Air Fryer Gnocchi: How Long To Fry?

Air fryer gnocchi is a quick and easy dish to make, taking less than 15 minutes to cook. The gnocchi is crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. You can use frozen, shelf-stable, or chilled gnocchi and there is no need to boil it first. You can also add your favourite spices and sauces to flavour the gnocchi.

How to make gnocchi in an air fryer

Ingredients

Depending on your preference, you can use frozen, shelf-stable, or chilled gnocchi. You can also use different types of gnocchi, such as potato, cauliflower, or sweet potato gnocchi. In addition to the gnocchi, you will need olive oil or another type of oil, and seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Method

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F-400°F. In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with the oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated. If you are using frozen gnocchi, there is no need to thaw it first.

Place the seasoned gnocchi into the air fryer basket, trying to avoid overlapping them too much. If using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry for 11-14 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Frozen gnocchi may take a little longer, around 13-16 minutes. The gnocchi is done when it is golden and crispy.

Tips

• Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Shaking the basket regularly prevents the gnocchi from burning and ensures even browning.
• Olive oil or avocado oil helps to crisp up the gnocchi and gives them a golden color.
• This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different types of gnocchi and seasonings.
• Air fryer gnocchi is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

How long to cook frozen gnocchi in an air fryer

Frozen gnocchi can be cooked in an air fryer in 12–16 minutes at 390°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the basket, so it's important to keep an eye on the gnocchi to ensure it doesn't burn.

Step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
• Massage the bag of frozen gnocchi to separate the pieces.
• Place the gnocchi into a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
• Transfer the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much.
• 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 sauce or toppings.

Tips for perfect air fryer gnocchi:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Shake the basket regularly to prevent the gnocchi from sticking or browning unevenly.
• Don't skip the olive oil, as it helps to crisp up the gnocchi and gives a golden color.
• You can use any type of frozen gnocchi, such as potato, cauliflower, or sweet potato.
• Get creative with seasonings and sauces to customize your dish.

Storing and reheating instructions:

• Air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place the gnocchi back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until warm and crispy.

How long to cook fresh gnocchi in an air fryer

Air-frying is a great way to cook fresh gnocchi, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy, or tender interior. The best temperature to cook gnocchi in an air fryer is 390°F/200°C. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of gnocchi and the desired level of crispiness, but it typically takes between 11 and 15 minutes.

Preparation

Before cooking, toss the fresh gnocchi in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, and seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, until they are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings like Parmesan cheese, paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavour.

Cooking Time and Technique

For fresh gnocchi, the cooking time in the air fryer will be shorter than for frozen or shelf-stable gnocchi. Air fry your seasoned gnocchi at 390°F/200°C for 11–14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. The gnocchi is done when the outsides are golden and crispy, but not burnt.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer gnocchi can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. They are great on their own with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or hot sauce. You can also add them to a salad as a crispy crouton substitute, or toss them with your favourite pasta sauce.

How long to cook shelf-stable gnocchi in an air fryer

Shelf-stable gnocchi is a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. Here is a guide on how long to cook it for, with some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

How Long to Cook

The cooking time for shelf-stable gnocchi in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness. However, the general cooking time is between 8 to 15 minutes. For the best results, it is recommended to cook the gnocchi at a temperature of 390°F (200°C).

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can also add other ingredients such as parmesan cheese or garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Transfer the seasoned gnocchi to the air fryer basket. Try to avoid overlapping the gnocchi as this may affect the crispiness.
• Cook the gnocchi for 8 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The gnocchi is done when it is golden and crispy.
• Serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sauce or dip.

Tips and Tricks

• It is not necessary to boil shelf-stable gnocchi before cooking it in the air fryer.
• For extra crispy gnocchi, cook in a single layer and avoid overlapping the pieces.
• If you are using frozen gnocchi, increase the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes.
• You can reheat leftover gnocchi in the air fryer by cooking it for 2 to 5 minutes at 390°F (200°C).

How to serve air-fried gnocchi

Air-fried gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served as a side, snack, appetiser, or even as a crouton alternative on a salad. Here are some ways to serve this delicious, crispy and fluffy treat:

As a Side

Air fryer gnocchi makes a great side dish, similar to potatoes or pasta. You can serve it with balsamic feta stuffed chicken breasts, cauliflower leek potato soup, grilled Greek yoghurt chicken, or a healthy tomato soup.

As an Appetiser

You can serve air fryer gnocchi as crispy bites with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce, pesto, ranch, Caesar dressing, or French onion dip.

As a Snack

If you're craving something salty, air fryer gnocchi is a perfect afternoon snack. You can dip them in sauces like marinara, pesto, hot sauce, salsa, or sriracha aioli.

As a "Crouton"

Air fryer gnocchi also works well as a crunchy, vegan, and gluten-free crouton alternative on your favourite salad. Try adding them to a strawberry goat cheese salad, Greek spinach salad, or a blackened salmon Caesar salad.

With Sauce or Seasoning

You can toss air fryer gnocchi in a variety of sauces or seasonings. Here are some ideas:

• Top with a cheese sauce for a twist on mac n cheese.
• Go classic with marinara and grated parmesan.
• Add ghee and curry seasoning for an Indian-inspired dish.
• Dust with Old Bay Seasoning or Baharat spice blend.
• Toss with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
• Spice them up with cayenne pepper.
• Mix with your favourite alfredo sauce for gnocchi alfredo.

Frequently asked questions