If you've never tried Air Fried Gnocchi, you're in for a surprise. This easy recipe transforms gnocchi into irresistibly crispy, golden bites with a tiny bit of creaminess right in the center. They're chewy, savory, slightly salty, and honestly, a little addictive!
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Air frying gnocchi completely changes the texture in the best way. Instead of soft pillows, you get crunchy, savory bites that are perfect for dipping. They make a great appetizer or a finger food for parties and holidays, just like our mini potatoes. This recipe for air fryer gnocchi uses minimal ingredients and is ready to serve in less than 20 minutes, but is still incredibly tasty! Change it up a bit by using your favorite seasonings.
If you love easy snacks and appetizers like this, be sure to check out our other air fryer recipes for quick, crispy ideas the whole family will love. Air fried onion rings, frozen taquitos and potstickers are some of the easiest. We also can't get enough of these grilled cheese sandwiches...and ones with bacon added!
Why You'll Love Air Fried Gnocchi
- Easy to customize with different seasonings or dips
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
- Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish
Ingredients
- Shelf-stable gnocchi: one package between 16 and 18 ounces works perfectly for this recipe. The gnocchi used in the photos was a 17.6-ounce package. Be sure to use shelf-stable gnocchi, not refrigerated.
- Extra virgin olive oil: do not omit or substitute.. Olive oil is essential for achieving that crispy exterior. Higher-quality olive oil gives the best flavor.
- Cornstarch: this is the secret to extra crispiness. Do not omit or reduce it.
- Garlic salt: adds salty, savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount or swap in other seasonings to suit your taste.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Add the gnocchi, olive oil, cornstarch, and garlic salt to a large bowl. Stir well until every piece is evenly coated.
- Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400℉ for 15 minutes, shaking or stirring every 5 minutes so they cook evenly.
- Let the gnocchi cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as-is or dip them in marinara sauce, white pasta sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Chef's Tips
- Do not skip the oil. It's essential for proper browning and crisping.
- Shake every 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. If needed, cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
What To Serve With Air Fried Gnocchi
These crispy gnocchi are delicious on their own, but they're even better dipped in:
They also make a great side dish alongside roasted chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables, like green beans and zucchini,
How To Store
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, place back in the air fryer at 390℉ for 2-3 minutes until warmed and crispy again.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe works best with shelf-stable gnocchi. Refrigerated or frozen gnocchi contain more moisture, which can prevent them from crisping properly and may lead to uneven results. For the crispiest air fryer gnocchi, stick with shelf-stable packages
Cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture and creates a light coating that allows the gnocchi to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Without it, the gnocchi tend to stay softer and won't develop that golden, crunchy exterior.
Air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 390℉ for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Recipe
Air Fryer Gnocchi
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- spoon
Ingredients
- 16 oz shelf-stable gnocchi
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt or other seasoning
Instructions
- Add the gnocchi, olive oil, cornstarch, and garlic salt to a large bowl. Stir well until every piece is evenly coated.
- Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400℉ for 15 minutes, shaking or stirring every 5 minutes so they cook evenly.
- Let the gnocchi cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as-is or dip in marinara sauce, white pasta sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Kristina Tipps says
My family loved this recipe! We can't wait to make it again.