Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for pillowy gnocchi with a golden-brown, irresistible crunch, let me introduce you to the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi. This easy recipe transforms store-bought potato gnocchi into a spectacularly crispy delight, perfect as a snack, side, or even the star of your next appetizer spread. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a dish that’s tender on the inside and crackly on the outside—completely addictive and sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, but each one is carefully chosen to bring out the best texture, flavor, and color in our Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi. Quality matters, so don’t skimp—each element has a special role to play.
- Potato gnocchi (16 oz, shelf-stable): Look for the vacuum-sealed packs in the pasta aisle; they become perfectly crispy in the air fryer and don’t require boiling first.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This adds richness and helps the gnocchi develop that crave-worthy crunch.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For that irresistible, savory depth—garlic powder works better than fresh here for even distribution.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A delicious blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that delivers classic Italian flavor in every bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and balances the other seasonings beautifully.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional): Sprinkling Parmesan on top once cooked gives an extra layer of saltiness and umami.
- Chopped parsley (for serving, optional): Brightens up the plate with fresh, herby color and flavor.
How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you get started, give your air fryer a running start by preheating it to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This simple step ensures the gnocchi hit a hot surface right away, which is crucial for that crisp, golden crust everyone craves.
Step 2: Season the Gnocchi
Place the gnocchi in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula (or your hands!) to toss everything together until the gnocchi are evenly coated. This guarantees maximum flavor in every single bite of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Transfer the seasoned gnocchi into your air fryer basket, but don’t just dump them in. Arrange them in a single layer if possible so they all get an even blast of hot air; if your air fryer is smaller, work in batches. Overcrowding might lead to less-than-crispy results—trust me, it’s worth the patience!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set the timer for 10 to 12 minutes and let the air fryer work its magic. Halfway through the cook time, give the basket a good shake to turn the gnocchi and expose every surface to the hot air. When they emerge golden, blistered, and crisp, you’ll know they’re ready. Take a moment to appreciate just how perfectly the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi have turned out!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the gnocchi from the basket and let them cool for a minute—it helps the crust firm up even more. While they’re still warm, sprinkle with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan and a shower of chopped parsley for a truly irresistible finish. Dig in while they’re at their peak!
How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Garnishes
While the gnocchi are fantastic on their own, garnishing them takes flavor and presentation to the next level. Freshly grated Parmesan melts slightly on the hot gnocchi, offering a salty, creamy contrast to the crunch. A bit of chopped parsley not only adds herby freshness but also brightens the look of your plate.
Side Dishes
The Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi shine next to a leafy green salad, a bowl of homemade tomato soup, or a tumble of charred veggies. They’re also fabulous as a crunchy element on a vegan antipasto platter or as a side with grilled chicken or shrimp for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your snack game by serving the gnocchi with a selection of dipping sauces—think marinara, pesto, or even garlicky aioli. Skewer them on toothpicks for easy party appetizers, or try tossing the piping-hot gnocchi with shredded mozzarella for extra-gooey, cheesy bites. Your guests will love these playful, unexpected twists!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow resist devouring the entire batch, store any leftover Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their crunch and flavor so you can keep enjoying them.
Freezing
You can actually freeze air-fried gnocchi! Spread the cooled gnocchi on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When a craving strikes, reheat straight from frozen—a lifesaver for impromptu snacks!
Reheating
For best results, pop refrigerated or frozen gnocchi back in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until hot and re-crisped. It revives their crunch better than the microwave, ensuring your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi stay true to their name.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will work wonderfully—just make sure they’re firm and have had a bit of time to dry out so they don’t get mushy. No need to boil before air frying, especially if they’re on the firmer side.
Why is my gnocchi chewy instead of crispy?
If your gnocchi are turning out chewy, it’s often due to overcrowding the air fryer basket or not preheating the air fryer. Give them plenty of space, and the preheat step helps lock in that essential crispiness from the very start.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free potato gnocchi, which is available at most major grocery stores. The cooking method remains exactly the same, so you can enjoy gluten-free Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi without any extra hassle.
Can I add other seasonings or flavors?
Feel free to experiment! Smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even a touch of truffle salt can add exciting new flavors. Just keep the same overall amount of spice so the oil properly coats each piece.
What’s the best dipping sauce for air fryer gnocchi?
Classic marinara is always a winner, but pesto, Alfredo sauce, or a zesty garlic aioli make wonderful companions too. Try serving with a trio of dips to let everyone customize their Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi experience!
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope you give the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi a try—it’s one of those magical recipes that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it up to guests or enjoying it solo as a treat. With its golden crunch and endless possibilities for creative twists, this gnocchi truly lives up to its name. Let me know how it turned out for you, and share your favorite ways to serve it!
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Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the crispiest air fryer gnocchi with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, this dish is a delightful twist on traditional gnocchi.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving Suggestions:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Gnocchi: In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Transfer the seasoned gnocchi to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the gnocchi and let cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy version, toss the hot gnocchi with shredded mozzarella right after cooking.
- These make a perfect snack, side dish, or fun appetizer with marinara or pesto for dipping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
