Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Gnocchi—a revelation for anyone who adores quick, crispy, and deeply satisfying bites. Imagine gnocchi nuggets, gorgeously golden and puffed up with a crunchy shell, yet still delightfully tender on the inside. This recipe takes just 17 minutes from start to finish, with no boiling required, transforming that familiar package of gnocchi into the ultimate snack or side. Whether you’re craving a fun appetizer or a shortcut to weeknight comfort, Air Fryer Gnocchi is about to earn a regular spot in your kitchen lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of staple ingredients to make Air Fryer Gnocchi, and each one has a special job to do, from building bold flavors to ensuring the irresistible crunch you crave. These essentials come together to create a dish that punches far above its weight in both taste and texture.
- Gnocchi (16 oz package): Shelf-stable or refrigerated store-bought gnocchi makes this recipe lightning fast—no boiling or fussing required.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to help the seasonings stick and to crisp up those pillowy gnocchi in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds that irresistible savory depth without overpowering the gnocchi’s mild potato flavor.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Brings a burst of herbal brightness that makes each bite taste wonderfully Italian-inspired.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the gnocchi and helps wake up all the other spices.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A touch for a gentle kick and to round out the aromatic flavors.
- Optional: Parmesan & parsley: Freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley take the final dish over the top, adding nutty, salty notes and a pop of color.
How to Make Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step 1: Prep Your Gnocchi
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and tossing in your gnocchi straight from the package—no need to boil! Drizzle on the olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently stir or toss everything together until the gnocchi are evenly coated in all those fragrant spices and flecks of oil. This quick step ensures every little gnocchi is a flavor bomb waiting to happen.
Step 2: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when the gnocchi go in. If your machine needs a minute or two to preheat, this is the perfect time to clean up or prep your garnishes. Once it’s ready, arrange the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t crowd them! If you have more gnocchi than space, work in batches to guarantee maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Crisp to Perfection
Air fry the gnocchi for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides get crisp. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed, deeply golden, and irresistibly crisp on the outside. The transformation is so satisfying, you might sneak a few straight from the basket (don’t say I didn’t warn you).
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
Transfer the hot Air Fryer Gnocchi to a serving bowl or platter. While they’re still warm, shower them with fresh Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley if you want to brighten things up. This last flourish adds so much flavor and fresh color, making the dish extra special with almost zero effort.
How to Serve Air Fryer Gnocchi
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, you can go classic with a dusting of grated Parmesan and a scatter of chopped parsley. Or get creative—try a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a squeeze of lemon, or a thin drizzle of your favorite pesto for a vibrant twist. The simple, warm flavors of Air Fryer Gnocchi pair beautifully with so many fresh or bold toppings.
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Gnocchi shines as a hearty snack, but it also makes a stellar side for just about any main dish. Serve alongside a leafy green salad dressed in a zippy vinaigrette, or plate them next to roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or saucy Italian sausages. They soak up sauces beautifully, so feel free to serve them with a bowl of marinara or creamy dip for dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to have some fun? Thread the crispy gnocchi onto skewers as party-ready bites, or set out small bowls for sharing during game night. You can even toss them straight onto a platter with a rainbow of dips for a hands-on appetizer platter. However you present them, Air Fryer Gnocchi always brings a bit of playful magic to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and retain much of their crisp exterior and soft insides, especially if you reheat them the right way.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch ahead of time? Once cooked and cooled, spread the Air Fryer Gnocchi on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This method keeps them from sticking together, so you can grab as many as you like for a quick snack later.
Reheating
For best results, pop your refrigerated or frozen gnocchi right back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp and warmed through—they’ll taste almost as fresh as the first time. The oven works too if you don’t have your air fryer handy, but avoid the microwave to keep that coveted crunch.
FAQs
Do I need to boil gnocchi before putting them in the air fryer?
No need! One of the best parts about Air Fryer Gnocchi is that you skip the boiling completely. Just toss the store-bought gnocchi with oil and seasonings, then air fry straight from the package for perfectly fluffy insides and crisp outsides.
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! You don’t even have to thaw them—just add a couple extra minutes to the air frying time and shake the basket a little more often to ensure even crisping.
Is Air Fryer Gnocchi gluten free?
Most store-bought gnocchi are made with wheat flour, so they aren’t naturally gluten free. However, there are plenty of gluten-free gnocchi options at grocery stores, so just check the package if that’s important to you.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just be sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to keep that signature crisp each time, then combine all the batches in a serving bowl when you’re ready to serve.
What other seasonings work well with Air Fryer Gnocchi?
You can switch things up by tossing your gnocchi with smoked paprika, chili powder, grated lemon zest, or even a bit of truffle oil after air frying. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a perfect canvas for your favorite flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Air Fryer Gnocchi, I have a feeling it’ll become your new favorite way to serve gnocchi. It’s quick, effortlessly delicious, and endlessly versatile—exactly the kind of magic every busy (or hungry!) cook needs. Give this recipe a whirl, and don’t be surprised when it disappears faster than you can say “crispy gnocchi!”.
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Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe. Perfectly seasoned gnocchi cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer, ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Coat Gnocchi: In a bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Air Fry: Place the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- No need to boil the gnocchi beforehand—air frying straight from the package works perfectly.
- Try tossing the cooked gnocchi in pesto, marinara, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
