Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn ordinary gnocchi into pure happiness, the secret is right here in this recipe for Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi. Picture perfectly golden pillows that are crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and absolutely bursting with flavor thanks to a generous toss in olive oil, garlic, and parmesan. Whether you start with shelf-stable, fridge-fresh, or even gnocchi straight from the freezer, your air fryer guarantees you the crispiest bite every single time. This dish transforms humble gnocchi into highly snackable, dinner-party-worthy bites you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of kitchen staples is all it takes to make magic. Each ingredient in this recipe brings something vital: crunch, savoriness, richness, or aromatic appeal. Here’s how each component turns your gnocchi into the star of your table:
- Gnocchi (1 lb): The foundation of it all! Whether you opt for classic potato, sweet potato, or even cauliflower, make sure it’s shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen—you can skip boiling for this recipe!
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1-2 tbsp): Essential for that shimmering, crunchy surface and a hint of fruitiness that wraps every piece.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds an irresistible punch of garlicky depth without overpowering the subtle potato flavor.
- Salt (½ tsp): Don’t skip it! A sprinkle at this stage ensures the gnocchi are perfectly seasoned right out of the fryer.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Brings a little warmth and contrast to balance the richness of the parmesan and olive oil.
- Freshly grated parmesan (2-3 tbsp): This is what takes it over the top—the cheese melts and browns, giving you those delectable little crispy clumps.
How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by getting your air fryer nice and hot—preheat it to 390°F. A hot basket gives your gnocchi that sizzling, instant crunch. Don’t forget to lightly spray or grease the basket with a little olive oil so nothing sticks and every piece gets evenly crisp.
Step 2: Season the Gnocchi
Toss your gnocchi into a large mixing bowl and add the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and all but a sprinkle of your parmesan. If you’re working with frozen gnocchi, toss it straight from the freezer—no need to thaw! This is what ensures even seasoning on every bite and the signature crunch that makes Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi so addictive.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Pour the seasoned gnocchi into your preheated air fryer basket. Be sure to spread them in a single layer without too much overlap. This step is crucial! Overcrowding steams the gnocchi instead of frying it, so take a moment to make sure each piece has its space to get that signature golden, crispy exterior.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Ready to air fry? Set your timer! For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry for 11 to 14 minutes at 390°F. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, extend that to 13 to 16 minutes. Shake the basket every 4 to 5 minutes for ultra-even browning. The end goal: crispy outside, fluffy inside, slightly bronzed but never burnt. Watch closely for that gorgeous golden hue—the hallmark of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
As soon as your gnocchi is perfectly crisp, plate them up and sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top while they’re still hot. Dive in right away for maximum crunch or set up your spread for dipping and sharing. Trust me, these gnocchi disappear in no time!
How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Garnishes
A simple finish can make a world of difference. Top your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi with a generous shower of extra parmesan, some fresh cracked black pepper, or a snowfall of chopped parsley. If you’re feeling bold, add a touch of lemon zest for brightness or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil—the sky’s the limit on flavor and color.
Side Dishes
There’s no one right way to enjoy these. Serve the gnocchi alongside a light, peppery arugula salad, a hearty chicken parmesan, or a big bowl of roasted veggies. They’re also fantastic with a saucy main like chicken piccata or meatballs, where the gnocchi’s crispness offers a perfect contrast to silkier textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, turn your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi into a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter! Set out small bowls of marinara, pesto, or garlic aioli for dipping. Or sprinkle the crunchy gnocchi over Caesar salad as crave-worthy croutons. They even make a surprising addition to soups, where they’ll soak in just enough flavor while staying delightfully chewy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you actually manage to have leftovers, let the gnocchi cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. It’s best to hold off on garnishes until you’re ready to reheat and eat—they’ll taste freshest that way.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze air-fried gnocchi! Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag or container. This keeps them from sticking and means you can re-crisp just a handful at a time for future snacking emergencies. Use within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, pop leftover gnocchi back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-4 minutes. You can also reheat in a hot oven on a baking sheet. The microwave is faster but tends to soften the exterior, so stick with dry heat for the best results with your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your gnocchi are well chilled and a bit firm before air frying—soft, fresh gnocchi may need a minute or two less to avoid overcooking. Homemade gnocchi will have a slightly different texture, but still come out crispy and delicious.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No need at all! One of the best things about Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is that you can toss them straight from the package (or freezer) to the air fryer. Skipping the boiling step keeps the outside dry and ready to crisp up beautifully.
What sauces go best with this dish?
These little golden bites are ultra-versatile. Marinara or classic basil pesto both work beautifully, but you can also try spicy arrabbiata, creamy Alfredo, or a herby yogurt dip. The crisp outside means they hold up well to sauces—dip, dunk, or drizzle away!
Can I make these oil-free?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose a lot of that signature crunch and depth of flavor. If reducing oil, a spritz of olive oil spray is better than skipping it entirely so you still get that golden glow.
What other toppings can I use besides parmesan?
The possibilities are endless! Try grated pecorino, a dusting of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version, or a blend of Italian seasoning for extra herby notes. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to amp up the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi—crunchy, golden, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a crave-worthy snack, or a hearty side, you’ll be surprised by how simple and exciting they are to make. Give it a try, and see for yourself why this is sure to become a cherished kitchen classic!
Print
Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 19 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, these gnocchi are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi:
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerator, 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
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
- Toss Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Do not thaw frozen gnocchi.
- Add to Air Fryer: Add the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Cook Shelf-Stable & Refrigerated Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 11 – 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook Frozen Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 13 – 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley. Enjoy as a side, appetizer, or salad topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Gnocchi, Crispy Gnocchi, Easy Appetizer, Italian Recipe
