There’s something magical about crispy air-fried gnocchi. These tiny golden bites transform ordinary store-bought gnocchi into fluffy on the inside, crunchy on the outside snacks in minutes. I discovered this recipe on a busy evening when I craved something salty, warm, and comforting, but didn’t want to boil water or preheat the oven.
I tossed a bag of gnocchi with spices, threw it in the air fryer, and within 15 minutes, I had a bowl of irresistible crispy bites.
What I love most is the versatility of these air-fried gnocchi. They serve as a quick snack when you want something substantial to accompany your coffee break. They also shine as a fun side dish to pasta or soups, replacing plain croutons with soft and crunchy gnocchi croutons.
You can even serve them as an appetizer with a bowl of marinara, pesto, or creamy aioli for dipping. It’s a recipe that always surprises guests and feels far fancier than it’s.
Crispy Gnocchi in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer or oven with air fryer setting
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 500 g store-bought potato gnocchi shelf-stable or refrigerated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika optional for colour
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- grated parmesan and chopped parsley for serving optional
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- 2. In a large bowl, toss gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- 3. Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness.
- 4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the gnocchi are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- 5. Remove and serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
- Use shelf-stable gnocchi for the best results. If using refrigerated gnocchi, pat them dry before tossing with oil.
- Serve with marinara, pesto, or aioli for dipping.
- Add chilli flakes before air frying for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to retain crispiness.
Fun Facts About Gnocchi
Did you know traditional potato gnocchi dates back to the 16th century when potatoes were first introduced to Italy? Before that, gnocchi was made with flour and breadcrumbs.
Gnocchi gets its name from the Italian word nocchio, meaning a knot in wood, which makes sense given their shape and texture.
Another fun fact is that in Verona, Italy, there is an entire festival called Venerdì Gnocolar (Gnocchi Friday) held before Lent, where people celebrate by eating plates of gnocchi with rich tomato sauce and cheese.
Air-fried gnocchi might be a modern twist, but it preserves the spirit of sharing and indulgence.
Interesting Serving Ideas
To make these air fryer gnocchi extra special, try this. Imagine mini loaded bites topped with shredded mozzarella and crispy bacon bits. Return them to the air fryer for 2 minutes, until the cheese bubbles beautifully and forms a savory crust.
You can also transform them into golden croutons. Sprinkle them over creamy tomato soup or pumpkin soup to add a hearty crunch that makes every spoonful more satisfying.
For your next gathering, create an Italian-inspired tapas platter. Arrange crispy gnocchi with olives, roasted red peppers, and cubes of parmesan on a wooden board. It will resemble a dish served at a rustic café and will impress your guests.
If you love sweet surprises, try this dessert twist. Toss plain gnocchi with melted butter and cinnamon sugar before air frying them until golden. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels homely and gourmet at the same time.
Easy Variations
For a spicy version, toss the gnocchi with a pinch of chilli flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika before air frying.
This will add warmth and depth without overpowering their natural flavour. If you want a herby touch, mix them with dried Italian herbs, rosemary, thyme, or oregano for extra fragrance that pairs well with pasta dishes.
For a cheesy coating, sprinkle grated parmesan or pecorino directly onto the gnocchi before air frying. The cheese will melt slightly and create a crisp, savoury crust.
If you prefer a vegan twist, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar nutty, cheesy flavour without dairy.
You can also try a lemon and pepper variation by adding lemon zest and cracked black pepper to brighten their flavour. For a garlic butter twist, toss hot air-fried gnocchi in melted vegan or dairy butter mixed with minced garlic and chopped parsley.
Finally, for an Asian-inspired version, drizzle them with a little soy sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and top with thinly sliced spring onions for a snack that feels completely new.
Kid-Approved Combination
When I first made air fryer gnocchi for my niece and nephew, I wondered if they would even try it. They can be picky eaters, but this version turned out to be a huge hit.
I lightly coated the gnocchi in olive oil, tossed them with mild, grated cheddar and a sprinkle of garlic powder, then air-fried them until the cheese melted into a golden, savory crust.
As soon as I set the bowl down, they grabbed handfuls, dipping each crunchy bite into ketchup with big smiles on their faces. Now they call them “cheesy gnocchi bites” and request them every movie night.
If you’re looking for a fun and easy snack that kids will devour without hesitation, this combination is worth trying.
I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.
