Air fryer fried gnocchi are a quick and irresistible recipe, crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for any occasion. Grandma Benedetta often makes them for her grandchildren’s snack time, who adore them and devour them with enthusiasm, as if they were French fries.
QUICK RECIPE for an appetizer with friends, or as a savory snack.
AIR FRYER RECIPES

- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 2 Minutes
- Portions: 2People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 137.93 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 17.20 (g) of which sugars 0.95 (g)
- Proteins 2.40 (g)
- Fat 6.68 (g) of which saturated 3.91 (g)of which unsaturated 2.25 (g)
- Fibers 1.07 (g)
- Sodium 481.84 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 65 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Air Fryer Fried Gnocchi
- 7 oz potato gnocchi (perfect with pre-packaged vacuum-sealed ones from the fridge section)
- to taste salt
- to taste thyme (and paprika)
- to taste peanut oil (optional)
What flavors can be used to season the gnocchi?
Powdered garlic, dill, dried basil, cumin, turmeric, curry, paprika, chili, pepper, parsley, rosemary, sage, lemon zest, thyme.
Tools
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper for air fryer
Air Fryer Fried Gnocchi
Do I need to boil the gnocchi before frying? No, gnocchi go directly into the air fryer without boiling. If you use homemade ones, ensure they are well compacted to prevent them from falling apart.
Pour the raw gnocchi (no need to boil them) into a bowl, add salt, preferred herbs, and spices, then stir with a spoon to evenly distribute the seasoning.Should I add oil? A light spray of oil will make them crispier, but it can be omitted for a lighter version.
Place the seasoned gnocchi directly into the air fryer basket or, if preferred, lay them on perforated parchment paper to avoid mess.
Set the air fryer to 375°F for 8-10 minutes, insert the basket without waiting for the fryer to preheat. Halfway through cooking, turn the gnocchi to ensure even browning.
TRADITIONAL OVEN COOKINGPut the raw and seasoned potato gnocchi with oil, salt, and spices in a baking dish. Then bake at 425°F with fan for 15 minutes, then switch on the grill for another 15 minutes. Stir as needed and check often at the end to avoid burning.
STORING air fryer fried gnocchi
If any air fryer fried gnocchi are left over, you can store them to enjoy later, although their strong point is their crispiness when freshly made.
They keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to make them crispy again. Avoid freezing them, as they would lose their texture. If left out, consume them the same day!
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, but it’s better to cook them fresh to maintain their crispiness. If leftovers remain, you can reheat them for a few minutes again in the air fryer.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use packaged gnocchi or do I need to make them at home?
You can absolutely use packaged gnocchi, preferably fresh ones. If you want to make them at home, you’ll achieve an even more genuine and flavorful result. It’s always better to use or make smaller ones.
How can I make them even tastier?
After cooking, you can season them with grated Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast flakes for vegans), paprika, herbs, or serve them with sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, or cheese dip.
Can fried gnocchi be made in a sweet version?
For sweet fried gnocchi, you can season them with sugar and cinnamon before cooking and, if you like, sprinkle them with powdered sugar at the end for an extra touch of sweetness.