Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Introduction
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer gnocchi make a perfect quick snack or side dish. Whether you use regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato gnocchi, this method guarantees golden, delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan. If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw it.
- Step 3: Add the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated air fryer basket, spreading them out to avoid overlapping for maximum crispiness.
- Step 4: For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry at 390°F for 11 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Step 5: For frozen gnocchi, air fry at 390°F for 13 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until evenly golden and crispy.
- Step 6: Serve immediately. Optionally garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy as a side, appetizer with your favorite dip like marinara or pesto, or add them as crunchy “croutons” to salads.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, use just enough olive oil to lightly coat the gnocchi without making them soggy.
- Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast if you want a vegan option with a cheesy flavor.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- To make a complete meal, top the crispy gnocchi with sauteed vegetables and a drizzle of basil pesto.
Storage
Store leftover crispy gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soft.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi without thawing?
Yes, frozen gnocchi can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer. This method helps them stay firm and crispy without becoming mushy.
What if my gnocchi isn’t crispy enough?
Make sure the gnocchi pieces are spread out evenly without overlapping. Shaking the basket during cooking helps all sides crisp up. Also, avoid using too much oil which can prevent crispiness.
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Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe delivers the crispiest air fryer gnocchi, transforming simple potato or alternative gnocchi into a golden, crunchy delight. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or salad topping, these gnocchi are seasoned with garlic, parmesan, and pepper, then air-fried to perfection for a quick and easy treat.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen; can be regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
Seasoning
- 1 – 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 – 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and promote even crisping.
- Season the Gnocchi. In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and freshly grated parmesan until evenly coated. Do not thaw frozen gnocchi before seasoning.
- Arrange in Basket. Add the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlapping to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Air Fry Shelf-Stable or Refrigerated Gnocchi. Cook at 390°F for 11 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes for even browning. The gnocchi should be golden and crispy on the outside.
- Air Fry Frozen Gnocchi. Cook at 390°F for 13 to 16 minutes, shaking every 4 to 5 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior. Frozen gnocchi will take a bit longer but should be golden and crispy when done.
- Serve Immediately. Remove the crispy gnocchi and serve right away. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy as a side with your favorite meal, as an appetizer with marinara or pesto, or use as a crunchy salad topping.
Notes
- Do not thaw frozen gnocchi before air frying to ensure optimal texture.
- Shake the air fryer basket regularly to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Use fresh parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated works but may not melt as well.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley to add color and freshness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more garlic powder or salt if preferred.
- Serve immediately to maintain crispiness as gnocchi will soften over time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes (average, varies with gnocchi type)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: crispy gnocchi, air fryer gnocchi, easy gnocchi recipe, appetizer, side dish, parmesan gnocchi, quick snack
