The easiest and crispiest air fryer gnocchi recipe that takes less than 15 minutes to make. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Use frozen, shelf-stable, or refrigerated potato, cauliflower, and sweet potato gnocchi for an easy appetizer, snack, or side dish.
The best crispy air fryer gnocchi
Once you try this air fryer gnocchi, you'll never want to make it another way. It is ultra-crispy on the outside, super soft and pillowy on the inside, and coated in lots of yummy spices. I make this recipe at least twice weekly; all my friends beg me to make it now.
The best part about this recipe compared to others is that you can use fresh or frozen gnocchi. You can air fry any type of gnocchi! Feel free to buy shelf-stable gnocchi or Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi.
Air fryer gnocchi is the ideal gameday appetizer, side dish, salad topper, and snack. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce (I love marinara pasta sauce) or throw them on your salad as little crispy croutons.
The easy recipe will be on repeat in your house - I promise! It takes less than 15 minutes to make, clean up is easy, and everyone will love it. I cannot wait to hear what you think.
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- Air-fried in less than 15 minutes.
- The gnocchi is crispy on the outside and pillowy, and soft on the inside.
- Seasoned to perfection.
- Great appetizer, snack, and side dish.
- Use them as a healthy "crouton" on salads.
- This recipe can be made 100% vegan and gluten-free.
- Use frozen, refrigerator, or shelf-stable gnocchi.
- You can use cauliflower, sweet potato, or regular potato gnocchi.
- Try this homemade sweet potato gnocchi or this air fryer halloumi next!
Ingredients needed & substitutions
This is seriously the best-ever air fryer gnocchi recipe because it's so customizable, and you can use homemade, frozen, refrigerated, or shelf-stable gnocchi. You need four ingredients plus salt & pepper. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Gnocchi: Grab your favorite shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi. I used regular potato-based gnocchi for the pictures, but you can also use cauliflower, gluten-free, or sweet potato gnocchi. I have tried every type, and they are all so delicious.
- Olive Oil: To help crispen up the gnocchi.
- Seasonings: You'll need a combination of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to season the gnocchi.
- Parmesan Cheese: I love adding freshly grated parmesan for that cheesy flavor. If you are dairy-free or vegan, use nutritional yeast.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make this easy 15-minute air fryer gnocchi recipe.
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Tools: ¼ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 Tablespoon.
How to make the crispiest air fryer gnocchi
This extra-crispy air fryer gnocchi recipe takes under 15 minutes to make! You can use frozen or fresh gnocchi. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
Step 2:
Toss the gnocchi with the rest of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. If you are using frozen gnocchi, DO NOT thaw it. Just add it to the bowl with the seasonings.
Step 3:
Add seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket. Try to avoid overlapping because they won't get as crispy.
Step 4:
If you use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, air fry it at 390°F for 11 - 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes so they are perfectly golden on all sides. The gnocchi is done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
If you are using frozen gnocchi, read the next section on how to cook it! It's the same method. It just takes 2 - 3 minutes longer 🙂
Step 5:
Air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness and warmth. I recommend garnishing it with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. You can serve as a side with your favorite main dish, as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, or add a "crouton" on your favorite salad.
How to make frozen gnocchi in an air fryer:
Cooking frozen gnocchi in an air fryer is so easy - it is the best method to prepare frozen gnocchi since it will be crisp and not soggy. My #1 tip for air frying frozen gnocchi is not to thaw it before you air fry it! I love using Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi, but you can use any kind or brand you want.
- Follow the same preparation steps to season the frozen gnocchi as listed in the recipe card.
- Then, air fry your seasoning frozen gnocchi at 390°F for 13 - 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes so they are perfectly golden on all sides. Frozen gnocchi takes a little bit longer to air fry, but the gnocchi should still be done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
Expert tips for perfectly crispy air fryer gnocchi
- Preheat your air fryer. This ensures the gnocchi are air-fried evenly and extra crispy. Don't forget to preheat your air fryer, or the cooking time may increase.
- Shake the basket every 4 minutes. This ensures that the gnocchi are air fried evenly and one side is not crispier or browner.
- Don't skip out on the olive oil. The olive oil (or avocado oil) ensures the gnocchi are crisp. If you skip out on the olive oil, the gnocchi will turn a darker brown and not be as golden crisp.
- Use fresh or frozen gnocchi. I love using shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi for this air fryer recipe! That's why it is the easiest and best recipe on the internet. I left instructions in the recipe card below on how to prepare the two.
- Use homemade gnocchi. If you want to make homemade gnocchi and air fry it instead of boiling it, be my guest! I love this homemade sweet potato gnocchi. Follow the preparation steps and then air fry homemade gnocchi for 12 - 15 minutes until crispy!
- Make it vegan. Most store-bought gnocchi is already vegan. You can make this recipe vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese and substituting it with nutritional yeast.
- You have cauliflower, sweet potato, or potato gnocchi. Another amazing thing about this recipe is that you can use any gnocchi you want. I love cauliflower, potato, and sweet potato.
Air fryer gnocchi variations
- Cauliflower gnocchi: Instead of potato gnocchi, use your favorite kind of cauliflower gnocchi. It's lower in carbs and so delicious. I love Trader Joe's frozen kind.
- Sweet potato gnocchi: I love sweet potato gnocchi! Use homemade sweet potato gnocchi or buy some at the store for this easy air fryer gnocchi recipe. It makes them crispy and so delicious.
- Italian: Instead of garlic powder, use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Asian-inspired: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the gnocchi before air frying, and Use a soy marinade or teriyaki sauce for dipping. Remember to remove the Parmesan cheese.
