Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

Ready to experience crunchy clouds of joy? The Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi delivers little golden pillows that are soft on the inside, outrageously crisp on the outside, and impossibly snackable. You’ll never look at gnocchi—or your air fryer—the same way again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi lies in its minimal ingredient list—each one plays a crucial role in nailing that shatteringly crisp bite and savory flavor burst! Here’s why you can’t skip a thing (and a tip or two for next-level results):

• Gnocchi (1 lb, shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen): Use whatever you have—classic potato, cauliflower, or sweet potato! Frozen gnocchi goes straight in, no need to thaw.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (1–2 tablespoons): Helps every gnocchi crisp evenly and delivers a beautiful golden finish. Don’t skimp—it’s the secret weapon!
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses nutty, mellow flavor into every bite without overwhelming the dish.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing the inherent flavor of gnocchi alive and making those crispy edges truly pop.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of warmth and zing.
• Freshly grated parmesan (2–3 tablespoons): Melts and caramelizes as the gnocchi air fry, leaving you with a salty, cheesy crust. The fresher, the better!

Variations

The most delicious part of making the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi? It’s incredibly adaptable! Don’t be afraid to get creative—there’s a twist for every mood, dietary need, or what’s in your kitchen.

• Make it Vegan: Simply leave out the parmesan and sprinkle nutritional yeast for that savory, umami-rich vibe.
• Go Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free gnocchi (cauliflower or sweet potato are delicious here!) for a crisp treat everyone can enjoy.
• Spice It Up: Add a big pinch of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning to the oil mixture for extra flavor and color.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Toss in extra parmesan or a bit of shredded mozzarella in the last two minutes for a meltier, cheesier bite.

How to Make Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

To start, set your air fryer to 390°F and let it run for a few minutes. This ensures you’ll get a hot blast from the get-go, so your gnocchi are instantly in crisping mode—not steaming! Lightly spritz the basket with olive oil spray for easy cleanup and perfectly nonstick results.

Step 2: Toss the Gnocchi

Add your gnocchi (no need to thaw if it’s frozen!) to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle on the olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parmesan. Give everything a generous toss, making sure every piece is coated—this is what transforms them into the crispiest air fryer gnocchi ever.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

Gently transfer the seasoned gnocchi into the preheated basket. It’s crucial to keep them mostly in a single layer; if they pile up, they’ll steam instead of crisp. If you have a smaller air fryer, work in batches for that unbeatable crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden

Air fry the gnocchi at 390°F, shaking the basket every 4–5 minutes to ensure they crisp evenly on all sides. For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, check for doneness at 11–14 minutes; frozen will need 13–16 minutes. When the outsides are golden brown and audibly crisp, they’re ready for prime time!

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Pile those gorgeous gnocchi onto a platter and shower with more parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy hot, right out of the basket—they’ll never be quite as crisp as those first magical moments!

How to Serve Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Garnishes

Sprinkle a generous snow of freshly grated parmesan or pecorino over the piping-hot gnocchi, and scatter with chopped parsley or chives for a hit of color and freshness. For a little zing, a squeeze of lemon or a light dusting of flaky sea salt takes every bite to a new level.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi with a bowl of tangy marinara or fresh pesto for dipping, or serve as a crunchy side to roasted chicken, tomato soup, or a bright garden salad. It’s impossible to find a main it doesn’t get along with!

Creative Ways to Present

For an appetizer, serve the gnocchi in paper cones street-food style or mound onto a platter with toothpicks and bowls of dips. Or, treat them as “croutons” to top creamy soups and Caesar salads—watch them disappear at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While nothing beats eating air fryer gnocchi fresh from the basket, you can store leftovers in an airtight container (without sauce) in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them separate from any dips or sauces to preserve that signature crunch.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze uncooked gnocchi rather than cooked. For leftovers that you do want to freeze, let them cool completely, then spread in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. Gently re-crisp in the air fryer straight from frozen for the best texture.

Reheating

Pop leftover gnocchi into your air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. This brings back their glorious crunch—much better than the microwave, which can leave them soggy! Skip reheating in sauce until the very end for maximum crispiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you try just one new air fryer recipe this month, let it be the Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi! Whether you serve it at a party, for family movie night, or as a snack you sneak from the tray, it’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, crunchy treat that always disappears fast. I can’t wait for you to fall hard for this golden, irresistible gnocchi—give it a go and let me know how fast they vanish in your kitchen!

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