Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

Say hello to the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi—a game-changing recipe that transforms pillow-soft gnocchi into golden, crunchy flavor bombs. With just a handful of ingredients and barely 15 minutes, your trusty air fryer works its magic, turning out gnocchi bites that are simultaneously crispy on the outside and tender inside. Snack, side, or appetizer—once you try these, they’ll become your new comfort food obsession!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it seriously simple—no fancy tricks or hard-to-find ingredients required! Each one plays its part, building savor, crust, and cheesy flair for that signature Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi bite we all crave.

• 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen): The star of the show! Choose classic potato, sweet potato, or even cauliflower gnocchi for different flavors and textures.
• 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Ensures even, golden browning and infuses the gnocchi with rich flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an irresistible, aromatic depth—think garlic bread vibes in every bite.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the flavor and helps crisp the edges.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Enhances flavor with just the right hint of warmth.
• 2–3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan: Melts on and turns golden, giving your gnocchi a nutty, cheesy, irresistibly crispy finish.

Variations

The beauty of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is just how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re eating dairy-free, want to jazz up the flavors, or want to sneak in extra veggies, you can adapt this dish on a whim!

• Make It Vegan: Skip the parmesan and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory result that’s completely plant-based.
• Switch Up the Gnocchi: Cauliflower or sweet potato gnocchi work beautifully if you want something lighter or with a hint of sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra layer of excitement.
• Herb Lover’s: Throw in chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for aromatic flair.

How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This step is crucial for immediate crisping once the gnocchi hits the basket—don’t skip it! Quickly spritz or brush your air fryer basket with a little olive oil to keep things nonstick and low-fuss.

Step 2: Season the Gnocchi

Add your gnocchi to a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and half the grated parmesan (save the rest for after cooking). Make sure every little gnocchi pillow is glistening for maximum flavor and crunch. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, go straight from freezer to bowl—no thawing needed!

Step 3: Air Fry in a Single Layer

Spread the gnocchi out in your preheated air fryer basket, trying to keep them in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding means less crunch, so if needed, cook in two batches for that unbeatable Crispest Air Fryer Gnocchi texture.

Step 4: Cook, Shake, and Check

For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry for 11–14 minutes; frozen gnocchi needs about 13–16 minutes. Every 4–5 minutes, pause and give the basket a good shake—this helps all sides get shatteringly crisp and golden. Gnocchi are ready when golden and crisp on the outside (not hard or burned!) and pillowy within.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

While the gnocchi are still hot, shower with the remaining parmesan so it melts and coats each nugget in cheesy glory. Serve immediately for the crispiest experience! Add extra fresh parsley if you like, and get dipping or nibbling right away—these bites are at their best hot from the basket.

How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Garnishes

Shower your hot gnocchi with plenty of extra parmesan for extra savory flavor, and finish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A quick drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish and makes it appetizer-worthy!

Side Dishes

Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi are a treat alongside simple balsamic chicken, tomato soup, grilled veggies, or even as the “crouton” on your favorite hearty salad. They’re magic dipped into marinara, pesto, or garlic aioli, too—trust me, you’ll want to try them every way possible!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your gnocchi in fun appetizer cones for parties, tumble them into kid-friendly bowls for snacking, or top a warm grain bowl or soup for a truly unique spin. Arrange on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces and watch them disappear in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (rare, but possible!), let the gnocchi cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep them separate from any sauces—they stay much crispier that way.

Freezing

Already-cooked air fryer gnocchi don’t freeze as well since they can get chewy and lose their crunch. But you can absolutely freeze uncooked gnocchi—just toss them straight from the freezer into the air fryer whenever you want a fresh, hot batch.

Reheating

The best way to revive leftover gnocchi’s crispiness is to air fry them at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. They’ll regain their crunchy exterior and taste almost like they’re fresh out of the basket—much better than microwaving!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t wait for you to try this Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi at home! Whether you serve them as a party starter or a cozy weeknight treat, they’re guaranteed to disappear in record time. Let your air fryer do the work and enjoy a dish that’s simple, joyous, and totally crowd-pleasing—give it a try and fall in love with gnocchi all over again!

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