This crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe turns these little potato pillows into crispy, crunchy little bites that are fluffy on the inside. It only takes five ingredients and about 10 minutes to make. Use fresh gnocchi, frozen gnocchi, or a pack of shelf-stable gnocchi for a quick dinner, snack, side dish, or appetizer!
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Editor's Note: Originally published on January 16, 2024. Updated with expanded information, improved recipe, and video on October 5, 2024.
If you're as obsessed with gnocchi as I am (yes, I'm talking about Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup), you'll love this recipe! And it's so much easier to make than pan-frying them!
These crispy little bites have a super crispy texture outside but are nice and fluffy on the inside. And the best part? They are SO easy to make! Serve them with Authentic Bolognese Sauce for dipping!
If you like this recipe, then also be sure to check out these Tortellini Skewers next!
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Recipe Ingredients
The picture below shows all the ingredients for this recipe, with special notes in the bulleted list to assist you.
- Gnocchi. Use fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi. I used Olivieri cheese-filled skillet gnocchi, but you can also make homemade gnocchi if you're feeling ambitious!
- Olive oil gives the gnocchi a golden, crispy exterior and helps the seasoning stick.
- Seasonings. A simple blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful coating.
See the printable recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 2
Add 1 pound (450g) of gnocchi to the bowl and toss until all pieces are well-coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 3
Carefully place the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to cook for 10 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, pause the air fryer and give the basket a good shake to ensure all sides of the gnocchi get crispy and golden.
Note: Do not overcrowd the basket as this will prevent the gnocchi from crisping up properly. If your air fryer is small, cook the gnocchi in batches.
Step 4
After 10 minutes, check the gnocchi. They should be crispy and golden brown. If they're not quite there yet, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Carefully remove the gnocchi from the air fryer basket once the gnocchi are perfectly crispy. They'll be very hot, so be careful taking a bite.
Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. It's a good idea to start checking at the 8-minute mark for your desired level of crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss the crispy gnocchi in your favorite sauce. I like my homemade canned spaghetti sauce, homemade Alfredo sauce, or pesto.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve as an appetizer with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gnocchi - Use traditional potato gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi, sweet potato gnocchi, or cheese-filled gnocchi.
- Oil - Use avocado oil instead.
- Seasoning - Use your favorite seasonings or seasoning blend. You can also add onion powder, black pepper, or paprika.
- Vegan - Skip the Parmesan cheese.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Place the cooled gnocchi in a single layer on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2 hours. Transfer the frozen gnocchi to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: You can reheat the gnocchi in the air fryer directly from the freezer-you don't need to thaw them first. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
Top Tips
- Use store-bought gnocchi for convenience. Fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable all work well in this recipe.
- Gently break apart any gnocchi sticking to each other before air frying.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if you need to.
- Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time.
- Serve them immediately - they will lose their crispiness as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, you do not need to boil gnocchi before air frying it. The air fryer creates a crispy outside while keeping it fluffy inside.
The air-fried gnocchi is done when it is crispy and golden brown.
Many sauces, including marinara, Alfredo, pesto, cheese, vodka, and Bolognese, go well with gnocchi.
You can find shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle next to your favorite dried pasta, fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section next to fresh pasta, or frozen gnocchi in the frozen section of your local grocery store.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you love this Air Fryer Gnocchi, be sure to try these other great air fryer recipes:
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- Jeri
Printable Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi 450 g
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Add the gnocchi and toss until well-coated.
- Place gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- The gnocchi is cooked when crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Video
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Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Cooking time may vary based on the air fryer model; start checking at 8 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Serve as is for a crispy snack or with your favorite sauce.
- If using frozen gnocchi, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw before cooking.
- To reheat, place the gnocchi back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed and crispy.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
This recipe was originally published on January 16, 2024. It was completely updated on October 5, 2024.
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