
These crispy air fryer gnocchi are crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and dangerously addictive. With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes of cooking time, they turn into the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Think of them as a cross between roasted potatoes and crispy dumplings—simple, comforting, and impossible to stop eating.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
Minimal effort, maximum crunch.
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Crispy without deep frying
- Perfect snack or appetizer
- Made with simple ingredients
- Delicious with dips and sauces
Once you try gnocchi this way, there’s no going back.
What Are Crispy Gnocchi?
Crispy gnocchi are fresh potato gnocchi cooked in the air fryer or oven until golden and crunchy outside while staying soft inside.
Instead of boiling them traditionally, roasting or air frying transforms them into a completely different experience—more like crispy bites than pasta.
Tips for Extra Crispy Gnocchi
For the best texture every time:
- Use fresh shelf-stable gnocchi
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Toss well with olive oil before cooking
- Shake halfway through cooking if needed
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Boil the Gnocchi First?
No, they go directly into the air fryer raw.
Can I Make Them in the Oven?
Absolutely—bake them until golden and crisp.
What Sauces Go Well With Crispy Gnocchi?
Marinara, pesto, spicy mayo, or garlic yogurt sauce.
Why Are My Gnocchi Not Crispy?
They may need more space or slightly more cooking time.
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?
Yes, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are Crispy Gnocchi a Snack or Side Dish?
Both—they work perfectly either way.
How to Store
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.
How to Freeze
You can freeze cooked crispy gnocchi once completely cooled. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat directly in the air fryer or oven until hot and crunchy again.
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions

Place the fresh gnocchi in a bowl and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme, or any herb you prefer, then toss everything together until evenly coated.
Transfer the gnocchi to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them so they crisp up properly.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside. If needed, shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
No air fryer? You can bake them in the oven using the same temperature until crispy and lightly golden.

Serve immediately while hot and crunchy, either plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.