Once you try this Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe, you’ll never want to make gnocchi any other way. It’s incredibly crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside, coated with delicious seasonings. I make this recipe at least twice a week; all my friends are now begging me to make it. Air fryer gnocchi is perfect as a game day appetizer, side dish, salad topping, or snack. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce (I love marinara) or sprinkle them as croutons on salads. In this post, we will cover the time overview, ingredients, required tools, step-by-step instructions, and variations of this recipe.
Ⅰ. Time Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ⅱ. Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Air Fryer Gnocchi:
- Gnocchi: Fresh or frozen potato gnocchi work best. Dry gnocchi is also good but needs to be boiled and cooled before air frying. I’ve tried making this recipe with sweet potato gnocchi and cauliflower gnocchi, both of which turn out great.
- Olive Oil: For best results, use a small amount of extra virgin olive oil rather than just using cooking spray. This helps the gnocchi achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Season the gnocchi with grated Parmesan cheese before air frying. If you prefer, you can sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the gnocchi after air frying.
- Seasonings: I use salt, garlic powder, and oregano for seasoning. Feel free to use Italian seasoning instead of oregano and/or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Ⅲ. Required Tools
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Tools: 1/4 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon.
Ⅳ. How to Make Air Fryer Gnocchi
1. Prepare the Gnocchi:
If you’re using fresh or frozen gnocchi, they are ready to go. If you’re using dry gnocchi, cook them according to the package instructions and let them cool completely before proceeding.
2. Season the Gnocchi:
In a mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they are evenly coated.
Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Toss again to coat the gnocchi evenly with the seasonings.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the gnocchi cook evenly and become nice and crispy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place the seasoned gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, cooking them evenly.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The gnocchi should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
5. Serve:
Transfer the crispy gnocchi to a serving plate. If desired, sprinkle with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or pesto, or use them as croutons on a salad.
Ⅴ. Recipe Variations
This air fryer gnocchi recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious variations to try:
1.Cauliflower Gnocchi:
Use your favorite cauliflower gnocchi instead of potato gnocchi for a lower-carb, delicious alternative. Follow the same steps as above for a tasty twist.
2.Sweet Potato Gnocchi:
Sweet potato gnocchi are fantastic! Use homemade or store-bought sweet potato gnocchi for this simple air fryer recipe. They turn out crispy and delicious. Follow the same seasoning steps and enjoy a sweet and savory treat.
3.Italian Style:
Replace garlic powder with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. The Italian herbs will give the gnocchi a robust, aromatic taste.
4.Asian Twist:
Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the gnocchi before air frying, and use soy sauce or teriyaki sauce as a dip. Omit the Parmesan cheese for an Asian-inspired version that’s full of umami.
5.Crispy Pesto:
Replace the olive oil in the recipe with 1/4 cup of pesto. Air fry the pesto-coated gnocchi for the crispiest, most flavorful variation. This is perfect for pesto lovers who want a quick and easy snack or side dish. I love this simple nut-free pesto.
Ⅵ. Conclusion
This Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe is not only a healthier alternative but also a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic dish. The air fryer ensures that the gnocchi are perfectly crispy and tender, while the seasonings provide a burst of flavor. Don’t forget to experiment with the recipe and make it your own.