Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi

These air fryer Gnocchi are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender inside, coated in a flavorful seasoning blend. They are ready in just 20 minutes and are so versatile I use them as a snack, side, or toss them into my favorite dishes.

I’ve had a soft spot for gnocchi for as long as I can remember, and my copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is a regular in our house. So I thought, why not mix it up and try a snackable version that works as a side dish too? Since my air fryer pretty much lives on my counter these days, I tossed in some gnocchi and let them crisp up. They turned out so good I had to share them with you because this might just be your new favorite way to enjoy gnocchi.

If you ever want to switch up your favorite pasta sauce and skip the pasta, this is such a fun way to do it. Air frying gnocchi gets them crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and honestly, they go with just about anything. I like tossing them with veggies for an easy side dish, or turning them into a full meal with a big salad or even some tater tots on the side.

Why you will love this recipe 

• Not your regular pasta night: This is not a sauce-heavy pasta recipe. It is a crispy and savory gnocchi dish that works as a snack, appetizer, or side.
• Crispy outside, soft inside: I make this for my family all the time. The gnocchi turn out golden and crunchy thanks to the air fryer, while the inside stays soft and creamy.
• So much cheesy and garlicky flavor going on: The Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika coat the gnocchi in a flavorful blend that makes every bite pop. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sea salt and black pepper after air frying for even more flavor.
• Easy, quick, and no boiling: I love that there is no pot of water to deal with. I toss the gnocchi with olive oil, spices, and cheese, pop them in the air fryer, and they come out perfectly crispy every time.

What you will need

• Gnocchi: I like using sweet potato, white potato, or even cauliflower gnocchi for this recipe.
• Oil: I usually grab olive oil, but any vegetable oil works fine too.
• Parmesan cheese: I always use very finely grated Parmesan so it sticks better.
• Seasoning: I season with salt, garlic powder, and paprika to keep it simple and tasty.

How to make air fryer gnocchi?

1. Prep the gnocchi: I start by preheating my air fryer to 400 degrees. Then, I place the gnocchi in a mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil until they are nicely coated.

2. Add the seasonings: I sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, and paprika, and toss everything together.

3. Toss in the Parmesan cheese: I add the finely grated Parmesan last and give the gnocchi one more toss so the cheese sticks to every piece.

4. Cook the gnocchi: I spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil, then add the gnocchi and set it to cook for 15 minutes. I make sure to shake the basket every five minutes and take them out when they turn golden brown and crispy.

Expert tip

Keep the Gnocchi spaced

I always make sure the gnocchi is in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they are too crowded, they end up steaming instead of crisping, so I cook in batches if I need to. This little step is key for that crispy outside and tender inside texture. Don’t skip it!

More tips to consider:

• When I want to change things up, I swap the olive oil for avocado oil. It gives the gnocchi a slightly richer flavor.
• If I am using Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, I skip the directions on the bag. They turn out much better when I follow this air fryer method instead.
• I like to try different ways of cooking them, like pan-frying or baking, but the air fryer always gives me the crispiest texture.
• I always play around with the spices too. This recipe is super flexible, so I toss in whatever seasonings I am in the mood for.

Recipe variations

• Mix up seasonings: I love playing with spices, so sometimes I add dried basil, onion powder, or even coat the gnocchi in taco, ranch, or Cajun seasoning for a fun twist.
• Try a sweet twist: For a sweet version, I sprinkle them with a little sugar and cinnamon. It turns them into a snack that my kids always ask for.
• Add some spice: When I am in the mood for some heat, I add a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili powder.
• Make it meaty: To make it meaty, I toss in some crispy bacon bits or pepperoni pieces. So good!
• Cheesy overload: Sometimes I double up on the Parmesan or toss in shredded mozzarella right after cooking. It melts into the gnocchi and makes it extra cheesy and gooey.

Serving Suggestions

When we come back from a long day of soccer, errands, and all the things that keep our family busy, I love making these crispy gnocchi. I toss them in a bowl, add extra Parmesan on top, and serve them with my easy marinara sauce. It is one of those dinners where everyone can grab what they want and dip away while we chat about our day. Sometimes, I warm up a loaf of my beer bread, slice it thick, and set out a little bowl of homemade salsa for dipping on the side.

On Friday movie nights, these gnocchi always make an appearance. I mix them with some roasted cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and carrots for color and crunch. They are also great when I serve them next to chicken tenders or toss them into my pesto if I want to make the whole meal a little more filling. Everyone can grab a plate, pile it high, and settle in for the show.

How to store leftovers

• Store: If I have any leftovers, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days.
• Freeze: When I know we will not finish them, I put them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.
• Thaw: I do not thaw them if I am using the air fryer. But if I want to reheat in the oven or microwave, I thaw them overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: I spray the air fryer basket with a little oil, spread the gnocchi in a single layer, and cook them for about five minutes until crispy.

Frequently asked questions

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