Name: Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley

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If you’re searching for the ultimate snack or side dish that perfectly marries pillowy insides with a shatteringly crisp exterior, look no further than this Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe. This golden, savory dish is everything you crave in a bite: deeply satisfying, surprisingly quick, and brilliantly simple to make. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an inventive party appetizer, this recipe will have everyone swooning—trust me, once you try these tender-yet-crunchy gnocchi, there’s no going back to boiled!

Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe—aside from the irresistible texture—is how the ingredient list balances simplicity with flavor. Each component brings a little magic to the table, turning humble gnocchi into the star of your kitchen. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe:

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi (1 16-ounce package): The secret to convenient, delicious gnocchi—no boiling or prep required, just straight from the package.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This coats the gnocchi for that signature crisp crust and subtle, fruity richness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Instantly amps up savory flavor with no chopping or mincing.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mellow depth and aromatic boost to every bite.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A beautiful blend of herbs for that classic, herby profile.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for dialing up all the flavors and balancing the other seasonings.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth and edge for contrast.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): For a nutty, cheesy finish—highly recommended.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens up the final look and adds a pop of fresh flavor.

How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it’s nice and hot before the gnocchi goes in. This is key to getting that perfect crispy shell—if the basket’s already sizzling, you’re on your way to golden deliciousness.

Step 2: Season the Gnocchi

In a big mixing bowl, combine the gnocchi, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until every dumpling is gleaming with oil and well coated with seasonings. Don’t skimp on the tossing—this even coverage means every bite is as good as the last.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Golden

Arrange the gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer—crowding is the enemy of crunch, so give them a little space. Slide the basket in and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking it halfway through to ensure all sides get that epic crispiness. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown hue and blistered spots on the surface.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Once your gnocchi have reached optimal crispness, transfer them to a plate and top with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, if using. Serve immediately while they’re piping hot and extra crunchy—there’s truly nothing like that first bite fresh out of the fryer!

How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

The final flourish can make all the difference. A shower of Parmesan cheese brings nutty, salty depth, while a dusting of chopped parsley adds color and freshness. For a little zing, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe with simple sides like a fresh arugula salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or a tangy tomato marinara for dipping. These gnocchi also shine next to roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or even as the star atop a bed of leafy greens for a light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and serve these like party tater tots—pile them in a bowl with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces, or use them as a base for a modern spin on poutine or loaded nachos. They’re just as perfect as a movie-night snack as they are at a holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and make a fabulous next-day snack or lunchbox treat.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Spread the cooked gnocchi out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Stored this way, your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe will stay fresh for up to a month, ready for a quick re-crisp whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

For best results, pop the cold (or frozen) gnocchi back in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy; a hot oven works in a pinch, but the air fryer truly restores that original crunch.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi in this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi can be air fried just like the packaged kind—just make sure they’re well chilled and dusted with a little flour so they keep their shape, and adjust cooking time as needed since fresh gnocchi may cook a bit quicker.

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?

No boiling required! That’s the beauty of the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe—you use shelf-stable gnocchi straight from the package, saving time and skipping extra steps. The air fryer gives them all the tenderness and crunch you need.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely—just ensure your gnocchi brand is egg-free and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The method and seasonings don’t contain any animal products, so this recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly too.

How can I add more flavor or spice?

For a flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or freshly grated lemon zest to the seasoning mix. You can also customize with your favorite dried herbs or sprinkle the cooked gnocchi with truffle salt for extra indulgence.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just work in batches to avoid crowding the air fryer, which helps keep each gnocchi bite perfectly crispy. Keep finished batches warm in a low oven if needed until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe quickly becomes your go-to snack or side—it’s simple, adaptable, and irresistibly delicious. Give it a try and watch your friends and family light up with every crunchy bite. Happy air frying!

Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the ultimate crispy texture with this easy Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe. Perfectly seasoned potato gnocchi cooked to golden perfection, ready to be enjoyed as a side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi:

1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi

Seasoning:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional for Serving:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Season Gnocchi: In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Air Fry: Place the seasoned gnocchi in 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 from the air fryer and serve immediately with optional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.