Golden Gnocchi Magic: The Crispiest Air Fryer Recipe Ever

Golden, pillowy air fryer gnocchi delivers the most delightful crispy exterior that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

These little potato dumplings turn perfectly crunchy when cooked in an air fryer, creating a restaurant-worthy side dish in minutes.

Each bite promises a delectable contrast between the tender inside and the irresistibly crisp outside.

Minimal ingredients and quick cooking time mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe faster than ordering takeout.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil are all you need to unlock maximum flavor and texture.

The air fryer works its magic, ensuring every gnocchi piece emerges with a gorgeous golden-brown crunch that’s simply impossible to resist.

Get ready to experience a simple yet spectacular dish that elevates your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes (for shelf-stable/refrigerated) or 16 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes (for shelf-stable/refrigerated) or 26 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Gnocchi Crispy and Golden

• Gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that create the core of this crispy dish; choose vacuum-sealed or fresh varieties for best texture; works perfectly with traditional, cauliflower, or sweet potato versions.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden-brown crispiness and adds rich, smooth flavor; select cold-pressed for maximum nutritional benefits.

• Garlic Powder: Infuses deep, savory undertones without overwhelming the delicate gnocchi; look for finely ground options for even distribution.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and helps create irresistible crispy exterior; use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground provides most vibrant taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty punch and creates delightful crispy edges when sprinkled; choose freshly grated for maximum flavor and meltability.

Tools to Get the Right Air Fryer Crunch

• Air Fryer: Essential for creating crispy gnocchi without excess oil.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing and seasoning gnocchi evenly.
• Olive Oil Spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds light coating to basket.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for precise seasoning measurements.
• Spatula or Tongs: Great for shaking basket and ensuring even cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh parmesan for seasoning and garnish.

Cooking Instructions for the Crispiest Gnocchi

• Air Fryer Preparation

Get your air fryer ready by heating it to 390°F. Quickly spray the basket with a light coating of olive oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Flavor Boost

Grab a mixing bowl and dance your gnocchi around with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parmesan. No need to stress about thawing frozen gnocchi.

• Crispy Magic

Spread the seasoned gnocchi in the basket without crowding. For shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, cook for 11-14 minutes, giving the basket a shake every few minutes. Frozen gnocchi might need 13-16 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden crunch that makes taste buds do a happy dance.

• Delicious Finale

Pull out your perfectly crispy gnocchi and serve them right away. Want to make them look extra fancy? Sprinkle some extra parmesan and fresh parsley on top. Enjoy the crunch!

Tasty Add-Ins to Change It Up

• Crispy Coating Crunch: Create an extra-crunchy exterior by coating gnocchi in breadcrumbs or panko before air frying for added texture and golden-brown goodness.
• Flavor Fusion Tricks: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to transform the basic gnocchi into a flavor-packed side dish.
• Sauce Pairing Magic: Serve your crispy gnocchi with marinara, pesto, or a quick garlic-herb butter sauce to elevate the overall taste experience and add moisture to the crisp bites.
• Storage Wisdom: Store leftover air-fried gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their original crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version, or use gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising on crispiness and flavor.

Serve Air Fried Gnocchi as a Snack or Side

• Parmesan Cheese Paradise: Sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan over the crispy gnocchi to enhance the cheesy flavor and add a luxurious touch that melts beautifully on the hot surface.
• Herb Garden Delight: Chop fresh parsley, basil, or chives and scatter them on top for a burst of color and a bright, fresh flavor that complements the crispy texture of the gnocchi.
• Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: Serve with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or pesto on the side for an exciting way to enjoy the crispy gnocchi and add an extra layer of delicious flavor to each bite.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair the gnocchi with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to turn this side dish into a satisfying and complete meal that's sure to impress.

Keep Leftover Gnocchi Crunchy and Flavorful

• Quick Batch Preparation: Cook multiple batches in advance and store in airtight containers for easy weeknight meals. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispy texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked gnocchi in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat directly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore original crispiness without losing quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Lay cooled gnocchi on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. These frozen crispy bites can be stored for 2-3 weeks and reheated straight from frozen in the air fryer.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Divide uncooked gnocchi into single-serving portions before seasoning. This method allows flexible cooking and reduces waste, making meal planning more efficient and enjoyable.

Irresistible Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes (for shelf-stable/refrigerated) or 26 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade crispiest air fryer gnocchi deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate simple potato pillows into a delightful meal that you will crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerator, or frozen; regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
• 2 to 3 tbsps freshly grated parmesan
• 1 to 2 tbsps (15 to 30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Activate air fryer to 390°F and lightly mist basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Seasoning: Toss gnocchi in mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese, ensuring comprehensive coating of each piece.
3. Air Frying: Distribute seasoned gnocchi in single layer within basket, creating space between pieces to maximize crispiness; cook shelf-stable or refrigerated varieties at 390°F, shaking basket every 4-5 minutes for uniform browning.
4. Frozen Variation: Apply identical technique for frozen gnocchi, extending cooking duration to 13-16 minutes to ensure thorough heating and crispy exterior.
5. Doneness Assessment: Watch for golden-brown coloration and crisp texture as primary indicators of perfect cooking, removing immediately to prevent burning.
6. Serving: Transfer gnocchi instantly to serving dish, maintaining peak temperature and crunchiness; garnish with additional parmesan shavings and freshly chopped parsley for elevated presentation and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray olive oil in the air fryer basket to ensure gnocchi doesn’t adhere during cooking.
• Seasoning Strategy: Thoroughly coat gnocchi with dry ingredients before air frying to maximize flavor absorption and even distribution.
• Layer Management: Arrange gnocchi in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee maximum crispiness and even browning.
• Cooking Variation: Adjust cooking time based on gnocchi type – shelf-stable requires 8-10 minutes, frozen needs 13-16 minutes at 390°F.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes (for shelf-stable/refrigerated) or 16 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg