Name: Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen); 1 – 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 – 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)

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If you’re looking for a quick and delightful way to elevate your snacking game, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe for the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is a total game changer. It takes less than 15 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or spontaneous family gatherings. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy gnocchi that’s fluffy on the inside—pure comfort in every bite!

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you serve it as an appetizer with marinara sauce or toss it into a fresh salad as a fun crouton substitute, it never fails to impress. Plus, using various types of gnocchi opens up a whole new world of flavors. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can satisfy cravings in no time.
Crispy & Fluffy Texture: Enjoy the perfect contrast between crunchy outsides and soft insides.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish; customize it for any meal!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this tasty treat.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients mean less hassle in getting started.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be simple and stress-free, and this recipe embodies just that! Here are the easy ingredients you’ll need to create the crispiest air fryer gnocchi.

1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerator, or frozen (regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato))
1 – 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 – 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

Try Different Gnocchi: Swap regular gnocchi for cauliflower or sweet potato gnocchi for added flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with Seasonings: Add your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Add Veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Change Up the Cheese: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free option that still packs a punch.

How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer to 390°F is essential—it ensures that your gnocchi will cook evenly and get perfectly crispy. While that’s heating up, give your basket a light spray with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Gnocchi

In a large mixing bowl, toss your gnocchi with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, remember not to thaw them! This step is crucial because seasoning them well will add incredible flavor that makes each bite unforgettable.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

Carefully add the seasoned gnocchi to your preheated air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd them; giving each piece space allows them to crisp up beautifully on all sides. This little tip can make all the difference!

Step 4: Air Frying Time!

For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry at 390°F for about 11 – 14 minutes. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, extend that time to about 13 – 16 minutes. Remember to shake the basket every few minutes! This will help achieve that signature golden color without any burnt bits.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once they’re done cooking and have reached that delicious golden hue, take them out and enjoy immediately! Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. They’re fantastic on their own but feel free to dip them in marinara sauce or pesto for an extra layer of flavor!

There you have it—your go-to recipe for the crispiest air fryer gnocchi! Perfect for any occasion and oh-so-delicious!

Pro Tips for Making Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Making the crispiest air fryer gnocchi is all about technique and timing! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time.

Choose the Right Gnocchi: Selecting high-quality gnocchi, whether shelf-stable or fresh, can make a big difference in texture. Look for brands that use real potatoes for the best results.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Spreading the gnocchi in a single layer allows hot air to circulate evenly around them, ensuring they crisp up beautifully. If necessary, cook in batches!
Use Enough Oil: A light coating of extra-virgin olive oil not only enhances flavor but also aids in achieving that delightful crispy exterior. Just be careful not to overdo it, or the gnocchi may become greasy.
Shake It Up: Shaking the basket every few minutes helps to turn the gnocchi, promoting even cooking and browning. This simple step can elevate your gnocchi from good to great!
Serve Immediately: These gnocchi are at their crispiest right after cooking. For the best experience, serve them hot with your favorite dips right away!

How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Once you’ve prepared your delicious air fryer gnocchi, presentation is key! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a side dish, there are plenty of creative ways to elevate this meal.

Garnishes

Freshly Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a savory touch and complements the crispy texture.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a fresh flavor that balances richness.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy some heat, adding red pepper flakes can spice things up and give your gnocchi an extra kick!

Side Dishes

Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing! The rich tomato sauce makes for a perfect dip or drizzle over your crispy gnocchi.
Pesto: This vibrant green sauce made from basil and nuts offers a creamy contrast that enhances the flavor profile of your dish.
Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus bring color and nutrition to your plate while complementing the flavors of gnocchi beautifully.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with seasonal greens dressed in vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the crispy gnocchi.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with this easy yet delectable dish! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious gnocchi.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the gnocchi to cool completely before storing.
Place leftovers in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your air-fried gnocchi, ensure they are completely cool.
Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
Transfer the frozen gnocchi to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
Add the gnocchi in a single layer and air fry for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the crispiest air fryer gnocchi!

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, using frozen gnocchi is perfect for achieving that crispy texture. Just remember not to thaw them before cooking!

How can I achieve the crispiest air fryer gnocchi?

For the crispiest air fryer gnocchi, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, giving you that perfect golden crunch!

What can I serve with my crispy gnocchi?

These air-fried gnocchi are great on their own or served with marinara sauce or pesto. They also work well as a side dish or even added as croutons on salads!

Is there a vegan alternative for Parmesan cheese?

Yes! You can use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor without dairy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi as much as I do! It’s such an easy and delightful recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these little bites of goodness are bound to bring joy to your table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!