Air Fryer Gnocchi

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If you’ve never tried air fryer gnocchi, get ready—this might just be your new favorite side dish or snack. This easy, no-fuss recipe transforms store-bought potato gnocchi into golden, crispy nuggets that are perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or snacking.

A white plate with seasoned baked gnocchi, garnished with herbs, served with a small bowl of green pesto sauce; a bowl of red sauce is in the background.

Air fryer gnocchi has gained serious popularity recently, and for good reason. The air fryer gives gnocchi an irresistibly crispy texture without the need for excessive oil or complicated techniques. It’s quick, versatile, and works for every occasion, from casual lunches to impressive sides for dinner parties.

If you love gnocchi recipes, then check out these recipes for Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup or this French Onion Gnocchi Soup.

A bowl of uncooked gnocchi surrounded by olive oil, pepper, salt, broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh parsley on a white surface.

Ingredients

We’ve kept this ingredient list simple so you can quickly whip it up with pantry staples. You can find exact amounts in the printable recipe card below.

Potato gnocchi – A bag of refrigerated or shelf-stable gnocchi works great. You can also use frozen gnocchi; just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Extra virgin olive oil – Helps achieve that golden crispiness while keeping the dish light.
Garlic powder – A subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the gnocchi’s starchy goodness.
Italian seasoning – Adds those classic herbaceous notes; think oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
Optional toppings – Grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for an extra flavor boost. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A glass bowl of gnocchi seasoned with pepper sits on a white surface, surrounded by grated cheese, olive oil, and spice containers.

Step 1: In a bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Sliced seasoned gnocchi arranged in a single layer inside an air fryer basket, with herbs and ingredients visible around the basket.

Step 2: Spread gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Seasoned potato gnocchi cooked in an air fryer basket, with a sprig of parsley on the white surface nearby.

Step 3: Shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

Golden brown seasoned potatoes in an air fryer basket with fresh parsley and a bowl of grated cheese nearby on a white surface.

Step 4: Serve warm with optional Parmesan or parsley, if desired.

Storage

Storage: Got leftovers (although that’s rare!)? Store cooked gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to meal-prep in advance, freeze lightly seasoned uncooked gnocchi. When you’re ready to cook, toss it straight into the air fryer from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat gnocchi in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and fresh, unlike microwaving.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Gnocchi

Wondering how to pair your crispy gnocchi? Here are a few suggestions that complement this versatile dish:

Marinara sauce or Pesto sauce for dipping
A light Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad or Pesto Orzo Salad for balance
Try some Blackberry Chicken for a well-rounded meal
Vegetables, like Air Fryer Baby Carrots or Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower, for a veggie-packed plate
For something indulgent, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Manicotti is always a winner!

A hand dips a seasoned potato ball into a small bowl of green pesto sauce, with more potato balls visible on a white plate in the background.

Wendys Tips

Don’t skip the oil: Gnocchi needs a light oil coating to crisp up evenly in the air fryer.
Avoid overcrowding: If you’re making a big batch, cook in multiple small batches rather than cramming everything in at once.
Add flavors: Red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or even truffle oil can elevate the gnocchi with minimal effort.

A white plate with seasoned, baked gnocchi next to a small bowl of green pesto sauce.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can you use frozen gnocchi in the air fryer?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly. You may want to add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through and crispy.

What’s the best way to make gluten-free air fryer gnocchi?

Swap traditional potato gnocchi for gluten-free gnocchi varieties, which are widely available in stores.