5 Surprising Gnocchi Recipes You Can Make In An Air Fryer

When we think of gnocchi, our minds often conjure images of traditional dishes served with classic sauces, perhaps prepared through boiling or pan-frying. But what if we told you that an air fryer can unlock a new realm of culinary delights with these pillowy dumplings? Yes, the air fryer, an appliance now ubiquitous in kitchens worldwide, is not just for frying but can transform gnocchi into surprisingly innovative and delightful recipes. From crunchy to crispy and even to flavors you never imagined possible, let's dive into five surprising gnocchi recipes you can easily make in an air fryer.

Crispy Parmesan Gnocchi Bites 🧀

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=crispy+parmesan+gnocchi" alt="Crispy Parmesan Gnocchi Bites"> </div>

Imagine taking a bite into a gnocchi that's golden brown on the outside, crisp, yet tender on the inside, with the sharp, tangy flavor of Parmesan cheese.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons of melted butter
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the gnocchi in melted butter, ensuring each piece is coated well.
  3. Mix the Parmesan with salt and pepper. Dredge each butter-coated gnocchi in this mixture.
  4. Air fry for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through for an even crisp.

  This method creates a delightful snack or appetizer that's both easy to make and crowd-pleasing. The exterior crunch of Parmesan with the softness of gnocchi inside is an intriguing contrast.

<p class="pro-note">🍴 Note: You can serve these bites with a dipping sauce like marinara or garlic aioli for an extra flavor punch!</p>

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with a Twist 🍠

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=sweet+potato+gnocchi+air+fryer" alt="Sweet Potato Gnocchi with a Twist"> </div>

Sweet potato gnocchi, while delicious when boiled, takes on a whole new life when cooked in an air fryer, enhancing its natural sweetness and achieving a caramelized texture.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of sweet potato gnocchi
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • Salt to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly spray the gnocchi with olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Air fry for approximately 12-15 minutes, stirring gently halfway through to ensure even browning.

  The smoky-sweet profile of these gnocchi adds a unique flair to your appetizer or side dish, complementing both savory and sweet dishes.

<p class="pro-note">🌿 Note: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme for an added earthy flavor.</p>

Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi with a Crispy Edge 🥬

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=spinach+ricotta+gnocchi+air+fryer" alt="Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi with a Crispy Edge"> </div>

Homemade spinach ricotta gnocchi can be a delightful surprise, especially when finished in an air fryer to give it that crispy exterior.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of spinach ricotta gnocchi
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup of grated Pecorino Romano

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  2. Toss gnocchi with olive oil, breadcrumbs, and Pecorino Romano.
  3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through for even crisping.

  The delicate flavors of spinach and ricotta combined with the unexpected crunch make this a unique dish, perfect for those looking to impress or explore new flavors.

<p class="pro-note">🌱 Note: Consider garnishing with a light drizzle of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.</p>

Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower Gnocchi 🍽

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=vegan+cauliflower+gnocchi" alt="Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower Gnocchi"> </div>

Vegan versions of gnocchi, like those made with cauliflower, can be even more enjoyable when air-fried, delivering a 'cheesy' experience without the cheese.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of cauliflower gnocchi
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Olive oil spray

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly spray the gnocchi with olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder.
  4. Air fry for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure all sides get cooked evenly.

  This recipe is not only friendly for plant-based diets but also offers a nutty flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.

<p class="pro-note">🥦 Note: You can mix in some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added zest.</p>

Gnocchi with Savory Caramelized Onion 🧅

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=caramelized+onion+gnocchi" alt="Gnocchi with Savory Caramelized Onion"> </div>

Caramelized onions bring depth and richness to any dish, and when combined with air-fried gnocchi, the result is an unforgettable flavor combination.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of gnocchi
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:

  1. Caramelize the onions by cooking them slowly over medium-low heat with olive oil, salt, and a splash of balsamic vinegar until they turn a deep golden brown.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  3. Toss gnocchi in olive oil and salt.
  4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, stirring once.
  5. Serve topped with the caramelized onions.

  The sweet and savory flavors of the onions complement the crispiness of the gnocchi, making this a perfect comfort food dish.

Air fryer gnocchi recipes present an opportunity to explore new tastes, textures, and techniques in cooking. From savory to sweet, from vegan to cheese-infused, these recipes demonstrate the versatility of gnocchi when given the air fryer treatment. They not only satisfy your cravings for comfort food but also expand your culinary repertoire in unexpected ways.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use frozen gnocchi for these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in an air fryer. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for defrosting.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Do I need to pre-cook the gnocchi?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most store-bought gnocchi doesn't require pre-cooking before air frying. Simply toss them with oil and seasonings and pop them in the air fryer.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I serve with air fryer gnocchi?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Air fryer gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces like marinara, pesto, or a simple garlic butter. They also pair well with fresh greens or roasted vegetables.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>