Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Gnocchi

This air fried gnocchi is a go-to for us on busy weeknights when we want a meal made in 15 minutes with minimal clean up. I love that I can just pop it in the air fryer and there is no boiling required. This recipe is easy to make gluten-free and dairy-free and works with all different types of gnocchi! You can use whatever gnocchi you have on hand.
This gnocchi gets perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside thanks to the air fryer. One of my favorite hacks is to make my air fryer salmon bites or air fryer pesto chicken at the same time! If you already have the air fryer out then why not turn this into a full and balanced meal. You can air fry the salmon or chicken at the same time as the gnocchi, which makes dinner so seamless.

• Gnocchi: You can use any type of gnocchi in this recipe including regular, gluten-free, sweet potato or cauliflower. Results may vary slightly though depending on gnocchi type! If you are looking for gluten-free gnocchi, I recommend the Isola and Cappello's brands! Gluten-free gnocchi options vary by store, but look for ones made with rice or corn instead of wheat flour. 
• Avocado oil spray: The oil is what helps the outside of the gnocchi crisp up and keeps it from drying out. 
• Garlic salt: Garlic salt is a simple starting point, but seasoning is totally flexible. 

Each type of gnocchi will yield slightly different results. I have found that shelf-stable gnocchi is the most consistent and reliable. Refrigerated and frozen gnocchi also work well! The frozen gnocchi may need a few extra minutes to cook. 

I also like to use cauliflower gnocchi, but it can be hit or miss depending on the brand. The Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi works well! Sweet potato gnocchi can also be delicious in this recipe, but it will yield a slightly softer texture overall. If you are having trouble finding a gnocchi that works for your dietary restrictions, try making my sweet potato gnocchi from scratch!

How To Make Air Fryer Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating gives you better crisping!

Step 2: Add gnocchi to the air fryer, spray with oil and season. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer for best results.

Step 3: Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.

Step 4: Pull them out once they're golden and crispy. Serve right away.

Tips For Crispy Gnocchi Every Time

Here are my top tips for getting foolproof crispy gnocchi every time:

• Don't crowd the basket or tray. Lay the gnocchi in a single layer and make sure they are not piled up.This will prevent the gnocchi from crisping up! 
• Preheat the air fryer for best results 
• Use enough oil so the gnocchi don't dry out. I like to use avocado oil spray! 
• Shake or flip the gnocchi halfway through if your air fryer cooks unevenly 
• Every air fryer is a little different, so adjust as needed. If the edges are not golden, keep cooking the gnocchi.
• This crispy air fryer gnocchi is best eaten fresh and straight out of the air fryer!

Quick fixes if something goes wrong:

• If your gnocchi is not crispy enough, cook it longer or reduce the crowding on the pan or in the basket.
• If your gnocchi is too chewy, it is likely undercooked or the air fryer is too crowded. Try spreading the gnocchi out and cooking it for a few more minutes. 
• If your gnocchi is too dry, try adding more oil next time! 

Serving Tips

This crispy gnocchi is delicious served as an easy appetizer with a dipping sauce (my personal favorite way to serve), quick snack, side dish or as part of a full meal! 

I love pairing my gnocchi with dipping sauces like macadamia nut pesto, marinara or ranch. If you need a low histamine option try out my nomato sauce for dipping! 

If you are looking to eat this gnocchi as a full meal, I would recommend pairing it with sauce, vegetables or salad and a protein! This crispy gnocchi would also pair well with chili or you can swap it out in any pasta dish!

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

This crispy air fryer gnocchi is best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes. Your gnocchi may not be as crispy after being stored in the refrigerator. 

The air fryer is the best reheating method to make this air fryer gnocchi crispy! Do not reheat in the microwave or oven because it will not have the same texture or crunch.