Air-Fryer Crispy Gnocchi: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryer gnocchi is a quick and easy dish that can be made in under 15 minutes. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, main course, or side dish. The gnocchi is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. You can use frozen, shelf-stable, or refrigerated gnocchi made from potato, sweet potato, or cauliflower. The air fryer method is also a great way to make crispy gnocchi without having to boil it first.

Choosing the right gnocchi

When making crispy gnocchi in an air fryer, you can use any type of gnocchi. This includes frozen, shelf-stable, or refrigerated gnocchi, as well as potato, cauliflower, and sweet potato gnocchi.

Frozen Gnocchi

Frozen gnocchi is a convenient option if you don't have fresh gnocchi on hand. You can use it directly from the freezer without thawing it first. Simply season the frozen gnocchi and air fry it at 390°F for 13 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Shelf-Stable and Refrigerated Gnocchi

Shelf-stable and refrigerated gnocchi are also suitable for air frying. Follow the same seasoning instructions as for frozen gnocchi, but reduce the cooking time slightly to 11 to 14 minutes at 390°F. Remember to shake the basket regularly for even browning.

Types of Gnocchi

In addition to the storage options, there are also different types of gnocchi to choose from. The most common type is potato gnocchi, but you can also find cauliflower gnocchi and sweet potato gnocchi. These alternatives offer a twist on the classic potato flavour and can be a great option for those who are looking for a lower-carb or gluten-free option.

Homemade Gnocchi

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own gnocchi from scratch. Homemade gnocchi can be air-fried for 12 to 15 minutes until crispy. This allows you to control the ingredients and create a truly personalised dish.

Gnocchi Varieties

Gnocchi comes in a variety of flavours and styles, so feel free to experiment. For example, you can try spinach gnocchi, plain gnocchi, or even cinnamon-sugar gnocchi for a sweet treat.

No matter which type of gnocchi you choose, the air fryer method will give you crispy, golden results in a short amount of time. Enjoy experimenting with different varieties and seasonings to find your favourite combination!

Using the correct oil

The type of oil you use for your crispy gnocchi can make or break the dish. The right oil will ensure your gnocchi is crispy, golden, and cooked to perfection.

Best oils to use

The best oils to use for your air fryer gnocchi are those with a high smoke point. Avocado oil and olive oil are the most recommended options. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, so it is ideal if you want to reduce the risk of your gnocchi burning. Olive oil is also a great option and will help to create a crispy exterior.

How much oil to use

You don't need a lot of oil to create crispy gnocchi in the air fryer. A light coating or drizzle of oil is enough to get that perfect crisp texture. You can use an oil spray or simply pour a small amount of oil into a bowl and toss the gnocchi in it to ensure an even coating.

Oil alternatives

If you don't have avocado or olive oil, you can also use other types of oil, such as vegetable oil or any other oil you have on hand. Just be sure to choose an oil with a relatively high smoke point to avoid burning.

Oil and seasoning

Combining oil with the right seasonings can take your crispy gnocchi to the next level. Try a combination of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to season your gnocchi before air frying. You can also experiment with other spices like rosemary, thyme, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Oil and sauces

If you plan on serving your gnocchi with a sauce, it's best to add the sauce after cooking. This will ensure your gnocchi stays crispy and doesn't become soggy. You can also toss the gnocchi in the sauce and serve immediately to maintain some of the crisp textures.

In conclusion, choosing the right oil is essential for creating the perfect crispy gnocchi in your air fryer. By using oils with high smoke points, like avocado or olive oil, and combining them with the right seasonings, you can achieve a delicious, crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.

Getting the seasoning right

The seasoning is a key part of making delicious crispy gnocchi in the air fryer. While the cooking method ensures the gnocchi is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, the seasoning brings the flavour.

The seasoning you use will depend on your taste preferences and what you plan to serve the gnocchi with. A simple seasoning blend of olive oil, salt and garlic powder is a popular choice. You can also add black pepper and parmesan cheese for extra flavour. If you want to add a little spice, cayenne pepper or red chilli powder will give your gnocchi a kick.

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try a cinnamon sugar mix for a sweet treat, or even a taco, ranch or Cajun seasoning for a more savoury option.

For a more herby flavour, dried herbs like rosemary and thyme can be added, or fresh herbs like parsley and basil are a great way to finish the dish.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favourite.

Preheating the air fryer

First, make sure your air fryer is plugged in and turned on. Set the temperature to between 390°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but this temperature range is ideal for getting the gnocchi crispy.

Let the air fryer heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. Most air fryers will have a ready light or some other indicator to let you know when it's preheated. You can also test the temperature with an oven thermometer if you're unsure.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's a good idea to lightly grease the basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This will help prevent the gnocchi from sticking and ensure a more even cook.

After greasing the basket, you can proceed to add the gnocchi and other ingredients to the air fryer and follow the rest of your chosen recipe. Remember to shake the basket occasionally during cooking to prevent the gnocchi from sticking together and to ensure even browning.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side dish, appetiser, or main course. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious crispy treat:

• As a snack: If you're craving something salty, air fryer gnocchi is the perfect option. It's quick and easy to make, taking less than 15 minutes to cook.
• As a side dish: Air fryer gnocchi is a great alternative to potatoes or pasta. Serve it alongside your favourite main course, such as chicken or fish.
• As an appetiser: These crispy gnocchi bites make a great finger food option. Serve them with a dipping sauce such as marinara sauce, pesto, ranch, or caesar dressing.
• As a "crouton": Add some crunch to your salad by using air fryer gnocchi as a vegan and gluten-free crouton alternative. Try it on a strawberry goat cheese salad, Greek spinach salad, or blackened salmon Caesar salad.
• With a sauce: Toss the air fryer gnocchi in a sauce to add extra flavour. Some sauce options include avocado or pistachio mint pesto, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, vodka sauce, cheese sauce, hummus, guacamole, or salsa.
• With meat: Toss in some ground beef, ground turkey, or buffalo chicken to make it a heartier dish.
• With vegetables: Pair it with roasted asparagus, garlic mushrooms, or a mix of tiny tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and raw carrots.
• With a salad: Air fryer gnocchi also goes well with a variety of salads. Try it with a strawberry goat cheese salad, Greek spinach salad, or a blackened salmon Caesar salad.
• As a sweet treat: For a dessert option, sprinkle the air fryer gnocchi with cinnamon sugar and add some icing or frosting on top.

Frequently asked questions