This crispy air fryer gnocchi is the easiest way to transform soft, pillowy gnocchi into a golden, crunchy snack or side dish! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll get perfectly crispy gnocchi in under 15 minutes—no boiling required. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, toss them with pesto, or enjoy them as a crunchy alternative to fries!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 (16 oz) package of shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Marinara, pesto, or aioli (for dipping)
Instructions
1. Prep the Gnocchi
- No need to boil the gnocchi! Just open the package and pat them dry with a paper towel if they feel moist.
- In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the gnocchi is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Add the Finishing Touches
- While still hot, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra crispiness and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Ideas & Variations
✔ Cheesy Twist: Toss with shredded mozzarella and broil for 1-2 minutes until melty.
✔ Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
✔ Buffalo-Style: Toss with buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
✔ Garlic Butter: After air frying, toss with melted garlic butter and fresh herbs.
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