- Crispy pesto: Remove the oil from the recipe and use ¼ cup of pesto. Air fry the gnocchi coated in pesto for the crispest and most flavorful variation. I love this easy nut-free pesto.
How to serve air fryer gnocchi
You can serve air fryer gnocchi as a side dish, appetizer, snack, or use them as a healthier "crouton" on your favorite salad. Here are the best ways to serve air fryer gnocchi:
- As a side: I love serving air fryer gnocchi with these balsamic feta stuffed chicken breasts, this cauliflower leek potato soup, this grilled greek yogurt chicken, and this healthy tomato soup.
- As an appetizer: Serve these crispy gnocchi bites with marinara sauce, pesto, ranch, caesar dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. The perfect finger food!
- As a snack: If you are craving something salty in the afternoon, make this 15-minute air fryer gnocchi. It will satisfy all your cravings.
- As a "crouton:" I love adding air fryer gnocchi on top of salads for a crunchy, vegan, and gluten-free crouton alternative. Try this strawberry goat cheese salad, greek spinach salad, or blackened salmon caesar salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the texture of air fryer gnocchi?
Air fryer gnocchi is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is not dry or hard to bite into. It has a crisp golden shell and a warm, chewy middle.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! You can use any frozen gnocchi for this air fryer recipe. There is no need to thaw it before air frying; you can season and air fry it immediately. I left instructions below in the recipe card.
Can I use sweet potato gnocchi?
You can use any type of gnocchi you want - regular potato, sweet potato, or cauliflower.
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! I love this homemade sweet potato gnocchi recipe. Instead of boiling it, you can air fry homemade gnocchi for 12 - 15 minutes until crispy!
Is gnocchi vegan?
Most gnocchi recipes and store-bought brands are vegan since the gnocchi has no eggs. However, make sure you are buying a vegan-certified type. This recipe can be made vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese and using nutritional yeast instead.
Can I make this air fryer gnocchi recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Make this air fryer gnocchi vegan by omitting the cheese and substituting it with nutritional yeast.
What's the best temperature to air fry gnocchi?
For best results, air fry gnocchi at 390°F. If the temperature is too low, the gnocchi won't get crispy. If the temperature is too high, they will burn.
How long do I air fry gnocchi at 390°F?
Air fryer fresh or frozen gnocchi for 12 - 15 minutes at 390°F.
Can I use Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi?
Air frying is the best way to prepare Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi. If you follow the instructions on the bag, the gnocchi will be soft and soggy (gross!). If you follow this recipe, the cauliflower gnocchi will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside (perfect - yum!).
Can you reheat gnocchi?
Yes, you can certainly reheat gnocchi. If your gnocchi is not coated in sauce, it is best to reheat it in the air fryer for the gnocchi to be crispy. If your gnocchi is coated in sauce, the best way to reheat it is in the microwave. I do not recommend reheating air fryer gnocchi in the microwave - it will be soft and lose its crispiness.
How to store and reheat leftovers:
Storing: Air fryer gnocchi is best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness. If you need to store leftovers, add them to an airtight container (separated from any type of sauce) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat air fry gnocchi in your air fryer at 350°F for 4 - 6 minutes until it is warm and crispy again.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
- Air Fryer Halloumi
- Sweet Potato Tater Tots
- Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi, shelf-stable, refrigerator, or frozen (regular, cauliflower, or sweet potato)
- 1 - 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 - 3 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with the rest of the ingredients. If useing frozen gnocchi, DO NOT thaw it.
- Add seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket. Try to avoid overlapping because they won't get as crispy.
- Stelf-Stable & Refrigerated Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 11 - 14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes, so they are perfectly golden on all sides. The gnocchi is done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
- Frozen Gnocchi: Air fry at 390°F for 13 - 16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes, so they are perfectly golden on all sides. Frozen gnocchi takes a little bit longer to air fry, but the gnocchi should still be done when the outsides are golden (not burned) and crispy.
- Enjoy immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve as a side with your favorite main dish, as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, or add as a "crouton" on your favorite salad.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Evelyne says
Excellent, quick, easy recipe! And so addictive! 10/10!
Tati Chermayeff says
10/10 is high praise — thanks Evelyne, glad it's in the rotation.
Jill K. says
My gnocchi didn’t look like yours. However, they did taste like tater tots. Put them in the air fryer with a pork tenderloin @ 385 F. Added the gnocchi after baking the tenderloin for 13 minutes. Not bad. Think I’ll use a little more oil.
Janice says
I just made these for a quick snack meal. They are soooo good! Dipped them in tomato sauce,
Jennifer Edwards says
This was a fast and very yummy dish! The whole family liked it!
Penny Myers says
So easy, so delicious, perfectly crisp!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Penny - thank you for this awesome review!!
Jesse Stephenson says
These are definitely my new favorite snack! I used cauliflower gnocchi and dipped them in marina sauce with meat and in pesto! The garlic and parmesan coating was top tier!
Tiffany says
So I know no question Is a dumb question so... If I use shelf stable gnocchi out of the package, do I need to cook them first and then air fry?
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! No you don't need to cook them. Just pop the shelf-stable gnocchi into the air fryer 🙂
Teresa LeFevre says
I tried them last night. I thought they were good just more hard than crisp. I’m going to try cooking them first then follow the instructions. Maybe that will make it pillowy inside and crunchy outside like it’s described
Tati Chermayeff says
Thanks for sharing! If they came out more hard than crispy, cooking or boiling the gnocchi first may definitely help give you that softer, pillowy center. Air fryers can vary too, so slightly lowering the cook time may help as well. Hope the next batch turns out exactly how you’re hoping!