Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
If you’re looking for a game-changing way to enjoy potato gnocchi, look no further than Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi! These golden nuggets come out of the air fryer with irresistibly crisp edges and a fluffy, pillowy center, making them truly addictive. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a savory, snackable dish that’s as perfect for impromptu gatherings as it is for weeknight comfort eating. From the first salty, herby bite to the last sprinkle of Parmesan, this is the snack you won’t want to share (but trust me, you’ll have to).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, letting each ingredient shine for maximum flavor and texture. Every choice here pulls its weight, transforming humble pre-packaged gnocchi into a show-stopping dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Shelf-stable potato gnocchi (16-ounce package): These have the perfect texture for crisping up in the air fryer and are wonderfully convenient straight from the package—no boiling required.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick while guaranteeing a perfectly crisp finish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a touch of aromatic depth without the bite of raw garlic, infusing every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning blend with savory, slightly sweet undertones.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that tells your kitchen it’s time for an Italian-inspired treat.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out all those herby, potato flavors and heightens savory notes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese & chopped parsley (optional): A salty, cheesy finish and a burst of color that take the whole dish over the top.
How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating ensures every gnocchi cooks evenly from the second it hits the basket, giving you that coveted, consistent goldenness. Trust me, it’s a tiny detail that makes a big difference here.
Step 2: Season the Gnocchi
In a large mixing bowl, toss your shelf-stable gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Every piece should be gleaming and evenly coated—the oil and seasonings are the magic formula behind the crispiest air fryer gnocchi.
Step 3: Arrange for Crispiness
Place the gnocchi in a single layer in your air fryer basket. No stacking or crowding! This is how you guarantee that classic crunchy exterior, since the air can circulate freely around every little pillow.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Let the gnocchi cook for 10–12 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a good shake—it’s key for even browning. Watch as they transform before your eyes into golden, crispy puffs with crackly edges and tender insides.
Step 5: Top and Serve
As soon as they come out (and while they’re still hot), shower the crispy gnocchi with freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of chopped parsley, if you like. Serve immediately for maximum crisp factor—right out of the air fryer is when they’re at their absolute best!
How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A snowfall of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of vivid green parsley do wonders. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a quick zest of lemon right over the top for a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi makes a stellar side next to saucy meatballs, grilled chicken, or a robust salad piled with tomatoes and mozzarella. As an appetizer, serve with small bowls of marinara or pesto for dipping—the gnocchi double as the perfect finger food.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative: arrange the gnocchi on a platter as part of an Italian-inspired tapas spread, or skewer them for fun, party-ready bites. You can even pile them into a bowl with extra cheese and let everyone dive in, family style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage not to polish off your crispiest air fryer gnocchi, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and enjoy within three days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While gnocchi texture is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked (and cooled) gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and stash in your freezer for up to a month. This way, you’re always just minutes away from another crunchy, craveable snack.
Reheating
Give leftover gnocchi new life by reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes—just until hot and crispy again. This method keeps them from going soft and preserves all that glorious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely! While the recipe is written for shelf-stable gnocchi, homemade gnocchi will work—just be sure they’re firm and well-floured so they don’t stick together in the air fryer.
What dipping sauces go well with crispiest air fryer gnocchi?
Marinara and pesto are both fantastic, but feel free to try garlic aioli, spicy arrabbiata, or even a creamy ricotta dip. The crispy texture pairs beautifully with creamy or tangy sauces.
Do I need to spray the air fryer basket with oil?
For the crispiest air fryer gnocchi, it’s not absolutely necessary if you’ve tossed them well in olive oil, but a light spray will help prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just swap in your favorite gluten-free gnocchi. The results are every bit as crunchy and golden, with all the flavor you crave.
How can I add more flavor or heat?
Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings, or experiment with smoked paprika or truffle salt. You can even add a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving to brighten things up!
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely addictive about the crunch, the flavor, and the effortless preparation of crispiest air fryer gnocchi. Whether you’re making these for your friends, family, or that late-night snack craving, they’re guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Don’t wait—grab some gnocchi and discover for yourself why this might just become your new favorite easy side dish!
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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 snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
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
For Serving (Optional):
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Toss Gnocchi: In a mixing 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 a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the gnocchi are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- No need to boil the gnocchi first—just toss and air fry straight from the package.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Pairs well with marinara or pesto for dipping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
