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If you’re craving a snack or side that perfectly balances crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, look no further than the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe. This delightful dish transforms humble gnocchi into golden bites of pure joy, showcasing how simple ingredients and a clever technique can create an irresistible treat that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers crunch, flavor, and comfort all wrapped into one easy meal addition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can elevate gnocchi from soft dumplings to the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe you’ll adore. Each component plays a role in flavor, texture, or that perfect golden finish that makes every bite sing.
- 1 lb gnocchi: Choose shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen varieties; regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato gnocchi all work wonderfully depending on your preference.
- 1 – 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This coats the gnocchi, helping them crisp up beautifully while adding a rich, fruity note.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the gnocchi with subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out the overall flavor and balance the seasoning perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick to complement the richness of the parmesan.
- 2 – 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan: When tossed with the gnocchi, it creates a savory crust that enhances both crispiness and taste.
How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. A hot basket is the secret to locking in crispiness fast, and lightly greasing it with olive oil spray ensures the gnocchi won’t stick as they cook.
Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi
In a large bowl, toss your gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan. Don’t worry about thawing frozen gnocchi beforehand—keeping them cold actually supports a crunchier texture once cooked.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the seasoned gnocchi in the preheated air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispness on all sides. Cook according to your gnocchi type, generally about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for golden, crispy bites.
Step 4: Serve Right Away
Once the gnocchi are crispy and golden, transfer them to your serving dish immediately. The heat and texture are at their peak right out of the fryer, making every forkful memorable.
How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil instantly elevate your crispy gnocchi, adding freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair these crisp gnocchi bites with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping, a vibrant green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and exciting meal that satisfies cravings on all fronts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe atop a bed of sautéed spinach or beneath a luscious drizzle of browned butter and sage for an elegant twist. They also shine sprinkled over soups or mixed into grain bowls to add wonderful texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any gnocchi left after indulging, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. While they won’t be as crisp as freshly cooked, they still make a great snack or quick meal addition.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked gnocchi after they cool completely by laying them out on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This keeps them separate and ready to crisp up in the air fryer again whenever you want.
Reheating
The best way to enjoy leftover gnocchi without losing that coveted crunch is to reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. This revives their crispiness better than the microwave or stovetop.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi works just as well and often cooks even quicker in the air fryer. Just toss gently with the seasonings and watch closely to prevent over-browning.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?
You can still achieve a crispy finish without parmesan by using extra olive oil and adjusting the seasoning with herbs or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the gnocchi cook evenly and crisp up faster, so it’s highly recommended to get the best results with this recipe.
Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?
Definitely! Toss roasted veggies or cooked sausage with the gnocchi after air frying for a complete meal that’s full of texture and flavor.
How do I stop the gnocchi from sticking to the basket?
Lightly greasing the air fryer basket before cooking and making sure the gnocchi pieces are in a single layer with space between them will prevent sticking and ensure crispiness on every piece.
Final Thoughts
Making the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to snacks and sides because it’s quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. Once you try these golden, crispy bites, prepared with just a few humble ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll be hooked. Don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes and pairings—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delightful recipe. So go ahead, grab your gnocchi, and dive into this crunchy comfort with a big smile!
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Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe transforms store-bought or frozen gnocchi into a delightfully crispy and flavorful dish with minimal effort. Seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and freshly grated parmesan, these golden bites are perfect as a side, appetizer, or salad topping, ready in just 15 minutes using the air fryer.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen; regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
Seasonings
- 1 – 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 – 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Gnocchi: In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw before tossing.
- Air Fry: Place the seasoned gnocchi in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap to ensure even crisping. Air fry until golden and crispy, approximately 10-12 minutes depending on gnocchi type, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve: Garnish the crispy gnocchi with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish, appetizer, or topped on salads.
Notes
- Do not thaw frozen gnocchi before air frying as this may affect texture and crispiness.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even crisping on all sides.
- Use a single layer in the basket to avoid steaming instead of crisping the gnocchi.
- Additional garnishes like fresh herbs or a drizzle of pesto can complement this dish.
