Fitness / March 16, 2024

Air Fryer Gnocchi

‘Gnoc’ your dinner guests’ socks off with this singular serving of Air Fryer Gnocchi—little dumplings of dough dusted with Parmesan and garlic.

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Potatoes are such a common food to cook in air fryers. That’s perhaps due to the fact that the humble potato is so versatile a food. Fries, baked, roasted… if the air fryer could only be used with potatoes, it would still be a worthy investment.

But what if I told you you’re overlooking another potato dish that can be done up easily in your air fryer? That’s right, gnocchi, that non-pasta (more on that later) Italian dish, practically becomes a whole new food when prepared in the air fryer, especially when you add Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the equation.

I like experimenting with my air fryer by adding different foods to its basket. Sometimes I pleasantly surprised, other times I’m taught an important lesson about curiosity. But with gnocchi, ‘pleasantly surprised’ just doesn’t cut it. And as much as I like watching the little pieces float to the top when boiling them in water, I don’t think I can ever go back to that method. They’ll simply seem like a gnoc-off! (That’s the last ‘gnoc’ pun, I promise.)

Is Air Fryer Gnocchi Healthy?

Gnocchi, like other potato dishes, is high in carbs, so it will provide you with lots of energy. The cheese contains protein and calcium, while the optional garnish of parsley would provide you with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s suitable for vegetarian, gluten-free (if using GF gnocchi), and Mediterranean diets.

Is Gnocchi Pasta or Potato?

An existential question if ever I heard one. Of course, the simple answer is ‘potato’. Gnocchi is actually more a dumpling than, say, tortellini or some other stuffed pasta. It usually consists of potato, flour, and sometimes egg. The potato—its key ingredient—is boiled, mashed, then mixed with flour. At this point, egg can be added to provide richness. The dough is rolled out into long ropes and cut into the little pieces you see at the store. They are given little ridges so that sauce can stick to them. Your job is to boil them then watch with anticipation as they rise to the surface, indicating they’re done.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. shelf-stable gnocchi
1–2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2–3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Get your air fryer heated up and ready to go. Mix the gnocchi with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.

Air Fry

Lay the gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer for the crispiest results. Give them a shake partway through cooking to get them evenly golden and crunchy.

Garnish & Serve

Once they’re perfectly crispy, toss with Parmesan and parsley for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. Serve these irresistible bites hot and enjoy the crunch!

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I store air fryer gnocchi?

Once it’s cooled, the gnocchi can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can then reheat it in the air fryer, microwave, oven, or on the stove. You can also freeze the gnocchi. First you’ll need to flash freeze it by laying all the pieces out on a baking sheet and putting it all in the freezer. This will prevent the gnocchi from sticking to each other. After an hour, when the pieces have solidified, you can take them out and put them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I avoid mushy gnocchi?

Are you using shelf-stable gnocchi? They tend to hold their shape better than gnocchi that is refrigerated or fresh. Are you using too much olive oil? Just a bit is needed to crisp up the gnocchi. Next, don’t add the gnocchi to the air fryer until it has reached the right temperature. Also, pat your gnocchi dry. If there is any moisture on the surface, they may be in for a steam, which will make them soggy. Inspect the basket in your air fryer. Have you granted each potato nugget its own space? If you haven’t the air will have difficulty circulating.

What does ‘shelf-stable’ mean?

Shelf-stable gnocchi means it can be kept at room temperature for an extended period of time without going off. Compare it to the frozen or fresh variety you can get. As I mention above, I find shelf-stable gnocchi stands up to the heat in the air fryer better than these other kinds.

What sauce do you recommend?

Call me boring but I like a simple marinara sauce. Those slightly more adventurous among you can opt for a basil pesto, garlic aioli, or honey mustard sauce. If you have some balsamic glaze, you can also give your gnocchi a quick zig-zag.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

That’s definitely an option. Air fry at 390°F for a bit longer, 13 to 16 minutes. You also need to shake the basket every 4 to 5 minutes. Stop when golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

As I mention in the FAQs, while this gnocchi can be an appetizer served with dipping sauce, it can also be made into an entree. Here are some suggestions:

Gnocchi Primavera: Add sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, to the gnocchi, along with a garlic and olive oil sauce.
Gnocchi with Chicken & Spinach: Cooked chicken breast and sauteed spinach is served with the gnocchi in a creamy, alfredo-like sauce.
Gnocchi with Pesto & Tomato: Mix together pesto sauce with halved cherry tomatoes. Add shrimp for a more substantial, seafood feast.

Air Fryer Gnocchi

‘Gnoc’ your dinner guests’ socks off with this singular serving of Air Fryer Gnocchi—little dumplings of dough dusted with Parmesan and garlic.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 151kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 lb. shelf-stable gnocchi
1 to 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
Lightly coat the basket with a non-stick spray or a brush of olive oil.
In a large bowl, combine the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Place the seasoned gnocchi in the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer.
For shelf-stable and refrigerated gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 11 to 14 minutes. Shake the basket every 4 to 5 minutes. The gnocchi is ready when it’s golden brown and crispy.
For frozen gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for a bit longer, 13 to 16 minutes. You also need to shake the basket every 4 to 5 minutes. Stop when golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer once cooked and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley (optional).