Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
Shop-bought gnocchi turned golden and crunchy, like tiny roast potatoes.
Before You Start
You don't boil the gnocchi. Straight from the packet, tossed in a little oil, they crisp up golden and chewy in the air fryer, like tiny roast potatoes. It's the easiest snack or salad topper, ready in about 15 minutes with a shower of parmesan and herbs.
Instructions
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Tip the gnocchi straight from the packet into a bowl (no boiling). Toss with the oil, garlic powder, herbs and salt.
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Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
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Air fry the gnocchi in a single layer for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until golden and crisp outside and chewy inside.
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Tip into a bowl and toss with the grated parmesan while hot so it melts and sticks.
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Serve as a snack with a dip, or scatter over soup or salad like croutons.
♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Use shelf-stable (vacuum-pack) gnocchi, not fresh chilled or frozen, for the crispest result.
- Shake the basket a few times so they colour evenly on all sides.
🔀 Make it your own
- Toss the hot gnocchi in pesto instead of parmesan.
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a spicy version.
📦 Storing & reheating
Best hot and fresh, straight from the basket. They lose their crunch as they cool.
❓ Frequently asked
Do you boil gnocchi before air frying?
No. Air fry it straight from the packet. Boiling first makes it soft and stops it crisping.
What temperature for crispy gnocchi?
200°C / 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes until golden and crunchy.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
More air fryer recipes
A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.