These crispy and delicious Air Fryer Gnocchi are a total game-changer for anyone looking for a quick snack or a unique appetizer. By using the air fryer, you can transform simple potato dumplings into golden, crunchy bites that are soft on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside in just about ten minutes.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
There is so much to love about this simple cooking method. First, it is incredibly fast, taking much less time than traditional roasting in the oven. Second, it is versatile; you can serve these as a finger food with dipping sauces or use them as high-quality croutons for a salad. Finally, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and only a handful of pantry staples, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gnocchi (shelf-stable, fresh, or homemade)
- 1 to 1.5 tablespoons cooking oil (such as grapeseed, avocado, or olive oil)
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the gnocchi in a medium mixing bowl and drizzle the cooking oil over the top.
- Use a spoon or spatula to toss the gnocchi thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated in oil to prevent drying.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the oiled gnocchi.
- Toss the mixture again until the seasonings are well-distributed across all the dumplings.
- Air Fryer Method: Transfer the seasoned gnocchi into your air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). For a more tender bite with a light crisp, cook for 10 to 11 minutes. For a crunchier, chewier texture, cook for 12 to 14 minutes.
- Be sure to shake the basket at the halfway point to ensure the gnocchi brown evenly on all sides.
- Oven Method: If you do not have an air fryer, line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the gnocchi out and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius) for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Allow the gnocchi to cool for a minute before serving to let the exterior crisp up further.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To ensure the best results, always use a brand of gnocchi you trust, such as Delallo Foods. If you are using fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable varieties, be extra careful not to crowd the basket, as fresh dough is more prone to sticking together. Another vital tip is to never skip the oil; without it, the potato starch can become quite dry and chalky rather than crispy. If you are cooking a larger batch, work in stages to maintain a single layer in the air fryer, which allows the hot air to circulate properly around each piece.
Variations & Substitutions
While Italian seasoning is a classic choice, you can easily customize this recipe. Try using Cajun spice, taco seasoning, or even a simple dusting of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you are sensitive to gluten, this recipe works perfectly with gluten-free gnocchi varieties. For those who must avoid oil, you can try coating the gnocchi in a small amount of aquafaba (chickpea liquid), though the texture will be slightly different from the oil-based version.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy gnocchi are fantastic when paired with a dipping sauce. We highly recommend a high-quality marinara sauce or a small bowl of melted vegan garlic butter. They also make an incredible addition to a vegan Italian salad, acting as hearty, flavorful croutons. If you want to turn this into a full meal, toss the air-fried gnocchi into a pesto or cream sauce just before serving to maintain some of that signature crunch.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Note that they may lose some of their crispness as they sit. To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it will make them gummy. Instead, toss them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or warm them in a skillet with a tablespoon of water or sauce to refresh the texture. Freezing is not recommended for already-cooked air fryer gnocchi, as the texture can become quite tough upon thawing.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Approx. 1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 5g |
Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the gnocchi in a medium mixing bowl and drizzle the cooking oil over the top.8 ounces gnocchi, 1-1.5 tablespoons cooking oil
- Use a spoon or spatula to toss the gnocchi thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated in oil to prevent drying.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the oiled gnocchi.0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 0.25 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- Toss the mixture again until the seasonings are well-distributed across all the dumplings.
- Transfer the seasoned gnocchi into your air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Cook for 10 to 11 minutes for a tender bite, or 12 to 14 minutes for a crunchier texture.
- Be sure to shake the basket at the halfway point to ensure the gnocchi brown evenly on all sides.
- Allow the gnocchi to cool for a minute before serving to let the exterior crisp up further.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use fresh gnocchi?
Yes, fresh gnocchi works well. However, because it is softer and more fragile than shelf-stable gnocchi, you must be careful not to crowd the air fryer basket. Fresh gnocchi may also cook slightly faster, so start checking them around the 8-minute mark.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. While the oven works, the air fryer generally produces a much crispier texture in a shorter amount of time.
What can I use these for?
They are excellent as a standalone snack, a party appetizer with dipping sauces, or as a replacement for croutons in soups and salads.
How do I store cooked gnocchi?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or a skillet to bring back the crispy exterior.