I love how these Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi come out delightfully golden and crispy on the outside, yet tender and pillowy on the inside. They make a quick and easy snack or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a little olive oil and the magic of the air fryer, they’re healthier and faster than pan-frying, delivering maximum crunch with minimal effort. This recipe quickly became one of my favorite comfort foods because it’s simple, satisfying, and versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m always looking for easy ways to transform simple ingredients into something special, and air frying gnocchi does just that. The texture is unbeatable—crispy edges that hold their shape, but soft centers that melt in your mouth. Plus, it only takes about 17 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect last-minute snack or side. I also appreciate how this method uses less oil, so it feels lighter but still indulgent. It’s a fun twist on traditional gnocchi, and adding Parmesan and fresh parsley at the end gives it that extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket for the crispiest results. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Air fry the gnocchi for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. The gnocchi should be golden and crispy on the outside.
Remove the gnocchi from the air fryer, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if you like. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 to 3 people. Prep time takes about 5 minutes, cooking time is around 12 minutes, so the total time is roughly 17 minutes. It’s a fast and satisfying dish that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or when I want a quick, tasty snack.
Variations
I like experimenting with different seasonings for these gnocchi. Sometimes I swap the dried Italian herbs for smoked paprika or add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat. You can also toss the cooked gnocchi in a sauce like pesto, marinara, or a garlic butter drizzle to change up the flavor profile. For a vegan version, I skip the Parmesan and add nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, I pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This refreshes the crunch without making them soggy like microwaving can.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time and make sure to shake the basket well to cook evenly.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can achieve similar results by pan-frying the gnocchi in a little oil over medium-high heat until crispy and golden, but it will take more oil and attention.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked through?
The gnocchi should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. When you bite into it, the inside should be soft and tender without any hardness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free gnocchi, which you can find in many grocery stores or make yourself with gluten-free flour.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare and cook the gnocchi in advance, but I recommend reheating in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness before serving.
Conclusion
I find that these crispiest air fryer gnocchi are the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness. They’re quick to make, healthier than the traditional pan-fried version, and so satisfying with their crispy exterior and tender interior. Whether I’m serving them as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal, this recipe always impresses and comes together with minimal fuss. It’s one of those easy go-to dishes I keep coming back to whenever I want something tasty without a lot of effort.
📖 Recipe:
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Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully golden and crispy on the outside, tender and pillowy on the inside, these air fryer gnocchi make a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack or side dish with minimal oil and fuss.
Ingredients
1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Gnocchi should be golden and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
For extra flavor, try seasoning with smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Toss cooked gnocchi with pesto, marinara, or garlic butter for variety.
For a vegan version, skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or toasted breadcrumbs.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Frozen gnocchi can be used; just add extra cooking time and shake basket well.
Pan-frying is an alternative but uses more oil and attention.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: Approx. 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
