Name: 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 Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for serving (optional)

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Craving something irresistibly crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and ready in minutes? Air Fryer Gnocchi is about to become your new go-to comfort dish. With just a handful of pantry staples and almost no effort, you can whip up a golden, fragrant batch of gnocchi that begs to be snacked on or served alongside your favorite Italian classics. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or serving hearty party bites, this easy technique transforms shelf-stable gnocchi into something totally crave-worthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Gnocchi is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings just enough flavor or texture to make every bite sing, and together they create a dish that feels both special and incredibly easy to throw together.

Potato Gnocchi (16-ounce package): Shelf-stable is the secret to speed; these pillowy dumplings crisp right up in the air fryer with no boiling necessary.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for that addictive crunchy exterior and rich flavor.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the gnocchi’s inherent potato goodness.
Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fuss-free way to infuse herbaceous notes throughout each bite.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): These simple seasonings lift and balance all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds salty, nutty notes when sprinkled over hot gnocchi for that classic Italian finish.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Offers a fresh pop of color and flavor for serving.

How to Make Air Fryer Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the gnocchi immediately begin to crisp when they hit the basket, delivering that signature crunch that makes Air Fryer Gnocchi so irresistible.

Step 2: Toss Gnocchi with Oil and Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato gnocchi, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the gnocchi are evenly coated. This step guarantees every dumpling is wrapped in flavor, and the oil helps achieve that perfect golden brown exterior.

Step 3: Arrange and Air Fry

Spread the seasoned gnocchi out in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If needed, work in batches, avoiding overlaps so each piece crisps up beautifully. Set the timer for 10 to 12 minutes and give the basket a gentle shake halfway through, allowing every side of the gnocchi to get that craveable crunch.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the gnocchi are golden and crispy, transfer them to a serving dish while they’re still piping hot. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley for an added flourish, if you like. Serve immediately, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Air Fryer Gnocchi

Garnishes

Amp up each serving with a shower of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. For those craving a little heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes wakes up the flavors without overpowering the delicate gnocchi. A squeeze of lemon over the top is another unexpected and delightful touch.

Side Dishes

Pair Air Fryer Gnocchi with a big green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette or set them next to a saucy entrée, like chicken Parmesan or Tuscan-style beans. They’re also fantastic with marinara, pesto, or garlic butter on the side for dipping—honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your crispy gnocchi into a big platter for family-style gathering, or portion them into ramekins for single-serve appetizers. For parties, skewer a few golden gnocchi and serve with warm dipping sauces. They also make a show-stopping base for loaded gnocchi bowls topped with sautéed veggies or charred sausage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big “if”!), let the gnocchi cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, though you may find yourself snacking on them before then.

Freezing

While Air Fryer Gnocchi are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked gnocchi for up to a month. Arrange cooled gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This helps preserve their texture and makes it easy to reheat just the amount you need.

Reheating

To bring back that satisfying crispiness, pop refrigerated or frozen gnocchi back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F until heated through and re-crisped. You can also reheat them in the oven on a baking sheet, but the air fryer keeps them their crunchiest.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

You can use homemade gnocchi, but for best results, make sure they’re firm and dried out a bit before air frying. Softer, just-made gnocchi may not crisp as well as the sturdy shelf-stable kind.

Do I need to boil the gnocchi before air frying?

Not at all! That’s part of the magic of Air Fryer Gnocchi—the gnocchi go straight from the package to the air fryer without any precooking, which saves time and skips the mess.

What sauces pair best with Air Fryer Gnocchi?

Classic marinara and vibrant pesto are always favorites, but a drizzle of browned butter, creamy Alfredo, or even garlic aioli can take your gnocchi to new heights. The crispy texture means they’re delicious dunkers for all kinds of sauces.

Can I make a spicy version?

Absolutely! Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix before air frying, or toss hot, cooked gnocchi with chili oil or Calabrian pepper paste for even more heat.

Why did my gnocchi turn out soggy instead of crispy?

The most common reason is overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Be sure to arrange the gnocchi in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece, so hot air can circulate and crisp every side. Patting the gnocchi dry with a paper towel before tossing with oil also helps.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Air Fryer Gnocchi yet, this might just become your new obsession. It’s fast, versatile, wonderfully comforting, and so easy you’ll want to make it on repeat. Give it a spin—your tastebuds (and your family) will thank you!

Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Learn how to make crispy and delicious Air Fryer Gnocchi with this easy recipe. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these golden brown gnocchi are seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan for a flavorful crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
Prepare the Gnocchi: In a mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Air Fry: Place the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the gnocchi from the air fryer and serve hot, topped with Parmesan and parsley if desired.