Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

If you crave golden, crunchy bites with a pillowy-soft center, then let me introduce you to the wonder that is Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi! This easy, fuss-free recipe transforms simple gnocchi into irresistibly crisp morsels—perfect for snacking, dipping, or jazzing up your weeknight dinner line-up.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe is how few ingredients you need, yet each one delivers a punch! Here’s what goes in, plus a tip for making every bite unforgettable.

• Gnocchi (1 lb, shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen): Choose your favorite—regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato gnocchi all work beautifully. Frozen gnocchi goes straight in—don’t thaw!
• Extra-virgin olive oil (1–2 tablespoons): Helps the gnocchi crisp up and adds that hint of richness.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses savory flavor throughout every crispy bite.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all those deep flavors.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Lends a gentle heat and depth.
• Freshly grated parmesan (2–3 tablespoons): Grate it yourself for melty, salty magic. It gives a golden crust that’s totally irresistible.

Variations

One of the joys of making Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is just how adaptable it is. A tweak here or a swap there and you can craft a version perfect for whatever you’re craving—or for what’s hanging out in your pantry!

• Make it Vegan: Skip the parmesan and toss your gnocchi with nutritional yeast instead for cheesy, dairy-free flavor.
• Try Different Gnocchi: Sweet potato, cauliflower, or even homemade gnocchi can each bring a fun twist and new flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix for extra zing.
• Lemon Zest Finish: Toss the gnocchi with freshly grated lemon zest before serving for a pop of bright flavor.

How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. Give your basket a light spritz of olive oil spray—this sets the stage for that coveted crispness and helps prevent sticking. A hot, greased basket means your gnocchi gets a jumpstart on browning right from the first second!

Step 2: Toss Gnocchi with Flavor

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Make sure every piece gets a good coating, so each bite is packed with flavor and develops that signature crunchy shell. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, they can go in straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Spread the gnocchi in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Resist the urge to crowd—space lets the heat circulate for the crispiest results. For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry for 11–14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4–5 minutes. Frozen gnocchi needs just a tad longer, usually 13–16 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides are deeply golden and the edges are crackling crisp.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi right away! A shower of extra parmesan or chopped fresh parsley makes the perfect finishing touch. These are best hot from the basket for ultimate crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Garnishes

For extra flair and flavor, sprinkle your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi with freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley. The cheese adds a salty, nutty kick, while the parsley brings a welcome pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair these crunchy bites with a cozy bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies—think balsamic-roasted broccoli or a creamy cauliflower soup. They also shine alongside grilled chicken, stuffed peppers, or your favorite pasta main.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine by serving gnocchi as “croutons” on salads, popping them on a party platter with marinara or pesto for dipping, or even tossing them in a bowl and calling them a fun appetizer. Nestle them into individual ramekins or snack cones for maximum snack appeal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container, separate from sauces or dips, and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The texture softens a touch, but you can absolutely revive that crunch!

Freezing

If you need to freeze them, lay the cooled gnocchi in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring to a bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month! Just note that their crispiness is best when freshly made, but air frying again after thawing helps restore the crunch.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-fryer crisp, reheat the gnocchi in your air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until they’re warm and crunchy again. Skip the microwave—it will make them soft instead of snappy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for the ultimate crispy comfort bite, you owe it to yourself to try Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi. It’s a quick win for dinner, a showstopper starter, or a snazzy snack—and I promise, your tastebuds will beg you to make them again soon!

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