Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi

Air Fryer Gnocchi is a delicious crispy on the outside, soft on the inside appetizer, side dish, or snack. Air frying them takes just minutes and cleanup is a breeze. Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.

Yummy air fryer bites

There’s just something magical about air fryers. In fact, I don’t know what I’d do without mine. Instead of the hassle of a deep fryer, the air fryer transforms my favorite appetizers into crispy bite-sized morsels without all the mess or guilt of deep-frying and in less time.

From golden brown Chicken Wings to Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, to crispy Tater Tots, to melty cheese-filled Pizza Bites, there are just so many mouthwatering options to enjoy.

Why you'll love this gnocchi air fryer recipe

Ready in 15 Minutes: Perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a quick and tasty meal or side dish.

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: The ideal texture for a tasty dipper.

Seasoned to Perfection: Coated with a delicious blend of spices for maximum flavor.

Versatile: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or snack that everyone will love.

Use Any Type of Gnocchi: Whether you have frozen, refrigerated, or a pack of shelf-stable gnocchi, this recipe works with all.

Gnocchi Options: Enjoy cauliflower, sweet potato, or spinach gnocchi for a unique twist.

Minimal Cleanup: With easy prep and cleanup, this recipe is convenient & delicious.

Ingredients

Gather the simple ingredients for this delicious air fryer gnocchi recipe before getting started. For the full ingredients list check out the printable recipe card below.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy coating.
• Avocado Oil: A healthy oil option that helps the gnocchi cook up nice and crispy.
• Garlic Clove (minced): Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and color.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and adds depth.
• Coarse Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complements the other spices.
• Gnocchi: Use shelf-stable, frozen, or refrigerated fresh gnocchi. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw—just cook it a few minutes longer.

How to air fry gnocchi

Making air fryer gnocchi is incredibly simple and quick! With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.

1. In a large bowl, combine parmesan cheese, avocado oil, minced garlic clove, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
2. Add the gnocchi and toss to coat.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F then add the seasoned gnocchi into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure to leave enough room for the air to circulate.
4. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking every 3 minutes. You may need to add 2-4 minutes if not completely cooked through. Frozen gnocchi will take slightly longer.

Place the crispy, golden brown air-fried gnocchi in a bowl and garnish with parsley and extra parmesan cheese.

I love to serve them with marinara sauce as an appetizer, but they work just as well as a side dish to your main meal or as a topping on salads or soups. The best part - this air fried gnocchi is quick, easy, and needs little cleanup. What's not to like?!

How to air fry frozen gnocchi

Season the frozen gnocchi just as you would with fresh or refrigerated gnocchi, following the preparation steps in the recipe card.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the frozen gnocchi for about 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes.

While it takes a bit longer to cook, the gnocchi will be perfectly done when the outsides are golden and crispy.

Recipe Tips

For the best air fryer gnocchi, keep these handy tips in mind. They’ll help you achieve perfectly crispy, golden gnocchi every time.

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated for even cooking and extra crispy gnocchi. Skipping this step may increase the cooking time.
• Shake the Basket Every 3 Minutes: This helps the gnocchi cook evenly, allowing the hot air to circulate and preventing one side from getting crispier or browner.
• Don’t Skip the Oil: Oil is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture. Without it, the gnocchi might turn darker and be less crisp.
• Try Homemade Gnocchi: If you prefer homemade gnocchi, go for it!
• Make It Vegan: Most store-bought gnocchi is vegan. To keep this recipe vegan, simply substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

Recipe variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations to try. Each one brings a unique flavor twist to this versatile dish.

• Cauliflower Gnocchi: Lower in carbs and just as tasty. Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi is a great choice.
• Sweet Potato Gnocchi: A delicious side dish for pork, or make it for dessert (see the sweet variation below).
• Italian: Swap the garlic powder for 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a classic flavor.
• Asian: Omit the parmesan cheese and replace half of the avocado oil with sesame oil. Serve with teriyaki or your favorite Asian dipping sauce.
• Pesto: Use pesto instead of oil. Serve with extra pesto or marinara sauce for dipping.
• Cheesy: Top with shredded mozzarella or your favorite cheese and air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Spicy Gnocchi: Substitute the seasonings with Cajun or taco seasonings for a kick of heat.
• Sweet Gnocchi: Use just the oil and cinnamon sugar. Serve with icing or frosting as a dipping sauce for a sweet treat.

How to serve air fried gnocchi

Air fryer gnocchi is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:

Appetizer: Serve with marinara sauce, basil pesto, ranch, Caesar dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious starter.

Main Dish: Great for a meatless meal, paired with pasta and sauce or alongside vegetables and salad.

Side Dish: A perfect side for chicken, turkey, or steak. Its crispy texture complements a variety of main dishes.

Crouton: Sprinkle on top of soups or salads for a crunchy, gluten-free crouton alternative.

Snack: Enjoy a handful as a tasty, crispy snack any time of day.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing: Air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness. If you have any leftover gnocchi, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store any sauces separately.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze air-fried gnocchi in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat the gnocchi in your air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes until it’s warm and crispy again. This method helps restore its original texture and flavor.

More air fryer recipes

• Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
• Air Fryer Ravioli
• Air Fryer Stuffing Balls
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Find lots of delicious and easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!

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