If you’ve never tried gnocchi cooked in an air fryer, get ready for your new go-to snack or crowd-pleasing side! Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi delivers golden, crunchy pillows with fluffy centers—utterly irresistible and shockingly easy. You’ll want to make it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unmatched Crispy Factor: The air fryer transforms gnocchi into golden nuggets with crave-worthy crunch outside and a pillowy-soft center!
- Quick & Effortless: From prep to table in under 15 minutes, this recipe is weeknight-friendly and perfect for spontaneous snacking.
- Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi as a snack, appetizer, side, or even tossed on salads or dipped in your favorite sauce.
- Customizable for All: Use regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato gnocchi—plus your choice of spices or cheeses—for endless flavor adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple, yet absolutely essential, each ingredient is. Every component plays a role in achieving that dreamy crispy exterior, flavor-packed coating, and tempting golden color you’ll crave bite after bite.
- Gnocchi (1 lb, shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen): The little potato (or cauliflower/sweet potato!) dumplings transform into the star—they’re the base, and different varieties offer unique flavors and colors.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1–2 tablespoons): A light drizzle is all it takes for even, irresistible crisping and that hint of richness that hugs every piece.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle, savory depth without overwhelming the delicate gnocchi flavor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out every flavor and ensuring no bite ever tastes bland.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle hit of peppery warmth that balances the richness perfectly.
- Freshly grated parmesan (2–3 tablespoons): The ultimate finishing touch—parmesan melts into a toasty, cheesy crust that makes these honestly irresistible.
Variations
The beauty of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is how easy it is to tailor to your mood, pantry, or dietary needs! Don’t be afraid to get creative—these gnocchi are a perfect blank canvas for spice, cheese, and playful twists.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for fiery, smoky bites.
- Herby Magic: Toss your gnocchi with Italian seasoning, dried basil, or fresh rosemary for garden-fresh flavor.
- Vegan Delight: Skip the parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast for a plant-based, cheesy vibe.
- Cheesy Swap: Try pecorino, asiago, or even a little shredded mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free gnocchi (check the package!) to make this a celiac-friendly treat.
How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. Give the basket a light mist with olive oil spray—this extra step ensures your gnocchi don’t stick and helps every piece achieve that magical crispy finish.
Step 2: Season the Gnocchi
In a big mixing bowl, combine your gnocchi, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and half the parmesan. If you’re starting with frozen gnocchi, go straight from freezer to bowl—no need to thaw! Toss gently until each dumpling is evenly coated in cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Arrange & Air Fry
Pour the seasoned gnocchi into your preheated air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer if possible—overcrowding makes them less crispy, so give them some space! Set the timer for 11–14 minutes for shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, or 13–16 minutes for frozen. Shake the basket every 4–5 minutes. They’re done when perfectly golden and crispy all over (but not burnt!).
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Once they’re crispy, toss the hot gnocchi with the remaining parmesan. Serve immediately and get ready to watch them disappear! Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you want an extra pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Don’t Thaw Frozen Gnocchi: Go straight from freezer to air fryer—thawing leads to soggy exteriors and less crispiness.
- Space Them Out: Arrange gnocchi in a single layer for even air circulation and maximum crunch—batch-cook if needed!
- Shake it Up: Give the basket a good shake every few minutes so all sides cook up golden and nothing sticks.
- Finish With Fresh Parmesan: Toss hot gnocchi with extra cheese immediately after air frying—it melts fast and adds gorgeous flavor.
How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Garnishes
For classic Italian flair and a touch of freshness, shower your gnocchi with extra parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley or basil right before serving. Lemon zest, cracked black pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes also make the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi truly pop—both visually and flavor-wise!
Side Dishes
This crispy gnocchi shines alongside a simple grilled protein, a hearty salad, or classic Italian mains. Think roasted chicken, garlicky shrimp, or a big green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. Or, serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks and a trio of dips—like pesto, marinara, and herbed yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Scatter Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi like “croutons” on a Caesar or Italian chopped salad—they add crunch and flavor! Or serve them as a surprising finger food appetizer at parties, with elegant skewers or in little cups with a spoonful of warm sauce for dipping on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let the gnocchi cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the texture will lose a bit of its initial crisp, but they’re still delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked gnocchi for up to 2 months. Arrange the cooled gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Re-crisp directly in the air fryer from frozen—so handy for future cravings!
Reheating
For the best texture, pop cold gnocchi back in the air fryer at 370°F for 3–5 minutes, or until sizzling and crispy again. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soft!
FAQs
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Can I make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi with homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi works beautifully. Just be sure they’re firm and not too sticky—if they’re very soft, boil first and let cool, or chill them so they can crisp up instead of falling apart.
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Is this recipe gluten-free or vegan?
If you use gluten-free gnocchi and dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast, this recipe easily fits gluten-free and vegan diets. Always double-check gnocchi packaging for possible allergens or hidden ingredients!
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Why did my gnocchi turn out chewy or soggy?
This usually means the basket was overcrowded or the gnocchi was thawed before air frying. For the crispiest texture, don’t let pieces overlap, and always air fry frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer.
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What sauces or dips go best with Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi?
Classic marinara, zesty pesto, or even a creamy garlic dip are winning choices. For a playful appetizer, offer a variety of dips and let everyone mix and match!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into the golden, crunchy shell of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi—so satisfying and so simple! Whether you’re a gnocchi lover or new to this Italian favorite, give this recipe a whirl; it may just become your newest obsession.
PrintCrispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Learn how to make the crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection, these gnocchi make a delicious side dish or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb gnocchi, shelf-stable, refrigerator, 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
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
- Toss Gnocchi: In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Do not thaw frozen gnocchi.
- Air Fry: Add seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket. Avoid overlapping.
For Shelf-Stable & Refrigerated Gnocchi:
Air fry at 390°F for 11 – 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.For Frozen Gnocchi:
Air fry at 390°F for 13 – 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy. - Serve: Garnish with parmesan and parsley. Enjoy as a side, appetizer, or salad topping.
Notes
- Ensure gnocchi is spread out in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste preference.
- Experiment with different types of gnocchi for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
