Crispy on the outside, soft and a little chewy on the inside—this Air Fryer Gnocchi is a snack you’ll crave! Ready in just 17 minutes, it’s perfect with dips like pesto aioli or as a pasta alternative with your favorite marinara sauce.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Here is why you’ll love this air fryer gnocchi recipe:
- Gnocchi is not something you would think to cook in the air fryer but it delivers the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, pillowy centers. You will love this unique texture!
- It’s simple and lightly seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan as flavor-packed bites.
- Using shelf-stable gnocchi and my trusty Instant Pot Air Fryer Vortex, I whipped up this easy dish in under 20 minutes. You can use any air fryer model for this recipe!
- Whether you’re serving it as a snack with aioli or pesto, or tossing it in marinara for a quick dinner, this recipe is quite versatile.
- Bonus: it’s a less-greasy alternative to pan-fried gnocchi without losing that golden, crispy texture.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Gnocchi & olive oil: Gnocchi is the star, with a drizzle of olive oil to ensure a crispy, golden exterior AND to help all those seasonings and Parmesan to stick to the pasta.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs bring in classic, cozy flavors.
- Cheese: Parmesan adds a savory, nutty richness. Shelf-stable finely grated Parmesan is best here as it coats the gnocchi more evenly but you can also use fresh Parmesan and grate it very finely. Feel free to swap with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste!
- Sauce/dip to serve: Choose your favorite dipping sauce—marinara, aioli, or even ketchup!
Tip: Swap Italian herbs with thyme, oregano, or dried basil based on your pantry.
Step by Step
1. Preheat air fryer
- Set your air fryer to 395°F (200°C).
- Spray the basket with a little oil.
2. Season gnocchi
- Toss gnocchi in olive oil, then add salt, pepper, Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs. Stir until well-coated.
3. Air fry
- Spread the gnocchi in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. For smaller air fryers, air fry at 390°F for 10-11 minutes.
4. Serve
- If using it as a snack, serve it hot with your dip of choice (pesto aioli, marinara, etc.)
Video Instructions
Expert Tips
- Shake the basket: Don’t forget to shake the gnocchi halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Cheese option: Use fresh Parmesan if you want a bolder flavor, but pantry shelf-stable cheese will give you a better coating.
- Extra Crunch: Want it extra crispy? Add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve this air fryer gnocchi as a snack or appetizer alongside pesto aioli, marinara, or even ketchup. If you're in the mood for a light meal, toss the gnocchi in a simple marinara sauce or with fresh cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s also great as a side dish for grilled chicken or alongside a fresh salad.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before air frying.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
Nope! Just toss the gnocchi straight into the air fryer—no need to boil them beforehand.
What if my air fryer is smaller?
For smaller air fryers, reduce the temperature to 390°F and cook for 10-11 minutes.
How do I make it vegan?
Skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free pesto or marinara for dipping.
Rate This Recipe
Air Fryer Gnocchi
Looking for a quick, crispy snack? This Air Fryer Gnocchi is done in 17 minutes and pairs beautifully with marinara or aioli for the ultimate comfort bite!
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Servings: 4
Calories: 249kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot Air Fryer Vortex Plus
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi (450-500 grams), shelf-stable is best but refrigerated is also fine
- 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon Parmesan, shelf-stable is best for this
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (you could use dried thyme, oregano, or basil)
To serve:
- Favorite marinara sauce, pesto, aioli, or ketchup
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 395°F (200°C).
Season Gnocchi:
- In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil until well coated. Then, evenly sprinkle it with pepper, salt, Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs. Toss again to coat the gnocchi evenly with the seasonings.
Air Fry Gnocchi:
- Add the seasoned gnocchi to the air fryer basket and spread them out evenly. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Prepare the Sauce:
- If serving the gnocchi as a main, heat your favorite marinara sauce. If serving as a snack or appetizer, prepare a dipping bowl with ketchup, salsa, aioli, or a mix of pesto and mayonnaise.
- Serve hot with a little extra Parmesan sprinkled on top!
Notes
Storage: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Which gnocchi to use: shelf-stable, pantry gnocchi is best for this recipe but fresh, refrigerated kind is also great but will need slightly shorter cooking time, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 4mg
Made this recipe?Mention @instantpoteats or tag #instantpoteats!
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