Air-Fried Gnocchi: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer gnocchi is a quick and easy dish that can be made in under 15 minutes. It is crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. You can use frozen, shelf-stable, or chilled gnocchi and cook it in the air fryer without boiling it first. This dish is versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It can also be made gluten-free and dairy-free.

How to make gnocchi in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Gnocchi (fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable)
• Oil (olive, avocado, or another cooking oil of your choice)
• Salt
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C).
• Toss the gnocchi with oil and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Do not thaw frozen gnocchi before adding to the bowl.
• Place the seasoned gnocchi into the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the gnocchi as this may affect crispiness.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-5 minutes, until golden and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of gnocchi you are using:

• Frozen gnocchi: 12-16 minutes
• Shelf-stable gnocchi: 8-11 minutes
• Chilled gnocchi: 10-12 minutes

Serve immediately. Gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tips

• You can use any type of gnocchi you like, including potato, sweet potato, or cauliflower.
• Get creative with your seasonings and sauces. Gnocchi is a blank canvas that soaks up whatever flavours you add.
• For vegan gnocchi, omit the cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook gnocchi in the oven. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, add the seasoned gnocchi, and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

The best temperature to air fry gnocchi

Air-fried gnocchi is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook gnocchi. It is also a healthy alternative to frying gnocchi as it requires little to no oil. The best temperature to air fry gnocchi is between 390°F and 400°F.

How long to air fry gnocchi at 390°F

The cooking time will depend on the type of gnocchi you are using. For fresh or frozen gnocchi, air fry for 12–15 minutes at 390°F. For refrigerated gnocchi, air fry for 11–14 minutes at 390°F.

How to get the best results

For the best results, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the gnocchi. This will ensure the gnocchi cooks evenly. It is also important to shake the basket every 4–5 minutes so that the gnocchi is crispy and golden on all sides.

How to serve air fryer gnocchi

Air fryer gnocchi can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. It can also be used as a healthier "crouton" on salads. Here are some ideas on how to serve air fryer gnocchi:

• As a side: serve with balsamic feta stuffed chicken breasts, cauliflower leek potato soup, grilled Greek yogurt chicken, or healthy tomato soup.
• As an appetizer: serve with marinara sauce, pesto, ranch, Caesar dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• As a snack: satisfy salty cravings with this crispy and tasty treat.
• As a crouton: add a crunchy element to your salad by using air fryer gnocchi as a crouton alternative.

How long to air fry gnocchi

Air fryer gnocchi is a quick and easy dish to make, and the cooking time will depend on the type of gnocchi you are using.

For shelf-stable gnocchi, cook at 390°F for 11-14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes.

For frozen gnocchi, cook at 390°F for 13-16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes.

For chilled gnocchi, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 minutes.

You can also cook fresh gnocchi in the air fryer, but the cooking time for this is unclear. One source suggests cooking it for 15 minutes at 390°F, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, while another suggests cooking it for 20 minutes at 180°C, turning it halfway through.

Can you use frozen gnocchi in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in an air fryer. In fact, it is the best method to prepare frozen gnocchi, as it will ensure it is crisp and not soggy.

To cook frozen gnocchi in an air fryer, follow the same steps as you would for fresh gnocchi, but increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Do not thaw the gnocchi before cooking.

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F-400°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
• Toss the frozen gnocchi with olive oil or avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and any other desired seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Air fry for 13-16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes, until the gnocchi is golden and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or as a salad topper.

You can also get creative and experiment with different types of gnocchi, such as sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi, and add meat or vegetables to your dish.

Can you use homemade gnocchi in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi in an air fryer. In fact, you can use any type of gnocchi in an air fryer, including frozen, shelf-stable, or chilled gnocchi. The air fryer will give your homemade gnocchi a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.

To make homemade gnocchi in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
• Toss the homemade gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
• Place the seasoned gnocchi into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 390°F, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• The gnocchi is done when the exterior is golden and crispy. Enjoy immediately!

Frequently asked questions