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Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 to 16 minutes depending on gnocchi type
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This recipe delivers the crispiest air-fried gnocchi, perfect for a quick and delicious snack or side dish. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these gnocchi are tossed in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan for a flavorful finish. They can be made from shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi varieties including classic potato, cauliflower, or sweet potato types.


Ingredients

Gnocchi

  • 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)

Seasoning

  • 1 – 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 – 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
  2. Prepare the gnocchi: In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and freshly grated parmesan. If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw before cooking.
  3. Arrange gnocchi in basket: Add the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even crisping.
  4. Air fry shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi: Cook at 390°F for 11 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes to brown all sides evenly. Cook until the gnocchi are golden and crispy on the outside but not burnt.
  5. Air fry frozen gnocchi: Cook at 390°F for 13 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes for even crisping. The cooking time is slightly longer than fresh gnocchi to ensure they cook through and become crispy.
  6. Serve immediately: Enjoy the crispy gnocchi right away. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve as a side dish, appetizer with marinara or pesto for dipping, or as a crunchy salad topping.

Notes

  • Do not thaw frozen gnocchi before air frying; cooking from frozen yields the best texture.
  • Shaking the air fryer basket during cooking ensures even browning and prevents sticking.
  • Use extra-virgin olive oil for flavor and crispiness, and spray the basket lightly to prevent sticking.
  • Serve immediately for maximum crispiness as gnocchi may soften after sitting.
  • Try different types of gnocchi such as cauliflower or sweet potato for varied flavors and dietary options.