Name: Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen; regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato); 1 – 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 – 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Introduction

Crispy, golden, and effortlessly delicious, air fryer gnocchi is a game changer for this classic Italian dish. Whether using shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen gnocchi, this method gives you perfectly crisp outsides with tender, pillowy centers in no time.

A round white plate with green floral patterns holds a crumpled layer of light brown parchment paper. On top, there are many small, golden-brown, crispy gnocchi pieces sprinkled with some green herbs and white grated cheese. To the right side of the plate, a white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce is topped with small green herb bits. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen – regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
1–2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2–3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parmesan. If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw it before cooking.
Step 3: Transfer the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer without overlapping to ensure maximum crispiness.
Step 4: For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry at 390°F for 11–14 minutes. Shake the basket every 4 to 5 minutes for even browning. The gnocchi are done when golden and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: For frozen gnocchi, air fry at 390°F for 13–16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes. The longer time accommodates frozen gnocchi, but crispiness is the same indicator of doneness.
Step 6: Serve immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy as a side dish, appetizer with marinara or pesto, or as a crunchy salad topping.

Tips & Variations

Use olive oil spray for a lighter coating or drizzle 1 tbsp of oil if you prefer more richness.
Try different gnocchi types like sweet potato or cauliflower for variety and added nutrition.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning before air frying.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, pesto, or garlic aioli for more depth.
Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover crispy gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a pile of crispy, golden brown gnocchi scattered with green herbs and a light dusting of white grated cheese. On the side, there is a small white bowl filled with thick, bright red marinara sauce with a few small green herb pieces on top. The gnocchi vary in shades of light to dark brown showing a crunchy texture. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface, with a piece of brown paper underneath the gnocchi. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi without thawing?

Yes, you can cook frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer in the air fryer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and shake the basket frequently for even crisping.

How do I know when gnocchi is crispy enough?

Look for a golden-brown color on the outside and a firm texture when gently pressed. The gnocchi should be crispy on the outside but soft and tender inside.