Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Ready to take your love for gnocchi to the next level? Meet the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi—a totally addictive snack or side dish that comes together in minutes. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi transformed into golden, crunchy bites with barely any oil and zero boiling! Each piece packs a flavor punch from garlic, Italian herbs, and a shower of Parmesan, making this recipe an instant favorite for both comfort food lovers and busy weeknight cooks. If you’re searching for a simple, irresistible way to enjoy everyone’s favorite potato dumpling, this recipe is about to become your secret weapon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is how just a handful of everyday ingredients yield truly restaurant-worthy results. Each addition has a tasty role to play—good olive oil for that iconic crunch, spices for aroma, seasoning for balanced flavor, and of course, Parmesan and parsley to lift everything at the finish.
- Potato gnocchi (1 package, 16 oz): Shelf-stable or refrigerated; skip boiling and use them straight from the package for easy prep and maximum crispiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to coat each gnocchi and promise crunchy, never greasy, results.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers deep, savory flavor throughout every bite.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Adds those classic herbaceous notes that make the gnocchi taste authentically Italian-American.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every other flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle, warming kick at the finish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional): Melts slightly over the hot gnocchi, adding salty-nutty goodness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for serving, optional): Brings fresh color and a hint of brightness to the dish.
How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step 1: Season the Gnocchi
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and tossing in your shelf-stable gnocchi (straight from the packet—no boiling water required). Add olive oil to ensure each piece gets a glossy coat that’ll crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Sprinkle in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss so each gnocchi is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating is an important step to guarantee your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi get that golden, crunchy crust we all crave. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This creates the perfect hot environment for the magic to happen as soon as the gnocchi go in.
Step 3: Arrange and Air Fry
Add the gnocchi to the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if your basket isn’t huge. Crowding them leads to sogginess, so give those little dumplings some space! Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake the basket so everything crisps up evenly. Watch as they turn delightfully golden and crunchy.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
As soon as your gnocchi come out piping hot and crispy, move them to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if you like. Serve immediately for the ultimate crispy experience that’s SO much better than anything you’d expect from frozen or boiled gnocchi.
How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Garnishes
For the tastiest finishing touch, don’t be shy with your garnishes. Pile on the Parmesan cheese for savory, slightly melty bliss, and a scatter of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes gives them a spicy kick that’s irresistible!
Side Dishes
Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is ultra-versatile! Serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a light lunch, or pair them with a rich tomato sauce, creamy pesto, or even a bowl of classic minestrone. They’re delicious next to roasted vegetables or as a creative, crunchy alternative to fries with your favorite sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn snack time into a party by serving these crunchy gnocchi on a board with an array of dipping sauces—think garlicky aioli, classic marinara, or a tangy ranch. Stack them on a platter with toothpicks for an appetizer, or even use them to top a cozy soup for added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi (which is a rare occurrence!), make sure they cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping them as fresh as possible.
Freezing
While freezing cooked gnocchi isn’t ideal for maintaining their crunch, you can freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The texture may soften a bit after thawing, but popping them back in the air fryer helps bring back some crispiness.
Reheating
To restore that irresistible crunch, reheat the gnocchi in your air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Skip the microwave, which will make them soggy—let the air fryer do its magic all over again!
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi works beautifully—just make sure they’re not too wet or sticky. Dust lightly with flour and proceed as directed, though keep an eye on the cooking time as they may crisp up a bit faster than packaged versions.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
Not for this recipe! The beauty of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is going straight from the package to the air fryer, saving you both time and cleanup while delivering seriously delicious results.
What type Side Dish
Any basket-style or even toaster oven-style air fryer will work—just be mindful not to overcrowd the gnocchi in the basket, working in batches if necessary for the best crispy texture.
Can I customize the seasonings?
Yes! The base is delicious as written, but feel free to get creative. Try adding smoked paprika, lemon zest, a little grated hard cheese before cooking, or your favorite blend of dried herbs and spices.
Are there vegan options for this recipe?
Certainly—just skip the Parmesan cheese or use your favorite vegan parmesan substitute. All the other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, so you can enjoy Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi no matter your dietary preference!
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed gnocchi any other way. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a fun twist on classic comfort food, these golden bites never disappoint. Give them a try and prepare to be completely hooked!
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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. These golden brown and crispy gnocchi are seasoned to perfection and make a delicious side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 package (16 oz) 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
Optional Toppings:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Coat Gnocchi: In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry Gnocchi: Add 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.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- No boiling required—use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi straight from the package.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before air frying.
- Serve as a snack, side dish, or toss with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
