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Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi – Ready in 15 Minutes

If you love crispy, golden gnocchi with a soft, pillowy center, this air fryer method is a game-changer! Perfect as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or salad topper, this recipe works with frozen, refrigerated, shelf-stable, potato, cauliflower, or sweet potato gnocchi. Best of all, it’s ready in under 15 minutes and super easy to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen; potato, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
  • 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 (or nutritional yeast for vegan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer – Set to 390°F (200°C) and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
  2. Season the Gnocchi – In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Do not thaw frozen gnocchi; toss them directly from the freezer.
  3. Air Fry – Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap.
    • Fresh/Refrigerated/Shelf-Stable: Air fry for 11–14 minutes, shaking every 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
    • Frozen: Air fry for 13–16 minutes, shaking every 4–5 minutes.
  4. Serve Immediately – Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy as a side dish, snack, appetizer with marinara or pesto, or as a crispy salad topper.

Tips & Variations

  • Homemade Gnocchi: Works beautifully. Air fry for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Vegan Option: Omit Parmesan and use nutritional yeast.
  • Flavor Twists:
    • Italian: Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
    • Asian-inspired: Toss with 1 tsp sesame oil and serve with soy sauce or teriyaki.
    • Pesto: Coat with ¼ cup pesto and air fry for a crispy, flavorful twist.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store: In an airtight container, separate from sauce, in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 Servings)

  • Calories: 151 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 479mg
  • Calcium: 31mg

This air fryer gnocchi is the easiest way to enjoy crispy, golden bites with a soft, fluffy center—perfect for quick snacks, sides, or party appetizers!