Air fryer gnocchi: 22 Minutes to Crunchy Bliss

Name: Air fryer gnocchi: 22 Minutes to Crunchy Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 26, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about air fryer gnocchi! This dish has quickly become one of my go-to favorites. Imagine biting into crispy little pillows of potato goodness that are golden brown and perfectly seasoned. The air fryer transforms those humble gnocchi into something so addictively crunchy on the outside while still being soft and tender on the inside. It’s like magic! And the best part? It’s so easy to whip up! You can have a delicious meal ready in just about 22 minutes, with minimal mess and fuss. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer to impress friends, air fryer gnocchi is where it’s at! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh boy, where do I even start? Making air fryer gnocchi is such a joy, and you’ll absolutely love it for so many reasons!

Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this delicious dish ready in just 22 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Effortless Cooking: The air fryer does all the work for you, giving you crispy, golden gnocchi with minimal effort. Just toss, place, and let it work its magic!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning adds a burst of flavor that elevates every bite. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth!
Versatile Dish: You can serve it as a main course, side dish, or even a snack. Pair it with marinara or pesto, and you’ve got a meal everyone will rave about!
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means less oil than traditional frying, making it a lighter choice without sacrificing any of that crispy goodness.

Seriously, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Gnocchi

Gather these simple ingredients to create your crispy, delicious air fryer gnocchi:

1 pound gnocchi: You can find these in the pasta aisle – no need to make them from scratch unless you’re feeling adventurous!
2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps the gnocchi crisp up beautifully.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that savory kick that elevates the flavors.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that brings everything together.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Adjust according to your preference.

That’s it! You’re just a few ingredients away from a delightful meal. Happy cooking!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Gnocchi

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the magic of preparing air fryer gnocchi! Trust me, this process is so straightforward, you’ll be whipping it up on repeat.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your gnocchi get that lovely golden exterior while staying soft inside. Just think of it as warming up your oven before baking – it helps everything cook evenly and beautifully!

Tossing the Gnocchi

Next, grab a bowl and toss those gnocchi with the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure every little piece gets a nice coating – you want that flavor to envelop every bite! I like to use my hands for this part; it’s the best way to really get in there and make sure all the gnocchi are evenly seasoned. Plus, it’s kind of fun!

Air Frying the Gnocchi

Now, it’s time to cook! Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is key – overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and no one wants that! Set your timer for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a good shake to ensure they’re cooking evenly. You’ll see them puffing up and turning crispy, and let me tell you, the aroma will be irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Once they’re perfectly golden and crispy, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy them as is, or go all out with some delicious sauces. I love pairing them with marinara or a fresh pesto – the flavors complement each other so well. And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch of savory goodness. Yum! Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer gnocchi turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

Don’t Skip Preheating: Seriously, preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) is essential. It helps the gnocchi get that crispy exterior right from the start, making all the difference in texture.
Check Your Air Fryer Model: Every air fryer is a little different. Some might cook faster or slower than others. If you’re trying this for the first time, keep an eye on your gnocchi starting around the 8-minute mark. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on how crispy you like them!
Don’t Overcrowd: Remember to keep the gnocchi in a single layer in the basket. If you pile them on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. If you have a lot, consider cooking them in batches!
Shake It Up: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake. This helps them cook evenly, so you get that gorgeous golden color all around.
Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to play around with the seasonings! If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. Want to make it a bit zesty? A squeeze of lemon or some zest can brighten it up beautifully!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be an air fryer gnocchi pro in no time! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the deliciousness of air fryer gnocchi, I want to share some important nutritional info! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate to guide you on your culinary journey.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

So there you have it! Air fryer gnocchi is not only crispy and delicious but also a satisfying option for your meals. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about air fryer gnocchi? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my tips and tricks to make your gnocchi experience even better.

How do I adjust the cooking time for different air fryer models?

Great question! Every air fryer is a little different, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your gnocchi as they cook. If you have a model that tends to cook faster, start checking at around the 8-minute mark. You want them to be golden and crispy but not overdone. Trust your nose – if they smell fantastic, they’re probably close to being done!

Can I store leftover air fryer gnocchi?

Absolutely! If you have any leftover gnocchi (which might be hard to believe because they’re so good!), let them cool completely first. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again. It’s like magic!

What can I substitute for the olive oil?

If you’re looking for an alternative to olive oil, you’ve got options! Grapeseed oil or avocado oil work beautifully as substitutes, giving you that nice crispiness without affecting the flavor too much. Just remember, the oil helps with the crisping, so don’t skip it!

Can I add vegetables to the gnocchi?

Yes, yes, yes! Adding veggies can be a delightful twist. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes. Just chop them up and toss them in with the gnocchi to give them a lovely, colorful boost. Just be mindful of how many you add – you still want your gnocchi to get that crispy texture!

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are fantastic gluten-free gnocchi available in stores these days. Just make sure to check the packaging to ensure they’re certified gluten-free. The cooking instructions will be similar, but always keep an eye on them in the air fryer to get that perfect texture!

Hopefully, these answers help clear up any questions you have about making air fryer gnocchi. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious air fryer gnocchi, and now you have some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). No worries! Storing and reheating gnocchi is super easy, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep them just as crispy and tasty as when they first came out of the air fryer.

First, let your leftover gnocchi cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial because you don’t want condensation to make them soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between if I have a lot, just to prevent any sticking. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you could also freeze them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should last up to a month.

When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers again, here’s how to reheat them while keeping that fabulous crispiness:

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the gnocchi in a single layer and air fry for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will get them nice and crispy again!
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the gnocchi on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
Skillet Method: Heat a little olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re heated through and crispy.

Whatever method you choose, just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying every crunchy bite of your air fryer gnocchi all over again!