to use your own seasoning blend to spice up these gnocchi!
- Preheat your air fryer (if necessary). For the best results, preheat your air fryer for a couple of minutes before adding the gnocchi. This ensures that the gnocchi start cooking immediately, helping them to crisp up faster. EXTRA TIP: To ensure even crispness, flip or shake the gnocchi halfway through the cooking process if your air fryer doesn’t have 360° air circulation. This ensures that all sides get that perfect golden, crispy finish.
- Serve immediately. Air fryer gnocchi is at its best when served right away. It’ll lose some of its crispiness as it cools, so make sure to serve it while it’s piping hot for the best texture and flavour.
- Add fresh garnishes. Don’t forget to garnish your gnocchi with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for that extra burst of colour and flavour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can definitely cook gnocchi in the air fryer! It’s actually one of the easiest and quickest ways to get gnocchi perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping it soft and tender on the inside. Whether you’re using frozen or fresh gnocchi, the air fryer will help you achieve that golden, crispy texture without the need for boiling. Just toss the gnocchi in a little oil and seasoning, then air fry for a few minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. It’s a game-changer if you want a no-fuss, crispy gnocchi experience!
To prevent gnocchi from sticking when air frying, it’s important to give them a light coating of oil before cooking. You can use a spray oil or toss the gnocchi in a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to ensure they’re evenly coated. This not only helps them crisp up beautifully but also creates a barrier to prevent sticking. Additionally, make sure your air fryer basket is lightly sprayed with oil, and avoid overcrowding the gnocchi—giving them space allows the hot air to circulate properly, preventing them from sticking together. A quick shake halfway through the cooking time helps ensure they’re evenly crisped up without sticking!
To store air-fried gnocchi, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. If you’d like to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just spread the cooled gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer to bring back their crispy texture!
Yes, you can absolutely reheat gnocchi in an air fryer! To do so, simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the gnocchi in the basket in a single layer. Give them a light spray of oil to help them crisp up again. Reheat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they heat evenly and become nice and crispy. This method helps restore that crispy texture, so you can enjoy your gnocchi just as much the second time around!
MORE GREAT AIR FRYER RECIPES
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AIR FRYER GNOCCHI
Ingredients
- 1 lb (16oz.) Potato or Cauliflower Gnocchi store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, optional, for serving
- 1 tbsp Fresh Basil or Parsley chopped, optional, for garnish
- 1 recipe Pesto Mayonnaise* for dipping
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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