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
- 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.
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.
PrintCrispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This air fryer gnocchi is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s a versatile side, appetizer, or salad topping. Serve with marinara, pesto, or your favorite dip for an irresistible snack!
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen; regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
- 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. - Season the Gnocchi:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw before air frying. - Air Fry the Gnocchi:
- Shelf-Stable & Refrigerated Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 11-14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes until the gnocchi is golden and crispy on all sides.
- Frozen Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 13-16 minutes, shaking every 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
Enjoy immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve as a side, appetizer, or add to salads as a “crouton.” They’re delicious with marinara or pesto for dipping.
Notes
- Homemade Gnocchi: You can use homemade gnocchi for this recipe. For a variation, try homemade sweet potato gnocchi.
- Vegan Option: Omit the Parmesan and substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
- Storage: For best results, enjoy the gnocchi immediately. If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container (without sauce) in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes to regain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 160kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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