Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Gnocchi, Cooked To Perfection

Air-fried gnocchi is a quick and easy dish that can be made straight from frozen, with no need to defrost. It's a versatile meal that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main dish, or side, and can be adapted to suit vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. The gnocchi is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be served with a variety of sauces, or as a salad topping.

Air fryer temperature for frozen gnocchi

Yes, you can cook frozen gnocchi in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to get crispy gnocchi without the sogginess that can come from boiling or microwaving.

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen gnocchi in an air fryer is around 390°F (200°C). This will ensure the gnocchi is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Air Frying Tips

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. This is an important step as it ensures the gnocchi cooks evenly and gets extra crispy. It is also recommended to lightly grease the basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray to ensure the gnocchi doesn't stick and to help achieve that crispy texture.

If you are using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw it before cooking. Simply toss the frozen gnocchi with oil and seasonings, and then place it in the preheated air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the gnocchi halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Cooking time for frozen gnocchi is around 13-16 minutes at 390°F. Shake the basket every 4-5 minutes so that the gnocchi becomes golden and crispy on all sides.

Reheating Gnocchi

If you have any leftover gnocchi, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days. To reheat, place the gnocchi in the air fryer basket and cook at 350-390°F for 3-6 minutes, or until heated through.

How long to cook frozen gnocchi in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen gnocchi in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy method that delivers crispy and tender gnocchi in less than 15 minutes. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to ensure even cooking and avoid overlapping the gnocchi pieces.

To cook frozen gnocchi in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 390-400°F. Lightly grease the basket with olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. This step is important to ensure the gnocchi becomes golden and crispy.

Next, toss the frozen gnocchi with a small amount of oil in a mixing bowl. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other preferred oil. Add seasonings to the gnocchi and toss until they are evenly coated. Suggested seasonings include salt, garlic powder, Italian herbs, smoky paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Once the gnocchi is seasoned, place them in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap. If you are using a larger amount of gnocchi, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the gnocchi at 390-400°F for 12-16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

The gnocchi is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender and fluffy on the inside. This usually takes around 12-16 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the amount of gnocchi you are cooking. Be sure to keep an eye on the gnocchi to avoid overcooking or burning.

Once cooked, serve the air-fried gnocchi immediately to enjoy it at its best. You can pair it with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or any pasta sauce. Air fryer gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.

Should you thaw frozen gnocchi before air frying?

Air fryer gnocchi is a quick and easy meal to make, and it can be made with any type of gnocchi, including frozen. There are differing opinions on whether frozen gnocchi should be thawed before air frying. Some sources recommend letting frozen gnocchi thaw before air frying, while others suggest that it is unnecessary and that the gnocchi can be cooked directly from frozen.

Those who recommend not thawing frozen gnocchi before air frying say that it ensures the gnocchi will be crispy and not soggy. They advise seasoning the frozen gnocchi and then air frying it at 390°F for 13–16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4–5 minutes to ensure even cooking. This method is said to produce gnocchi that is crispy on the outside and fluffy or tender on the inside.

On the other hand, some sources suggest that thawing frozen gnocchi before air frying can help to ensure more even cooking. One source recommends thawing frozen gnocchi overnight in the fridge if you plan to reheat it in the oven or microwave, but not if you are using an air fryer. Another source suggests boiling frozen gnocchi for 2–3 minutes before air frying to encourage the pieces to separate.

Overall, it seems that the majority of sources recommend cooking frozen gnocchi directly in the air fryer without thawing it first. This method is said to produce the desired crispy texture and fluffy interior. However, there may be some benefits to thawing the gnocchi first, such as more even cooking, so it is worth experimenting with both methods to see which produces the best results for your taste.

Oil and seasoning for frozen gnocchi in an air fryer

When it comes to cooking frozen gnocchi in an air fryer, the options for oil and seasoning are endless. The first step is to preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F. Then, lightly grease the basket with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil you have on hand. Avocado oil is a good option because it has a high smoke point.

Next, it's time to season the gnocchi. You can use a combination of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you're looking for a cheesy flavor, you can add freshly grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if you're dairy-free or vegan. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika. If you want a spicy kick, try using taco spices, hot sauce, or Buffalo sauce.

Once your gnocchi is seasoned to your liking, it's time to cook it. Place the seasoned gnocchi in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Your gnocchi is ready when it's golden brown and crispy.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your oil and seasoning choices when cooking frozen gnocchi in an air fryer. You can also add meat to this recipe, such as ground beef, ground turkey, or buffalo chicken. Enjoy your crispy and delicious air-fried gnocchi!

Serving suggestions for air-fried frozen gnocchi

Air-fried frozen gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried frozen gnocchi makes a great side dish for your favourite main course. It can be a delicious and crispy addition to your meal. For a tasty side, serve the gnocchi with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Appetizer or Snack

You can also serve air-fried frozen gnocchi as an appetizer or snack. For this, provide some dipping sauces on the side, such as marinara sauce, pesto, ranch, caesar dressing, or your favourite dip. This is perfect as a finger food option for guests or to satisfy those salty afternoon cravings.

Salad Topping

Add some crunch to your salad by using air-fried frozen gnocchi as a "crouton". It makes a great vegan and gluten-free alternative to traditional croutons. Try it on a strawberry goat cheese salad, Greek spinach salad, or blackened salmon Caesar salad.

Main Dish

For a heartier meal, you can serve air-fried frozen gnocchi as a main dish. Toss the gnocchi in your favourite pasta sauce, such as marinara, pesto, alfredo, vodka sauce, or cheese sauce. You can also add meat, such as ground beef, ground turkey, or buffalo chicken, to make it even more substantial.

Sweet Variation

For a sweet treat, try adding cinnamon sugar to your air-fried frozen gnocchi. You can even top it with icing or frosting for a dessert-style dish.

Spicy Kick

If you prefer spicy flavours, season your gnocchi with taco spices or top it with hot sauce. Buffalo sauce is another great option to add some heat.

No matter how you serve it, air-fried frozen gnocchi is a quick and easy dish that can be customised to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces, spices, and toppings to find your favourite combinations.

Frequently asked questions