Air-Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer cauliflower gnocchi is a quick and easy dish to make, taking under 20 minutes to cook. It's a great alternative to potatoes or pasta, and can be served as a snack, side dish, or tossed in pasta sauce for an entree. The air fryer gives the gnocchi a crispy texture, similar to tater tots, while maintaining a soft and pillowy inside.

How to cook cauliflower gnocchi in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of frozen cauliflower gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon of avocado or extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, vegan butter, chives, parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, basil, etc.

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F.
• Place the frozen gnocchi in a bowl and coat with oil and salt. You can also add any other seasonings you like.
• Place the gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Cook for 10-16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes. The gnocchi is done when it is golden and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your choice of sauce.

Tips:

• If you are using a brand other than Trader Joe's, you may need to spritz the gnocchi with cooking spray before and halfway through cooking.
• You may also need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, keeping an eye on the gnocchi from the 12-minute mark onwards.
• If you are using fresh gnocchi, you may need to increase the cooking time.

How to serve air-fried cauliflower gnocchi

Air-fried cauliflower gnocchi can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish

Pair your air-fried cauliflower gnocchi with a protein and a salad or cooked vegetables. Some protein suggestions include balsamic feta stuffed chicken breasts, grilled Greek yoghurt chicken, or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian option, try air-fried halloumi.

As an Appetizer

Serve the gnocchi as crispy bites with a dipping sauce. Some sauce suggestions include marinara sauce, pesto, ranch, caesar dressing, or your favourite dip.

As a Snack

If you're craving something salty in the afternoon, air-fried cauliflower gnocchi will hit the spot.

As a "Crouton"

Add air-fried gnocchi on top of a salad for a crunchy, vegan, and gluten-free crouton alternative. Try this with a strawberry goat cheese salad, Greek spinach salad, or blackened salmon Caesar salad.

With Sauce

Air-fried gnocchi holds up well to sauces. Try mixing it with marinara, pesto, or cheese sauce, or dip it in ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

In a "Mac and Cheese"

Make a vegan "mac and cheese" by serving the gnocchi with a vegan cheese sauce.

With Meat and Sauce

Stir the cooked gnocchi into warmed marinara sauce and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

With Meat and Vegetables

Roast the frozen gnocchi on a sheet pan alongside meat and vegetables. For example, try Italian sausage and peppers, or chicken sausage and vegetables.

How to store and reheat air-fried cauliflower gnocchi

Air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the gnocchi back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until they are warm and crispy again.

• Allow the gnocchi to cool completely before storing.
• Use an airtight container to prevent the gnocchi from drying out or absorbing other flavours from your refrigerator.
• If you are storing gnocchi with sauce, keep them separate to maintain the crispy texture.
• Reheat in the air fryer for the best results. If you reheat in the microwave, the gnocchi will become soft and lose its crispiness.

What to serve with cauliflower gnocchi

There are many ways to serve cauliflower gnocchi, and it can be a great side dish, appetizer, snack, or even a healthier "crouton" on a salad. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cauliflower gnocchi:

• As a side dish: Cauliflower gnocchi can be served alongside a main course such as balsamic feta stuffed chicken breasts, grilled Greek yogurt chicken, or a healthy tomato soup.
• As an appetizer: Serve the gnocchi with a dipping sauce such as marinara sauce, pesto, ranch, or caesar dressing.
• As a snack: If you're craving something salty, air fryer gnocchi can hit the spot.
• As a "crouton": Add some crunch to your salad by using air fryer gnocchi as a vegan and gluten-free crouton alternative.
• Vegan cheese sauce: A warm, creamy cheese sauce can be a great contrast to the crispy, light texture of the gnocchi.
• Red pasta sauce: A traditional tomato-based sauce can be a simple and classic pairing.
• Pesto: Whether it's a vegan pesto or a traditional basil pesto, this herb-based sauce can add a fresh flavour to the gnocchi.
• Lemon and parmesan: For a more sophisticated flavour profile, try pairing your gnocchi with parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
• Meatballs: For a heartier meal, serve the gnocchi with meatballs and your choice of sauce.
• Chicken: Chicken is a versatile protein that can be paired with gnocchi in many ways, such as a chicken parm bake or a chicken sausage and vegetable skillet.
• Soup: Cauliflower gnocchi can be a great addition to a warm and comforting soup, such as a chicken gnocchi soup or a zuppa toscana.
• Vegetables: Gnocchi goes well with a variety of vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, onions, peas, or broccoli.
• Cheese: For a simple and comforting dish, pair the gnocchi with a cheesy sauce such as a creamy garlic parmesan sauce or a kale-cashew pesto.

How to cook Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi

Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi is a popular product that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to cook it in an air fryer, as well as some other methods.

Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F.
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the frozen gnocchi into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Spray the gnocchi with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Air fry for 10-16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes, until the gnocchi are golden and crispy.

Pan-Fry Method:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of fat (butter, vegan butter, olive oil, or bacon grease) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the frozen gnocchi to the skillet and spread them into an even layer.
• Let the gnocchi sauté undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom (about 2-3 minutes).
• Flip the gnocchi using a spatula and continue to sauté, shaking the skillet occasionally, until they are golden brown all over.
• Season with salt, garlic, and herbs, if desired.

Oven/Roasting Method:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
• Spread the frozen gnocchi onto the baking sheet in a single layer and mist with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
• Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.

Microwave Method:

• Place the frozen gnocchi on a microwave-safe plate, spreading them out with some space between each piece.
• Microwave for 1 minute, flipping halfway through to ensure even thawing.

Tips:

• Do not thaw the gnocchi before cooking, as this can make them soggy.
• For crispy gnocchi, ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping in the cooking vessel.
• Seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper can enhance the flavor.
• For a vegan option, omit cheese or use nutritional yeast instead.

Enjoy your crispy and delicious Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi!

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