“Gnoc” your dinner guests’ socks off with these golden Air-Fryer Gnocchi.
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 in its many forms. 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, slightly crisp and perfectly golden brown. Even better when you add Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the equation.
I like experimenting with my air fryer by adding different foods to the basket. Sometimes, I am 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.)
Are Air Fryer Gnocchi Healthy?
Gnocchi, like other potato-based foods, are high in carbs, so you can count on them to provide you with lots of energy. Of course, if you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, this wouldn’t be the dish for you. The Parmesan cheese contains some protein and calcium, while the optional parsley garnish contains a small dose of vitamins and antioxidants. There are some heart-healthy fats present in the olive oil, too. Overall, this recipe is fairly nutritionally neutral—it’s not unhealthy for you, but it doesn’t pack a ton of health benefits, either. The dish is suitable for vegetarian, gluten-free (if using gluten-free gnocchi), and Mediterranean diets.
Are Gnocchi Pasta Or Potatoes?
A pressing question, if ever I heard one. Of course, the simple answer is “potato.” Gnocchi are actually more like dumplings than, say, tortellini or some other type of stuffed pasta. They usually consist of potato, flour, and sometimes egg. The potato—the 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. The traditional cooking method involves boiling them and watching with anticipation as they rise to the surface, indicating they’re done.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Once cooled, the gnocchi can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can then reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, oven, or on the stove. You can also freeze the gnocchi. First, you’ll need to flash-freeze them by laying all the pieces out on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer. This will prevent the gnocchi from sticking to each other. After 1 hour, when the pieces have solidified, you can take them out and put them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This gnocchi dish is so versatile. It can be an appetizer served with dipping sauce, but it can also be made into an entrée. Whip up a batch of homemade Tomato Sauce, Basil Pesto, or Garlic Butter Sauce for dipping or smothering. You could also serve them as a side with Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs, Roasted Vegetables, or Salmon Steaks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly coat the basket with a non-stick spray or olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well.
- Place the seasoned gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- For shelf-stable and refrigerated gnocchi: Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 11-14 minutes. Shake the basket every 4-5 minutes. The gnocchi are ready when golden brown and crispy.
- For frozen gnocchi: Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for a bit longer, 13-16 minutes. You also need to shake the basket every 4-5 minutes. Stop when golden brown and crispy.
- Remove gnocchi from the air fryer once cooked and immediately sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley (optional).
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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