Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

Craving crispy, golden gnocchi without the deep fry? This air fryer recipe delivers deliciously crunchy gnocchi bites, perfect as a side, appetizer, or salad topping. Let’s make the crispiest air fryer gnocchi right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: A few minutes in the air fryer is all it takes!
• Versatile: Serve as a snack, side, or even as crunchy croutons on salads or soups.
• Customizable: Easily adjust flavors, and make it vegan if you prefer.

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

• Gnocchi: Use any type—shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen, and choose from regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato varieties.
• Olive Oil: Just a touch for crispiness.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: For a simple, savory flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty taste to every bite.

this Recipe

Variations

• Make it Vegan: Skip the parmesan and swap in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Try Different Seasonings: Sprinkle with Italian herbs, chili flakes, or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
• Experiment with Cheese: Use grated pecorino or asiago for a different cheesy depth.

How to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Gnocchi

In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan until evenly coated. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw them—just season and cook straight from frozen.

Step 3: Air Fry the Gnocchi

Spread the gnocchi evenly in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap for maximum crispiness.

• For Shelf-Stable & Refrigerated Gnocchi: Air fry for 11-14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes for even browning.
• For Frozen Gnocchi: Air fry for 13-16 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes.

The gnocchi should come out golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the gnocchi from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an added touch.

How to Serve

Here are a few tasty serving ideas:

• Appetizer: Serve with marinara sauce, pesto, or garlic aioli for dipping.
• Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, meatballs, or your favorite roasted veggies.
• Salad Topping: Toss on top of a salad for a satisfying crunch—just like croutons.
• Soup Croutons: Add these crunchy gnocchi bites to soups like tomato basil or minestrone.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the gnocchi in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, homemade gnocchi works well! Adjust cooking time as needed, as it may cook slightly faster than store-bought.

2. How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking?

Lightly greasing the air fryer basket with olive oil spray helps prevent sticking, especially with frozen gnocchi.

3. Can I make this recipe with sweet potato gnocchi?

Absolutely! Sweet potato gnocchi will give a slightly sweeter flavor that pairs beautifully with savory seasonings.

4. Do I have to shake the basket while cooking?

Shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes ensures even cooking and crispy results.

Conclusion

This crispy air fryer gnocchi is the ultimate quick snack, appetizer, or side dish that’ll leave you wanting more. With a little seasoning and the magic of an air fryer, you can turn simple gnocchi into golden, bite-sized perfection.

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