If you’re searching for a mouthwatering appetizer or a fun new way to enjoy everyone’s favorite pillowy pasta, Air Fryer Gnocchi is a game changer. In just under 25 minutes, firm little gnocchi turns deliciously golden and crispy on the outside while remaining perfectly tender inside. You only need a handful of pantry staples to transform these humble dumplings into irresistible, poppable bites that work as a snack, side, or quick main. This dish checks all the right boxes: it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Gnocchi is truly in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds an essential touch, whether it’s crispiness, flavor, or that hint of cheesy goodness. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started:
- Gnocchi: These soft potato dumplings become the star, turning golden and tender with a crunchy shell after air frying.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps achieve a crisp exterior and adds a whisper of rich, fruity flavor.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances all the other seasonings without overpowering the gnocchi’s natural flavor.
- Pepper: Brings a gentle heat that wakes up each bite.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a savory punch that pairs perfectly with cheese and herbs.
- Oregano: Lends a lovely herby aroma that feels like a trip to an Italian trattoria.
- Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into a golden crust with a nutty, salty finish—grate fresh for best results.
- Arrowroot Powder or Corn Starch: The secret to crispness, this coating ensures gnocchi stays crunchy no matter how you serve it.
How to Make Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. This quick blast of heat is what sets you up for those irresistibly crisp bites, ensuring the gnocchi sizzles and cooks evenly right from the start.
Step 2: Season the Gnocchi
In a large mixing bowl, add your uncooked gnocchi. Drizzle the olive oil over top, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Toss thoroughly, making sure every piece is evenly coated—this is where the magic begins! Finally, add the arrowroot powder (or corn starch) and parmesan cheese, giving everything another good toss. Every bite should now glisten and be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Cook in the Air Fryer
Spread the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces aren’t overlapping. Crowding leads to steam, not crisp, so take your time here. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stopping halfway through to gently shake or flip the gnocchi. By the end, you’ll see perfectly crunchy, golden brown gnocchi just waiting to be devoured.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
As soon as the Air Fryer Gnocchi are done, serve them hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces (tomato sauce is a classic, but parmesan garlic sauce takes it over the top!). Don’t forget to top with a little extra parmesan and fresh parsley for color and a final flavor boost.
How to Serve Air Fryer Gnocchi
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy presentation, generously sprinkle the finished gnocchi with grated parmesan and shower with a bit of chopped fresh parsley. A hit of flaky sea salt or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a pop of flavor that makes every bite special.
Side Dishes
Serve your Air Fryer Gnocchi with a light mixed green salad tossed in balsamic, a bowl of hearty minestrone soup, or alongside roasted veggies. They’re also fantastic next to grilled chicken or pan-seared fish for an easy, colorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Air Fryer Gnocchi isn’t just for dipping! Thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a fun party snack, mix into a warm salad, or scatter them over a platter as a playful and irresistible appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (hard to believe, I know!), simply let the gnocchi cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, staying crisp and ready for a quick snack or side.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked and cooled Air Fryer Gnocchi on a baking sheet, pop them in the freezer until solid, then move to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, and you can reheat straight from frozen for best texture.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, pop leftover or frozen gnocchi back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400 degrees. They’ll perk right up and taste just as good as the first time around. The microwave works in a pinch, but they’ll lose a bit of their signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! You can put frozen gnocchi straight into the air fryer without thawing. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time and keep an eye on their color and crispness.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
Nope! That’s the beauty of Air Fryer Gnocchi. Simply coat the uncooked gnocchi in oil and seasonings, then air fry. The texture turns out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, no boiling required.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Of course! Just use your favorite gluten free gnocchi from the store, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free. Double check your parmesan and seasonings if you’re especially sensitive.
What dipping sauces go best with Air Fryer Gnocchi?
Marinara is a classic, but pesto, parmesan-garlic sauce, or even a creamy ranch make fantastic dips. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—there are so many fun options!
Why is my gnocchi not crisping up?
The biggest culprit is overcrowding in the air fryer basket or not enough oil. Make sure the gnocchi are in a single layer with space around each piece, and give them a good toss in oil for that gorgeous golden crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Air Fryer Gnocchi, now is the perfect time to jump in and discover how fun and delicious this little twist can be. It’s simple, crave-worthy, and totally adaptable—so gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready for gnocchi like you’ve never tasted before!
Print
Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make crispy and delicious Air Fryer Gnocchi with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, these gnocchi make a fantastic appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 lb gnocchi
Seasoning:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or corn starch
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Season Gnocchi: In a bowl, coat gnocchi with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano. Add arrowroot powder and parmesan, toss to coat.
- Air Fry: Spread seasoned gnocchi evenly in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve with tomato sauce and parmesan garlic sauce. Garnish with additional parmesan and parsley.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 0.01g
- Sodium: 353mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
