Air Fryer Gnocchi

Karina
by Karina
4 servings
17 min

If you want a new superhero snack or fun side dish, air fryer gnocchi is the solution. These little crunchy bites of potato are ready in minutes. No boiling, no mess, no fuss.

Seasoned air fryer gnocchi coming out of the air fryer in the basket with a beautiful golden color.

this recipe


Let’s chat about falling in love with gnocchi in the air fryer. If you thought gnocchi was only for boiling and sautéing, think again! Crispy on the outside and perfectly pillowy on the inside, you will think it was fried.


Why this recipe works?


This recipe works because of the simplicity and wide variety of seasoning options.


  • Perfect balance, crunchy to comfort food: Crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside.
  • No fuss recipe: With no boiling or sautéing required, this means fewer dishes.
  • Simple and quick: It’s like fast food ready in minutes, minus the guilt. Set the air fryer time and temperature, then it does all the work. Seriously, that is it. No boiling water, preheating an oven, or getting the hubby to sauté them.
Crispy air fried gnocchi resting in parchment paper in a serving bowl. Marina sauce in the middle to dip in.
More easy air fryer recipes


If you love your air fryer as much as we do, check out some of our favorite recipes.

Overhead shot of the French onion baked potatoes. The melted Gruyere cheese has crisped on the side of the potatoes sitting in the air fryer basket.

French onion baked potatoes

Overhead shot of the piggies in a blanket in the air fryer basket. They are done up for Halloween to look like mummy dogs with googly eyes.

Piggies in a blanket air fryer (Halloween edition)

Plated cranberry meatballs with orange slices and cranberries as a garnish. You can see the cranberries and juiciness of the meatballs.

Cranberry meatballs

You can see how the addition of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon in chocolate chip cookies has given them a golden color. A plate full of chocolate cinnamon chip cookies.

Chocolate chip cinnamon cookies



Ingredients
Overhead shot of the ingredients to make the recipe. The seasoning uses staple ingredients like salt, garlic, and olive oil,
  • Gnocchi: I chose shelf stable gnocchi.
  • Oil: I love using olive oil, but use any of your favorite cooking oil.
  • Seasoning: For this recipe I kept it simple, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon pepper. But honestly, the options for seasoning combinations are endless.


See the recipe card for quantities.


Variations
Dipping a crispy and pillowy piece into marinara sauce in the middle of a serving bowl lined with parchment paper.

These air fryer gnocchi are easily adaptable to be the perfect wingmen to any main course or to fit your cravings.


  • Spicy: Use some chili powder or cayenne pepper in the spices.
  • Simple: Try salt and pepper, it might surprise you.
  • Kid friendly – Use your favorite BBQ, taco, or fajitas seasoning.


How to make air fry gnocchi


This recipe is so simple, the hardest part is waiting for it to be ready to eat.

Overhead shot of showing how easy it is to season the recipe before you air fry it.

Preheat the air fryer & season the gnocchi.

Seasoned air fried gnocchi coming out of the air fryer in the basket that are beautifully crispy and pillowy.

Air fry until golden.

Getting ready to dip a golden piece into the marinara sauce in the middle of the serving bowl.

Serve and enjoy!


Scroll down to the recipe card for exact quantities and instructions.


Tips


  • Preheat the air fryer. So when you add the seasoned gnocchi, they get a direct sear.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. This will ensure the gnocchi are evenly cooked.
  • Mix halfway through. This is always a good habit to have, especially for small bites like the gnocchi. Additionally, since most air fryers have a hot spot, it provides a more even cook.
  • Watch your cooking time: Every air fryer will cook differently, so pay attention to how it’s cooking halfway through. You may need more or less time. The gnocchi will be crispy on the outside and still soft inside when they are ready.
  • Serve with your favorite sauce: marinara, pesto, or even your favorite cheese sauce.


What can I serve with the air fry gnocchi?


  • Since the gnocchi can be seasoned ahead of time, you can have it as an appetizer or side to ultimate steak night.
  • Planning a get-together? Use the gnocchi’s different seasonings to please the kids and adults. Don’t forget the ultimate crowd pleaser done in under an hour, smoked crispy chicken wings.
  • Need a fun finger food night? Choose the spicy version of the air fryer gnocchi with quesadillas from the griddle.


Equipment


  • Air fryer


More recipes to have with the gnocchi
A chicken crunchwrap sliced into 3 pieces and stacked on a cutting board. You can see the crispiness of the tortilla and the freshness of the ingredients.

Chicken crunchwrap

Holding the Philly cheesesteak hot and fresh right above the griddle. It has melted provolone, grilled onions and peppers, and a hot dog bun grilled to perfection.

Philly cheesesteak on the griddle

Sliced smoked meatloaf with BBQ sauce that has caramelized to form a crust. It is moist and tender.

Smoked meatloaf recipe for the BBQ or smoker

The smoked meat being sliced on a cutting board.

Smoked corned beef brisket


These air fry gnocchi will be a great side dish in any of the recipes below.


FAQ


Do I need to boil gnocchi before air frying them?

No you don’t. You cook them straight from the package.

Which oil is best to air fry gnocchi?

I used olive oil, but any of your favorite oils will work. Just make sure they have a high smoking point.

Can I make air fryer gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes you can. However, we much prefer them hot and fresh from the air fryer. What we found out is you can season the gnocchi and place them in the fridge. Then, when you are ready to use them, just preheat and air fry them.

A crispy and pillowy gnocchi just dipped in the marinara sauce ready to be eaten.

What do you think of the air fryer gnocchi? Please leave us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the review below and tag me @thekitchenbucketlist on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!


HAPPY AIR FRYING!!!

Recipe details
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 12 Minutes Total time: 17 min
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound shelf-stable gnocchi
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 390℉ for 3 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, add the gnocchi and pour the oil. Mix so the gnocchi are coated with oil.
Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, paprika and lemon pepper. Mix until all gnocchi are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Transfer the gnocchi to the preheated air fryer basket.
Air fry for 10 – 14 minutes. Mix every 2 to 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and crisping of the gnocchi.
The gnocchi are ready when they are golden to your liking. NOTE: The gnocchi is cooked at an internal temperature of 165℉.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips
  • Gnocchi: This recipe was tested with shelf-stable gnocchi. If you are using frozen or fresh gnocchi, time and temperature may need to be adjusted.
Karina
Want more details about this and other recipes? Check out more here!
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