This crispy air fryer gnocchi is a game-changer! With less than 15 minutes of preparation, it is golden, crunchy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. You can make it with frozen, refrigerated, or shelf-stable gnocchi—choose your favorite! It’s a versatile snack, appetizer, or side dish that can be served with dipping sauces or tossed on a salad.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen)

• 1 – 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 – 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.

2. Toss the gnocchi in a large mixing bowl with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. If using frozen gnocchi, don’t thaw it—just add it directly.

3. Place the seasoned gnocchi into the preheated basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for maximum crispiness.

4. Air fry for 11 – 14 minutes if using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes. If using frozen gnocchi, air fry for 13 – 16 minutes, shaking the basket regularly.

5. Serve immediately with extra parmesan or fresh parsley. Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or a crunchy “crouton” on your salad.

Nutrients

• Calories: 151 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 3g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 1mg

• Sodium: 479mg

• Potassium: 8mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Vitamin A: 15IU

• Vitamin C: 0.003mg

• Calcium: 31mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Choose Air Fryer Gnocchi?

Air frying has become a popular method of cooking due to its ability to deliver crispy and crunchy textures without the excessive use of oil. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook food evenly and achieve a crisp exterior, making it a perfect choice for dishes that typically require deep frying. In the case of gnocchi, the air fryer enhances the natural texture of the dough, creating a beautiful contrast between the crisp outside and the soft inside. The best part? It requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier alternative.

In addition to the health benefits, air fryer gnocchi is incredibly easy to prepare. Unlike traditional methods that may require boiling or pan-frying, this recipe involves simply seasoning the gnocchi, tossing it in a bit of olive oil, and letting the air fryer do the rest. Whether you have a batch of frozen gnocchi, refrigerated gnocchi, or shelf-stable gnocchi in your pantry, this recipe works with all variations, making it an incredibly convenient dish to prepare anytime.

The Versatility of Gnocchi

Gnocchi, though often associated with a rich, creamy sauce, is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various forms. In this air fryer version, you can serve the gnocchi as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It’s perfect for pairing with dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or garlic butter. You can also toss it onto a salad for a crunchy twist or enjoy it on its own as a quick and satisfying bite. The combination of crispy and fluffy textures makes it a great addition to any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more festive occasion.

One of the advantages of making crispy gnocchi in the air fryer is that it retains its authenticity, unlike when it’s deep-fried, which can sometimes overpower the delicate flavor of the gnocchi. The air fryer enhances the gnocchi’s natural flavor, providing a satisfying crunch without sacrificing the integrity of the dish.

Customizing Your Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi

This recipe is easily customizable to fit various dietary preferences and taste preferences. For those following a vegan diet, simply substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast provides a savory, cheesy flavor without the use of dairy, making it a perfect alternative for vegan or dairy-free diets. You can also experiment with different seasonings to suit your tastes—garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the basics, but you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

For those who love a bit of extra cheese, try adding more parmesan cheese after the gnocchi has finished cooking. This will melt into the crispy gnocchi, adding another layer of flavor that will elevate the dish. Additionally, consider serving your air fryer gnocchi with a side of marinara sauce or a drizzle of olive oil for dipping.

The Healthier Option

Traditional gnocchi dishes are often paired with heavy cream sauces, resulting in a calorie-dense meal. In contrast, the air fryer method significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making this version of gnocchi a lighter and healthier option. The recipe calls for only a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil, which is a healthy fat source rich in monounsaturated fats. Olive oil has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health, thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Furthermore, air frying uses much less oil than deep frying, meaning you can enjoy a crunchy, golden result without the excess fat. If you’re looking to cut calories or make the dish even healthier, you can skip the parmesan or nutritional yeast entirely, though they do provide a wonderful depth of flavor.

Time-Saving and Convenient

One of the greatest advantages of making crispy gnocchi in the air fryer is the minimal preparation time. With just 11 to 16 minutes of cooking time, depending on whether you’re using frozen or shelf-stable gnocchi, you can have a golden, crispy snack or side dish ready in no time. There’s no need for boiling water or waiting for gnocchi to cook in a pot. The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, giving you a crispy, flavorful result without requiring constant attention.

Since the air fryer does all the work, you can focus on other tasks while your gnocchi cooks, making this recipe ideal for those with busy schedules or anyone who prefers easy, hands-off cooking. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for a family gathering, this recipe is quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Gnocchi

To ensure your air fryer gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. For optimal crispiness, the gnocchi should be in a single layer with a little space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around the gnocchi, giving it that perfect golden crunch.

Shaking the basket midway through the cooking process is another important step. This helps ensure the gnocchi cooks evenly on all sides, preventing any pieces from becoming soggy or undercooked. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw it before air frying—just toss it straight into the air fryer, and it will crisp up beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy air fryer gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It makes an excellent appetizer, especially when served with a dipping sauce like marinara or a tangy pesto. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, toss the gnocchi onto a salad for a crunchy and satisfying twist. The warm, crispy gnocchi pairs beautifully with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

For a complete meal, serve the gnocchi alongside roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even as a side dish to a pasta entrée. The crispy texture of the gnocchi adds a delightful contrast to any dish, making it a great addition to your menu, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crispy air fryer gnocchi is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the comfort of gnocchi but wants a quicker, healthier, and more convenient option. With minimal preparation, a short cooking time, and a perfectly crispy exterior, it’s an ideal snack, appetizer, or side dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or simply looking for a lighter way to enjoy gnocchi, this recipe is versatile enough to meet your needs. So next time you’re craving a delicious and satisfying bite, reach for the gnocchi, toss it in your air fryer, and enjoy the crispy, golden goodness!