why make this recipe
This recipe makes gnocchi very crispy on the outside and soft inside. It is quick and uses the air fryer to cut oil and time. You can use shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi. For a quick drink idea to serve with this snack, see Earl Grey and chocolate pairing for a simple match.
introduction
Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi is a fast side or snack. You only need a few ingredients and an air fryer. The outside gets brown and crunchy while the inside stays tender. If you like a light herbal drink with snacks, this pair goes well with ideas from lavender Earl Grey pairing.
how to make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Preheat your air fryer and toss the gnocchi with oil, spices, and parmesan. Do not thaw frozen gnocchi. Add them in a single layer to the basket and air fry until golden and crispy. Shake the basket a few times so they brown on all sides. For a small note on timing and heat distribution, see tips below for small changes that help.
Ingredients :
1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerator, 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
Directions :
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with the rest of the ingredients. If using frozen gnocchi, DO NOT thaw it.
Add seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket. Try to avoid overlapping because they won’t get as crispy.
Shelf-Stable & Refrigerated Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 11 – 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes, so they are perfectly golden on all sides. The gnocchi is done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
Frozen Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 13 – 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes, so they are perfectly golden on all sides. Frozen gnocchi takes a little bit longer to air fry, but the gnocchi should still be done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
Enjoy immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve as a side with your favorite main dish, as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, or add as a “crouton” on your favorite salad.
how to serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Serve hot for best crunch. Offer a small bowl of marinara or pesto for dipping. You can top the gnocchi with extra parmesan and chopped parsley. For a light drink to pair, you might check a tea pairing idea like Earl Grey and chocolate pairing to balance the salt and cheese.
how to store Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Cool the gnocchi to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back crispness. Do not store for a long time if you used fresh herbs or sauce.
tips to make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Do not crowd the basket. Overlap makes them soft.
- Use a little more oil on very dry gnocchi for better browning.
- Shake the basket every 4–5 minutes so all sides crisp.
- For extra crunch, add 1 tbsp of panko or coarse crumbs when tossing with parmesan.
- If you need a calm drink with this snack, try a floral tea idea from lavender Earl Grey pairing to match the flavors.
Serving Ideas (if any)
- Serve as an appetizer with marinara, pesto, or garlic butter.
- Use as a crunchy topping on salads instead of croutons.
- Pair with roasted chicken or grilled fish as a simple side.
Final Thoughts
This method gives crisp gnocchi fast and with little oil. It works for regular, cauliflower, and sweet potato gnocchi. Follow the timing for your type and shake the basket well. Keep servings simple and serve hot.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer?
A: Yes. Do not thaw. Air fry a bit longer (13–16 minutes) and shake often.
Q: Can I skip the parmesan?
A: Yes. Parmesan helps browning and flavor, but you can skip it or use a vegan cheese.
Q: Will this work in all air fryers?
A: Most air fryers will work, but times can vary. Check at the lower time and add minutes if needed.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Avoid putting too much in the basket at once. Air fry in batches for best crisp.
Q: How do I re-crisp leftover gnocchi?
A: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. This helps restore the crunch.
Conclusion
For a step-by-step recipe idea and photo guide, see Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi – Healthful Blondie which shows a similar method. If you want a quick read with tips and a short cook time, check Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi (Ready in 20-Minutes!) for another clear take.
Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerator, or frozen - regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
- 1-2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Use more for very dry gnocchi.
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2-3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan Optional; can skip or replace with vegan cheese.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parmesan.
- Add seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket without overlapping.
Cooking
- For shelf-stable & refrigerated gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 11-14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- For frozen gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 13-16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes.
Serving
- Enjoy immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve as a side, as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto, or as a crunchy topping on salads.