Crispy air fryer gnocchi served in a bowl garnished with herbs

Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. It combines the delightful texture of gnocchi with a crispy outside that you can easily achieve using an air fryer. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it a great option for weeknight dinners, snacks, or even appetizers. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it with your favorite dip or as a side with any main dish.

How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Ingredients

  • 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

Directions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with the rest of the ingredients. If using frozen gnocchi, DO NOT thaw it.
  3. Add seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket. Try to avoid overlapping because they won’t get as crispy.
  4. For Shelf-Stable & Refrigerated Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 11 – 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until they are perfectly golden on all sides. The gnocchi is done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
  5. For Frozen Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 13 – 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until they are perfectly golden on all sides. Frozen gnocchi takes a little longer to air fry, but they should still be done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
  6. Enjoy immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve as a side with your favorite main dish, as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, or add as a “crouton” on your favorite salad.

How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is best served hot right out of the air fryer. You can enjoy it in many ways. Serve it as a side dish with chicken, steak, or vegetarian meals. It also makes a great appetizer when paired with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping. Get creative and toss the crispy gnocchi into salads for an added crunch!

How to Store Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

If you have leftovers, store the crispy gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may lose some of its crispiness when stored. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crunch.

Tips to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the basket for best results.
  • Shake the basket to promote even cooking and crispiness.
  • Experiment with different seasonings to match your taste preferences.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and crispiness.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding different spices like paprika, Italian herbs, or even cheese blends. For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes. You can also mix in veggies like diced bell peppers or onions before air frying for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, homemade gnocchi works great as well! Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of gnocchi you are using.

Can I use different oils instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use oils like avocado or canola oil, but olive oil adds a nice flavor to the gnocchi.

How do I know when the gnocchi is fully cooked?
The gnocchi is done when the outsides are golden in color and crispy. Check every few minutes to ensure they don’t burn.