If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful snack or a delicious side dish, air fryer gnocchi is your new go-to recipe. Gnocchi, those pillowy little Italian dumplings, are traditionally boiled and served with rich sauces, but when you air fry them, they transform into a crispy, golden treat that’s incredibly addictive. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this air fryer gnocchi recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile.
The beauty of making gnocchi in the air fryer lies in the texture. While boiled gnocchi can sometimes feel heavy, air-fried gnocchi delivers a perfect balance of crunch on the outside and softness on the inside. The air fryer creates the ideal crispiness without the need for excess oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. Plus, the cooking time is significantly reduced, meaning you can have a batch ready in less than 15 minutes!
This air fryer gnocchi recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Italian cuisine but doesn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping, craving a snack, or looking for a quick side to complement your main dish, air fryer gnocchi is a game-changer. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making this simple, crispy dish and how easy it is to bring this recipe to life in your kitchen.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Making air fryer gnocchi is not only fast but incredibly fun, especially if you’ve never tried gnocchi before. One of the main reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe is the versatility. You can enjoy air-fried gnocchi as a side dish, a snack, or even as a main course by adding your favorite sauces and toppings. Whether you’re craving something savory or you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, the options are endless.
The texture is another big reason why air fryer gnocchi will quickly become a staple in your cooking routine. By using the air fryer, you achieve a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a soft, pillowy interior. It’s the best of both worlds! The air fryer also uses little to no oil, which makes this dish a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. It’s a perfect way to indulge without the guilt!
This recipe is quick and simple, taking just a few minutes of prep and about 10 minutes to cook. You don’t need any special cooking skills or equipment to make this dish. All you need is a package of store-bought gnocchi, a bit of seasoning, and your trusty air fryer.
Additionally, this dish is customizable! You can play around with different seasonings, herbs, and even add toppings like Parmesan, fresh herbs, or marinara sauce. It’s easy to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re making a quick snack or a hearty meal, air fryer gnocchi checks all the boxes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, marinara sauce
Equipment Used
- Air Fryer: The star of this recipe! An air fryer helps achieve the crispy, golden exterior on the gnocchi without the need for excessive oil. Make sure your air fryer has a basket or tray to allow the gnocchi to cook evenly.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to toss the gnocchi with olive oil and seasonings before air frying. This helps evenly coat the gnocchi for that perfect crisp.
- Tongs or Spoon: For easy handling of the gnocchi, tongs or a spoon will help place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and also give them a quick shake halfway through cooking.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure the oil, seasonings, and any optional ingredients (such as Parmesan or herbs) to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Serving Plate: Once your air fryer gnocchi is crispy and golden, transfer it to a serving plate to enjoy immediately!
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s nice and hot for the gnocchi.
- Prepare the Gnocchi: If using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw. Simply add the frozen gnocchi to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Season the Gnocchi: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the gnocchi. Toss well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Air Fry the Gnocchi: Place the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the gnocchi are not overcrowded, so they cook evenly and get crispy. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Check for Crispiness: After 10-12 minutes, check to see if the gnocchi are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, add another 1-2 minutes of cook time.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the gnocchi are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 190 per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
This air fryer gnocchi recipe is a relatively low-calorie and low-fat option compared to traditional deep-fried gnocchi. It’s also a great source of carbohydrates, making it an ideal snack or side dish for energy. With a small amount of olive oil used for crisping, this recipe remains light while delivering full flavor. You can customize the recipe further to make it even healthier by adding fresh veggies or pairing it with a lean protein.
Variations
- Cheesy Gnocchi: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the gnocchi before air frying to add a cheesy, savory layer.
- Herb Seasoning: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to bring more depth of flavor to the gnocchi.
- Spicy Gnocchi: For a kick of heat, toss the gnocchi with red pepper flakes before cooking.
- Vegetarian Gnocchi: Serve the gnocchi with a simple marinara sauce and top with fresh basil for a classic Italian flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi directly from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking. Simply season and air fry them for a quick and easy snack.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi before air frying?
No, boiling is not necessary. The air fryer will crisp the gnocchi perfectly without the need for boiling.
How long do I cook gnocchi in the air fryer?
Air fry the gnocchi at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Can I make air fryer gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the gnocchi in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the crispiest gnocchi, make sure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use Fresh Olive Oil: For an extra flavorful crispy coating, use fresh olive oil instead of spray oil, which can leave a heavier texture.
- Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket to ensure that all the gnocchi cook evenly and get perfectly crispy on all sides.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer gnocchi can be served in a variety of ways. For a light meal, enjoy them with a side of marinara sauce or a tangy pesto dip. They also make an excellent side dish to complement roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a classic Italian twist. Alternatively, you can make a fun snack by serving the gnocchi with a spicy sriracha mayo or garlic aioli dipping sauce.
Easy Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe : Crispy & Delicious in Minutes
Equipment
- Air Fryer: The star of this recipe! An air fryer helps achieve the crispy, golden exterior on the gnocchi without the need for excessive oil. Make sure your air fryer has a basket or tray to allow the gnocchi to cook evenly.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to toss the gnocchi with olive oil and seasonings before air frying. This helps evenly coat the gnocchi for that perfect crisp.
- Tongs or Spoon: For easy handling of the gnocchi, tongs or a spoon will help place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and also give them a quick shake halfway through cooking.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure the oil, seasonings, and any optional ingredients (such as Parmesan or herbs) to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Serving Plate: Once your air fryer gnocchi is crispy and golden, transfer it to a serving plate to enjoy immediately!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese fresh herbs, marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s nice and hot for the gnocchi.
- Prepare the Gnocchi: If using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw. Simply add the frozen gnocchi to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Season the Gnocchi: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the gnocchi. Toss well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Air Fry the Gnocchi: Place the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the gnocchi are not overcrowded, so they cook evenly and get crispy. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Check for Crispiness: After 10-12 minutes, check to see if the gnocchi are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, add another 1-2 minutes of cook time.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the gnocchi are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!