Air Fryer Gnocchi
Published
Published
Easily turn a package of shelf-stable gnocchi into a crispy, golden appetizer in less than 20 minutes with this Air fryer gnocchi recipe. Tossed in olive oil with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan, every piece turns puffed on the inside and crunchy on the outside. It’s quick, pantry-friendly, and perfect when you need a simple snack or party bite without extra steps or boiling water.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItThis post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
Gnocchi is loved in this house, so when I discovered I could air fry them, I was so excited – and you don’t even boil them first. They come out puffy and crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and coated in just enough Parmesan and seasonings. I sometimes serve them warm with marinara for dipping, but honestly, we snack on them like popcorn right out of a bowl. They’re also great sprinkled over a steaming bowl of tomato soup or piled onto a platter for an easy appetizer when friends are over. It’s one of those low-effort recipes that everyone loves.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Use shelf-stable gnocchi. This recipe does not work with refrigerated or frozen gnocchi.
- Give the gnocchi room to breathe. A crowded basket traps steam, which keeps the gnocchi soft instead of crispy. Cook in batches so they aren’t stacked on top of each other. Hot air needs to move around every piece to create that golden exterior.
- Use oil for color and flavor. A light coating of olive oil (or avocado oil) helps the seasoning stick and promotes crisping. Dry gnocchi will cook, but they won’t brown as beautifully or have that satisfying crunch.
- Preheat the air fryer. Starting with a hot basket jump-starts the crisping process so the gnocchi puff quickly and cook evenly. A cold fryer can lead to pale, uneven results.
- Shake every 5 minutes. Shake the basket every few minutes so each gnocchi is crisp on all sides.
Air Fryer Gnocchi
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 17.5 oz. package shelf-stable gnocchi, (it is not boiled first)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
- fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss to coat.
- Dump the seasoned gnocchi in the basket of your air fryer in an even layer (if your air fryer is smaller than 6 quarts, you’ll need to cook in 2 batches).
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F then air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking every 5 minutes, so they crisp up on all sides. They’re done when puffy, golden, and crispy.
- Transfer to a shallow serving bowl and garnish with a bit more Parmesan and chopped parsley. Enjoy with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Video
Notes
- Different types of gnocchi to try: potato, sweet potato, cauliflower, gluten-free. Bear in mind, cooking time may vary.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Did you make this? Leave a rating below!How to Make Air Fryer Gnocchi Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together. The gnocchi is shelf-stable and not boiled first.
Coat the gnocchi: In a large bowl, add 1 package (17.5 ounces) shelf-stable gnocchi, 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp coarse salt, ½ tsp black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan. Toss until the gnocchi are evenly coated.
Add to the air fryer basket: Pour the seasoned gnocchi into the air fryer basket and spread them into a single, even layer. If your air fryer is smaller than 6 quarts, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry the gnocchi: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F then air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes so the gnocchi crisp evenly. They’re done when they look puffy, golden, and crispy.
Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy air fryer gnocchi warm, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a little parsley, and set out a bowl of marinara for dipping. They make a great appetizer for game night alongside popcorn and other fun snacks. You can also pair them with pesto, garlic butter, or ranch if you want to switch up the flavor. For a more complete spread, serve alongside a simple green salad, baked chicken tenders, or on top of easy tomato soup.
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge. These are best served fresh while they’re puffed and crispy, but leftovers will still reheat well. Store cooled gnocchi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350–375°F for 4–6 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they crisp back up.
- Freezer. You can also freeze them. Spread cooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a minute or two if needed.
More Easy Air Fryer Snacks & Appetizers
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Babybel Cheese
- Air Fryer Nachos
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
