Air-Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cauliflower gnocchi is a popular item at Trader Joe's, often flying off the shelves. It is a healthier alternative to traditional potato gnocchi, with a lower carb and fat content. The best way to cook it is in an air fryer, which makes it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To make cauliflower gnocchi in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to between 390-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen gnocchi in a single layer in the basket and lightly coat with oil spray. Air fry for 11-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve immediately with your favourite sauce or dip.

Preheat the air fryer to 390-450 degrees Fahrenheit

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making frozen cauliflower gnocchi. This ensures that the gnocchi cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a crispy texture. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you should preheat it to between 390 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, if your air fryer is a COSORI Air Fryer Max XL, you should preheat it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you own an air fryer toaster oven, you can increase the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness of your gnocchi. It is recommended to place the frozen gnocchi in a single layer in the basket to ensure even cooking. Additionally, you may need to work in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Lightly coating the gnocchi with oil spray will help enhance the crispiness.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed with cooking the gnocchi according to your preferred recipe instructions.

Season the gnocchi

Seasoning the gnocchi is a crucial step in ensuring your cauliflower gnocchi tastes delicious. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect seasoning:

Spices and Seasonings:

Use a combination of spices and seasonings to elevate the flavour of your gnocchi. A simple yet effective blend is garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like Italian seasoning, onion powder, or chilli flakes to add extra flavour.

Cheese:

Adding cheese to your gnocchi can enhance its creaminess and provide a cheesy flavour. Grated parmesan cheese is a popular choice, but if you're dairy-free or vegan, nutritional yeast makes an excellent alternative.

Oil:

Don't skip the olive oil! Coating the gnocchi in olive oil (or avocado oil) before air frying ensures a crisp, golden finish. It helps achieve that perfect golden crispiness without drying out the gnocchi.

Mixing and Coating:

In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen gnocchi with your chosen spices, seasonings, cheese, and oil. Make sure every piece is well coated. Don't worry if some pieces are frozen together; they will loosen during the cooking process.

Fresh Herbs:

To add a touch of freshness to your dish, garnish with some chopped herbs like parsley or chives.

Customisation:

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices, cheeses, and oils to find your perfect flavour profile. You can also try making your gnocchi Asian-inspired by adding sesame oil and dipping it in a soy marinade or teriyaki sauce.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to ensure every piece of gnocchi is well coated before placing it in the air fryer. Happy cooking!

Place the gnocchi in the air fryer basket

Now that you've gathered your ingredients and preheated your air fryer, it's time to place the gnocchi in the air fryer basket. This is a crucial step in ensuring your gnocchi comes out crispy and not soggy.

First, place the frozen gnocchi in a single layer in the basket. You might need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Make sure they're not piled on top of each other and have some space around each piece. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly and ensure that each piece of gnocchi cooks properly.

Next, lightly coat the gnocchi with avocado oil or olive oil spray. This step is essential for crisping up the gnocchi and giving them that golden colour. Don't skip it!

Once your gnocchi are coated, it's time to air fry! Depending on your air fryer model, you'll want to cook them for 11 to 16 minutes at a temperature between 390 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

And that's it! Your cauliflower gnocchi are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Pair them with your favourite sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or cheese sauce, or simply enjoy them as they are.

Air fry for 10-20 minutes

Now it's time to air fry your cauliflower gnocchi! Place the frozen gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly coat with oil spray. Set the air fryer to 390-450 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The gnocchi is done when it is golden brown and crispy.

Depending on your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. If you are using a shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, you will only need to air fry for 11-14 minutes. Frozen gnocchi will take a little longer, around 13-16 minutes.

Once your gnocchi is cooked, you can serve it as-is or toss it with your favorite sauce. Some popular options include marinara, pesto, cheese sauce, or vegan cheese sauce. You can also use the gnocchi as a healthier "crouton" on your salad. Enjoy!

Serve with your favourite sauce

Now that you've made your crispy cauliflower gnocchi in the air fryer, it's time to serve it with your favourite sauce.

There are so many sauces to choose from, but here are some ideas to get you started:

• Marinara sauce
• Pesto
• Lemon Tahini Sauce
• Red pasta sauce
• Cheese sauce
• Vegan cheese sauce
• Vodka sauce
• Alfredo sauce
• Pesto aioli
• Buffalo sauce
• Butter and sage
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Nutritional yeast
• Italian seasoning
• Soy marinade
• Teriyaki sauce
• Fresh herbs

You can also serve the gnocchi as a side dish or appetizer with a dipping sauce, or toss it with your favourite sauce and serve it as a main course.

Get creative and experiment with different sauces and flavours to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your delicious and crispy cauliflower gnocchi!

Frequently asked questions